bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Australian business graduates’ perceptions of non-technical skills within the workplace
Authors: Roepen Dean
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore non-technical skills from the perspective of Australian business graduates who had recently made the transition from higher education into full-time employment.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was applied through the use of an online survey containing closed and open-ended questions pertaining to graduates’ perceptions of the relative importance of non-technical skills, as well as graduates’ overall confidence levels in displaying these skills within the workplace. Data were analysed and further explored through 12 follow-up qualitative semi-structured interviews by using a constant comparative approach to identify common themes and factors.

Findings

The study revealed that the non-technical skill of self-management was reported as the most important skill for graduates who were managing the transition from higher education into the workforce. The non-technical skills which were classified to be associated with workplace socialisation and familiarisation were rated higher than those which were classified as being related to task completion.

Practical implications

Graduates commencing employment within a new workplace environment can benefit from the strategies reported, which assisted with the processes of workplace socialisation and familiarisation.

Originality/value

Perceptions of non-technical skills, from the perspective of graduates who are managing the transition process from higher education into full-time employment remains a relatively unexplored area within existing literature. This study reveals new insights into the experiences of graduates who are likely to be engaged with the issues surrounding the disparity between the expectations of higher education, industry, and the graduates themselves.
Context, agency and professional workplace learning
Authors: Bishop Daniel
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ways in which organisational context and individual agency interact (co-participate) to shape the workplace learning of graduate trainee accountants, and to examine the role of firm size in conditioning this interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, comparative approach was used, involving interviews with 20 respondents across two large and three small accountancy firms in England.

Findings

Differences in individual learner biographies and trajectories generate divergent dispositions with regard to workplace learning. In turn, these dispositions influence the extent to which the generally less formal learning environment of the small firm is interpreted either positively or negatively.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed on processes of agency/context interaction across a wider range of organisational and professional environments.

Practical implications

Individual dispositions play an important role in determining the optimal approach towards professional development in practice.

Originality/value

The paper offers a novel insight into how variations in both context and agency – and the relationship between them – can generate significant divergences in the professional learning process.
Amplifying staff development through film
Authors: Prowse Alicia , Sweasey Penny , Delbridge Rachel
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The literature on student transition to university commonly investigates student expectations, perceptions and experiences and rarely focusses on university academic staff viewpoints. The purpose of this paper is to explore the staff development potential of a filmed visit of university academic staff to a sixth form college.

Design/methodology/approach

The project created a space for eight university colleagues from a wide range of discipline areas in a large metropolitan university and ten college students from one local sixth form feeder college to observe and reflect on their experiences of learning and teaching (L&T) in the two environments.

Findings

Staff development episodes were subsequently designed to allow staff who had not attended the visit to comprehend the experiences of L&T in colleges and promote a consideration of pedagogies for student transition. Observations and reflections from this “second audience” are presented.

Research limitations/implications

This was a case study of a visit of a small group of university academic staff to one Roman Catholic sixth form college who selected students to speak on film. The visit occurred just prior to final exams at the end of the academic year.

Practical implications

Packaging the visit via film and workshop activity enabled university staff to hear their own colleagues’ reflections on how students learn in college and the step up to university study. This combination of vicarious/peer learning could be used in a range of staff development and training settings.

Originality/value

This study explored a practical way of extending a small-scale episode of experiential staff development to a much larger staff audience via the use of filmed reflections of participants, combined with workshop activity and online comment and discussion.
Implementation of SLW model in the radiative heat transfer problems with particles and high temperature gradients
Authors: Yadav Rahul , Balaji C. , Venkateshan S.P.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to test the spectral line-based weighted sum of gray gases (SLW) method in axisymmetric geometries with particles and high temperature gradients.

Design/methodology/approach

An SLW model is coupled with Trivic’s mean wavelength approach to estimate the radiative heat fluxes at the wall of an enclosure and to the base wall of the rocket exhaust, thereby subsequently studying the effect of concentration variation of the gases and particles in these cases. Radiative transfer equation is solved using modified discrete ordinates method. Anisotropic scattering is modeled using transport approximation.

Findings

Two cases considered show the importance of particle emission and scattering in the rocket plume base heating problems. In cases involving only gases, the concentration of H2O tends to have more impact on the flux values than any other gas.

Originality/value

A full model of gases with particles in an axially varying temperature field is reported. Such cases are very common in practical applications. The present methodology gives more insight and a firm handle on the problem vis-a-vis other traditional techniques.
Assessment of thermal performance of protective garments
Authors: Lapka Piotr , Furmanski Piotr , Wisniewski Tomasz
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to present the advanced mathematical and numerical models of conjugated heat and mass transfer in a multi-layer protective clothing, human skin and muscle subjected to incident external radiative heat flux.

Design/methodology/approach

The garment was made of three layers of porous fabric separated by the air gaps, whereas in the tissue, four skin sublayers and muscle layer were distinguished. The mathematical model accounted for the coupled heat transfer by conduction and thermal radiation with the associated phase transition of the bound water in the fabric fibres and diffusion of the water vapour in the clothing layers and air gaps. The skin and muscle were modelled with two equation model which accounted for heat transfer in the tissue and arterial blood. Complex thermal and mass transfer conditions at the internal or external boundaries between the fabric layers, air gaps and skin were assumed. Special attention was paid to modelling of thermal radiation emitted by external heat source, for example, a fire, penetrating through the protective clothing and being absorbed by the skin and muscle.

Findings

Temporal and spatial variations of temperature in the protective garment, skin and muscle, as well as volume fractions of the water vapour and bound water in the clothing, were calculated for various intensity of incident radiative heat flux. The results of numerical simulation were used to estimate the risk of the first-, second- and third-degree burns.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the small thickness of the considered system in comparison to its lateral dimensions, the presented model was limited to 1D heat and moisture transfer. The convective heat transfer through the clothing was neglected.

Practical implications

The model may be applied for design of the new protective clothing and for assessment of thermal performance of the various types of protective garments. Additionally, the proposed approach may be used in the medicine for estimation of degree of thermal destruction of the tissue during treatment of burns.

Originality/value

The novel advanced thermal model of the multi-layer protective garment, skin and muscle layer was developed. For the first time, non-grey optical properties and various optical phenomena at the internal or external boundaries between the fabric layers, air gaps and skin were accounted for during simulation of thermal interactions between the external heat source (e.g. a fire), protective clothing and human skin.
Nuclear coupled thermal hydraulic analysis of fast transient depressurization in supercritical channels
Authors: Dutta Goutam , Giridhar Yashasvi
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The objective of the present work is to simulate the nuclear coupled thermal–hydraulic fast transient case studies for a vertically up-flowing supercritical pressure water channel of circular cross section. The emphasis is on analyzing the phenomenon of the deterioration in heat transfer (DHT) inside the channel subjected to sharp pressure variations.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal–hydraulic model, THRUST, is integrated with the neutron point kinetic (NPK) solver to account for the non-linear interactions between the thermal–hydraulic and neutronic temperature and density reactivity feedback effects. The model implemented and studied accounts for the time-dependent reactor power and is used to analyze various steady-state and flow-induced transient case studies (time-dependent and step change in exit pressure).

Findings

There is good agreement in the predicted behavior of the supercritical water pressure system with that of the available experimental data for the steady-state case. The event of DHT in the second transient case (step decrease in exit pressure) is found to be more severe than that of exponential pressure decrease.

Originality/value

This study evaluated a novel implementation of the thermal–hydraulic model, THRUST, integrated with NPKs applied to supercritical pressure water systems for predicting DHT.
Simple methods for identification of radiative properties of highly-porous ceria ceramics in the range of semi-transparency
Authors: Dombrovsky Leonid A. , Lipinski Wojciech
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present advanced experimental–numerical methods for identification of spectral absorption and scattering properties of highly porous ceria ceramics in the range of semi-transparency at room and elevated temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

At room temperature, a period of quasi-steady oscillations of the sample surface temperature generated in response to recurrent laser heating at fixed values of the maximum and minimum temperature of the irradiated surface is measured along with the normal-hemispherical reflectance. Radiative properties are then identified using a combined heat transfer model. At elevated temperatures, an analytical solution proposed in an earlier study for zirconia ceramics is used to retrieve spectral absorption coefficient of ceria ceramics from the measured normal emittance.

Findings and Originality/value

This method can be used to obtain small absorption coefficient of ceria ceramics at room temperature. The required measurements of both the normal-hemispherical reflectance and the period of quasi-steady oscillations of the irradiated surface temperature of the ceramics sample between fixed values of the maximum and minimum temperatures can be readily conducted using thermal laboratory equipment. Another method has been suggested for identification of the spectral absorption coefficient of ceria ceramics at elevated temperatures. This method is based on a relation between the measured normal emittance of an isothermal sample and the absorption coefficient.
Green maintenance for heritage buildings: paint repair appraisal
Authors: Kayan Brit Anak
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Sustainability encapsulates economic, environmental and societal domains. In order to conform to these domains, the efficiency of maintenance and repair of heritage buildings is no exception. Emergently, environmental considerations for sustainable heritage buildings repair have become increasingly important. The purpose of this paper is to present a decision-making process based on “Green Maintenance Model” – an appraisal approach based on life cycle assessment (LCA) of paint repair options for heritage buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Calculation procedures of Green Maintenance model within selected boundaries of LCA enable evaluation of carbon emissions, in terms of embodied carbon expenditure, expended from paint repair for heritage buildings during maintenance phase.

Findings

“Green Maintenance” model could be understood as a carbon LCA of paint repair and has been recognized in reducing carbon emissions. Significantly, the model underpins decision-making for repair options for heritage buildings.

Practical implications

It must be emphasized that the calculation procedures of Green Maintenance model is not limited to heritage buildings and can be applied to any repair types, materials used and building forms. More importantly, this model practically supports environmentally focused conservation and promotes sustainable repair approach.

Social implications

The implementation of Green Maintenance model highlights the efficiency of repairs options that may be adopted.

Originality/value

Green Maintenance shows that generated environmental maintenance impact from repair options relays the “true” embodied carbon expenditure contextualized within the longevity of repair and its embodied carbon. This will consequently allow rationale in appraisal of repair options.
Attitudes and approaches of Irish retrofit industry professionals towards achieving nearly zero-energy buildings
Authors: Zuhaib Sheikh , Manton Richard , Hajdukiewicz Magdalena , Keane Marcus M. , Goggins Jamie
Published: April 2017

Purpose

There is profound demand for higher skills and expertise in retrofitting the existing building stock of Europe. The delivery of low- or nearly zero-energy retrofits is highly dependent on technical expertise, adoption of new materials, methods of construction and innovative technologies. Future Irish national building regulations will adopt the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive vision of retrofitting existing buildings to higher energy efficiency standards. Construction industry stakeholders are key for the achievement of energy performance targets. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to assess the attitudes, approaches and experiences of Irish construction professionals regarding energy efficient buildings, particularly nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a series of quantitative and qualitative methods, including a survey, a workshop and detailed interviews with professionals in the retrofit industry. The structure of this approach was informed by preliminary data and information available on the Irish construction sector.

Findings

There is a substantial amount of ambiguity and reluctance among the professionals in reaching the Irish nZEB targets. The growing retrofit industry demonstrates low-quality auditing and pre/post-retrofit analysis. Basic services and depth of retrofits are compromised by project budgets and marginal profits. Unaligned value supply chain, poor interaction among nZEB professionals and fragmented services are deterrents to industry standardisation.

Practical implications

This study will enable construction industry stakeholders to make provisions for overcoming the barriers, gaps and challenges identified in the practices of the retrofit projects. It will also inform the formulation of policies that drive retrofit uptake.

Social implications

This study has implications for understanding the social barriers existing in retrofit projects. Support from clients/owners has a diverse impact on energy performance and retrofit decisions. Community-based initiatives are key to unlock the promotion of nZEBs.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of current activities of retrofit professionals and analyses the barriers, gaps and challenges in the industry.
Effects of acid pigeon excreta on building conservation
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H.R. , Pike Melissa , Watson Maggie J.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Birds are implicated in spoiling and decay of buildings, especially through their droppings. Pigeons are considered the main culprits, and several studies have examined the effects and chemistry of accumulations of droppings without evidence to the exact origins of the source of the excreta. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews and summarises the state of knowledge with regard to the impact of bird excreta on buildings. It experimentally assesses the acidity of fresh pigeon excreta with different diets and examines the development of the acidity of the excreta after voiding.

Findings

Feral pigeons in urban settings are known to be fed by a range of foods. Urban food scraps-derived diets produce more acidic excreta than more natural diets such as seeds. This is a first study of its kind to examine the impact of a bird’s diet on the pH and thus the resulting (potential) decay of masonry.

Research limitations/implications

This study showed that from a management’s perspective, pigeons that subsist entirely on human provided foods will be depositing more initially acidic faeces. If faecal accumulation occurs; then, mould and other bacteria quickly alter the chemistry from acidic towards basic, but the damage may already be done.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study of its kind to examine the effects of fresh pigeon droppings of known origin and age once voided from the intestine. This allows the authors to assess the impact during the first few days.
Effect of surgical fabrics structure on wetting behaviour
Authors: Petrulis Donatas , Petrulyte Salvinija
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the materials structure-wetting behaviour relationships and to show their peculiarities for some types of surgical woven fabrics and applications of liquids.

Design/methodology/approach

To show the effects of fabrics structure on wetting behaviour of surgical textile materials, the special structural indices in terms of yarns and filaments lateral area were used.

Findings

It was shown good correlation between total lateral area of filaments in unit area of woven fabrics and wetting contact angle of liquid drops on the tested samples. Probably due to different structure of woven fabrics at a level of fibres, another index, i.e. total lateral area of yarns in unit area of fabrics, is not suitable to show clear effect on wetting behaviour of the samples. The possibilities of applications of relationships for several types of textile materials and liquids were indicated.

Originality/value

To date there are no investigations concerning relationships between special structural properties of the surgical woven fabrics and their wetting behaviour. On a basis of the proposed approach into fabrics structure evaluation, this study developed analysis and some types of new equations for prediction of wetting contact angle of the materials.
Novel improvement of bioactive microencapsulated textile products using brown seaweed for healthcare applications
Authors: Janarthanan M. , Senthil Kumar M.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The healthcare and hygiene textiles are gaining more importance for their eco-friendly and effective antimicrobial properties that have become essential to safeguard human beings from harmful microorganisms. The fabrics finished with chemical-based antimicrobial agents lead to environmental issues and are harmful to human beings. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The present investigation is to develop a fabric with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties using the extracts of brown algae. Antimicrobial property has been imparted to the cotton fabric using microcapsules of brown seaweed extracts using the pad-dry-cure method. The presence of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of brown algae extracts was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging technique, respectively. The total phenolic content of the seaweed extract was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of the bacterial reduction percentage and parallel streak methods were used evaluate the antibacterial activity of seaweed-treated fabrics.

Findings

The methanol fraction of the treated fabric had the highest antioxidant activity (42.5+1.21 per cent), because the higher phenolic content traps the reactive oxygen species and develops the cells present in the skin. The results show that the lower inhibition (250 µg/mL) and bactericidal concentrations (1,000 µg/mL) possess higher antibacterial activity. The results also show that the treated fabric possess higher bacterial reduction of 96 per cent and higher zone of inhibition againstEscherichia ColiandStaphylococcus Aureuswhich was about 35 mm and 40 mm. The air permeability, bending length and the wicking behaviour of the treated fabric were slightly reduced, but it has good bursting strength compared with the untreated fabric.

Originality/value

Such treated fabric is used for making wound dressing, surgical gowns, antibacterial socks and gauze bandage products in healthcare and hygiene textiles.
Bicyclist biomotion visibility aids: a 3D eye-tracking analysis
Authors: Stapleton Timothy , Koo Helen Sumin
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of biomotion visibility aids for nighttime bicyclists compared to other configurations via 3D eye-tracking technology in a blind between-subjects experiment.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 40 participants were randomly assigned one of four visibility aid conditions in the form of videos: biomotion (retroreflective knee and ankle bands), non-biomotion (retroreflective vest configuration), pseudo-biomotion (vertical retroreflective stripes on the back of the legs), and control (all-black clothing). Gaze fixations on a screen were measured with a 3D eye-tracking system; coordinate data for each condition were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc analyses with supplementary heatmaps. Post-experimental questionnaires addressed participants’ qualitative assessments.

Findings

Significant differences in eye gaze location were found between the four reflective clothing design conditions in X-coordinate values (p<0.01) and Y-coordinate values (p<0.05).

Practical implications

This research has the potential to further inform clothing designers and manufacturers on how to incorporate biomotion to increase bicyclist visibility and safety.

Social implications

This research has the potential to benefit both drivers and nighttime bicyclists through a better understanding of how biomotion can increase visibility and safety.

Originality/value

There is lack of literature addressing the issue of the commonly administered experimental task of recognizing bicyclists and its potential bias on participants’ attention and natural driving state. Eye-tracking has the potential to implicitly determine attention and visibility, devoid of biases to attention. A new retroreflective visibility aid design, pseudo-biomotion, was also introduced in this experiment.
Virtual reality-based collaborative design method for designing customized garment for disabled people with scoliosis
Authors: Hong Yan , Bruniaux Pascal , Zeng Xianyi , Liu Kaixuan , Chen Yan , Dong Min
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new collaborative design-based method for designing customized garments, aimed at the physically disabled people with scoliosis.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is based on the virtual human model created using a 3D body scanner, permitting to simulate the consumer’s morphological shape with atypical physical deformations. Next, customized 2D and 3D virtual garment prototyping tools will be used to create products through interactions between the consumer, designer and pattern maker. The general principle of the proposed design method is based on the following sequence: design-display-evaluation-adjustment. After running the sequence for a number of times, the final design solution, which will be approved by both the designer and consumer, can be easily identified.

Findings

Design knowledge, which is already applied to normal body shapes successfully can be applied to 3D garment design using the concept which is based on collaborative design. Through this process, the classical 2D garment design knowledge, especially 2D patterns and design rules, can be modified and applied according to a normalized virtual garment sensory evaluation procedure quantitatively. This evaluation procedure, interactively performed by the designer and consumer, can permit to adapt the finished product to disabled people afflicted with severe scoliosis. The proposed method is also validated to be more advanced compared to 2D-to-3D virtual CAD design method, especially for atypical morphologies.

Originality/value

As a co-design method, 3D virtual draping and sensory evaluation can fully satisfy the interaction between the garment design technical space and perceptual space of the finished garments ensuring desired 3D garment fit effect by adjustment of technical parameters. 3D scanning technology is used to generate a complete digitalized 3D human model, permitting to extract the main features of body shapes without accurate measurements. As a knowledge-based design process, both the fashion design knowledge and the pattern making knowledge will be extracted to provide inspirations and references. Successful design solutions will be incorporated into the fashion design knowledge base in order to generate new design rules and enhance professional design knowledge.
Codes of ethics for travellers are not motivating
Authors: Haller Stephen F.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion about the adequacy/inadequacy of codes of ethics in motivating tourist behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a philosophical argument for the use of virtue ethics, rather than rights-based codes of ethics, when directing the ethical behaviour of individual travellers.

Findings

Codes of ethics suffer from several problems, including inconsistency, unenforceability and a reliance on the guest/host distinction that may not be applicable. Rights-based codes of ethics use the language of rules and regulation, while virtue ethics relies on the moral autonomy of individuals. The language of virtue ethics, which promotes the development of individual character, would be more effective for inspiring ethical behaviour in individual tourists because they will identify with internal goals connected to their own goals and purposes, rather than with external rules.

Practical implications

The language of virtue ethics would have more motivating force and, thus, might be more appropriate for the task.

Originality/value

This paper presents an argument for the replacement of codes of ethics with a virtue ethic approach.
Entrepreneurial learning dynamics in knowledge-intensive enterprises
Authors: Secundo Giustina , Schiuma Giovanni , Passiante Giuseppina
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the articles presented in the special issue “Entrepreneurial learning dynamics in knowledge-intensive enterprises.” The special issue is inspired by recent research on entrepreneurial learning dynamics in knowledge-intensive enterprises literature. The aim is to extend and consolidate this emerging research area exploring entrepreneurship as a never-ending dynamic learning process, as well as, to cross-fertilize entrepreneurship and organizational learning studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature and published document review, experiential reflections and argument.

Findings

The paper reveals an integrative framework to highlight the breath of entrepreneurial learning research according to different level of analysis: the context where learning happen, the different typologies of entrepreneurial learning processes, the ontological levels at which learning can occur and the different typologies of entrepreneurial learners. Continuous learning processes allow entrepreneurs to develop and grow, as well as, enable knowledge-intensive enterprises to engage in strategic renewal processes.

Research limitations/implications

Although, entrepreneurial learning research so far has focused on applying existing theories in the entrepreneurial context, more research is needed to broaden the perspective and understanding how entrepreneurial learning can help to face key entrepreneurship’s challenges in different context.

Originality/value

The paper presents an holistic approach of current entrepreneurial learning research and encourages researchers to explore how different learning types come into play in different entrepreneurial contexts (start-up initiatives, strategic renewal in incumbent enterprises, ventures development and growth).
Networks and entrepreneurial learning: coping with difficulties
Authors: Soetanto Danny
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Many scholars analyse networks and learning to understand how individuals successfully create and manage new ventures. Based on the assumption that entrepreneurs learn from networks, the purpose of this paper is to examine which types of difficulties encourage entrepreneurs to use networks to facilitate learning, whether entrepreneurs change networks to deal with such difficulties, and which network characteristics facilitate learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Networks are considered a potential source of learning, namely, the cognitive process of acquiring and structuring knowledge, creating meaning from experience and generating new solutions from existing knowledge. Through networks, entrepreneur share information and discuss opportunities and problems. Using an innovative approach combining story telling and network mapping, this study analyses how entrepreneurs use networks in learning. The data collected from six entrepreneurs working in knowledge-intensive sectors enables examining the learning process ensuing from the interactions between entrepreneurs and their contacts.

Findings

The findings show that entrepreneurs construct different types of networks in response to their difficulties, not in relation to products or technologies, but to learn to overcome self-crises, external threats, management and organisational issues. The findings reveal that entrepreneurs develop networks dominated by strong ties for exploitative learning and networks dominated by weak ties for explorative learning.

Originality/value

This study contributes to literature on networks and entrepreneurial learning. More specifically, the study provides evidence of learning in the context of networks, which is a relatively overlooked area in entrepreneurship literature, identifying the role of difficulties in determining the type of learning through networks and the related mechanisms.
Entrepreneurial learning through online social networking in high-tech startups
Authors: Scarmozzino Emanuela , Corvello Vincenzo , Grimaldi Michele
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the contribution of professional social networking websites (PSNWs) to entrepreneurial learning in high-tech startups. In addition, in the present paper, the relationships between intellectual capital (IC) and PSNW-supported entrepreneurial learning have been investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on data collected through a questionnaire distributed to entrepreneurs and managers of high-tech startups. In order to understand the behavior of startuppers in PSNWs two theoretical constructs have been devised, which could put into evidence knowledge sharing and knowledge seeking occurrences. In these constructs, entrepreneurial learning represents the dependent variable, while IC components are considered as moderators. The obtained results have been analyzed through hierarchical regression.

Findings

Results have indicated that PSNWs support the learning processes of startuppers and that the social capital, one of the components of IC acts as an important mediator in the hypothesized relationships between knowledge seeking activities and entrepreneurial learning.

Research limitations/implications

This study has taken a sample of middle-sized entrepreneurships into consideration. Future research could be focused on larger entrepreneurships, in order to validate the obtained results. In addition, it could be interesting to examine further factors affecting the improvement of entrepreneurial learning practices in startuppers and larger organizations.

Originality/value

PSNWs are often used by entrepreneurs to create relations and to exchange knowledge. This fact notwithstanding, there is a dearth of studies that analyze how entrepreneurial learning can be facilitated by online social networking. The paper provides a clearer view of these issues and represents a first step in filling this research gap.
Activating entrepreneurial learning processes for transforming university students’ idea into entrepreneurial practices
Authors: Secundo Giustina , Del Vecchio Pasquale , Schiuma Giovanni , Passiante Giuseppina
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how collaborative entrepreneurial learning (EL) processes between entrepreneurs and university students can enhance the entrepreneurial practices in the context of knowledge-intensive enterprises. These learning processes represent a valuable source for entrepreneurship development in incumbent enterprises in the forms of innovative products, services, processes or organizational renewal.

Design/methodology/approach

An extreme case study is the project “Mimprendo” (www.mimprendo.it), an initiative promoted by the Italian Conference of the University Colleges and the Italian Association of Young Entrepreneurs in collaboration with Italian universities. This is analyzed in the period 2009-2015, during which seven editions were developed.

Findings

A framework is presented based on collaborative EL processes to perform relevant entrepreneurial projects in knowledge-intensive enterprises. The framework provides a coherent and systematic approach to generate, select and implement entrepreneurial practices in incumbent companies starting from a project competition involving creative students and innovative entrepreneurs. EL processes in the community composed of entrepreneurs, experts and university students are grouped into the entrepreneurial phases of inspiration, exploration, exploitation, acceleration and growth, and include the learning processes of “intuition and sensing,” “contamination,” “experiential and contextual learning,” “experimenting and acting” and finally “thinking and reflecting.”

Research limitations/implications

Implications for research can be identified according to many perspectives to deepen the centrality of the learning process in the research on knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

The framework results to be a promising approach to diffuse an entrepreneurial culture both in incumbent enterprises and in university students through a synergic collaboration among industry, university and institution. Practical implications could be derived for enterprise, students and educators involved in the design of innovative learning initiatives to sustain the development of an entrepreneurial mind-set.

Originality/value

The framework contributes to extending an emerging research area exploring entrepreneurship as a never-ending dynamic learning process. The involvement of brilliant university students in activating EL process with entrepreneurs in incumbent enterprises represents a novel aspect in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Prerna: engendering empowerment through girl education
Authors: Jain Shipra , Singh Smita
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Quality education can be provided to underprivileged section in developing economies by the collaborative effort of private-paid schools. The purpose of this paper is to explore and highlight the model which can be adopted by a private school in imparting education to girls coming from lower income strata. It also highlights how synergies could be attained by sharing of resources in terms of infrastructure and utilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are gathered through multiple sources via literature and interviews with variety of people including CEO, principal and students. Data on profile of students were provided by the school.

Findings

Achieving quality education for girls of low-income strata is possible by efficiently utilizing the resources of a private-paid school. The school operates in second shift when the infrastructure is lying idle without any use. The mammoth cost of building a school can be saved and funds can be diverted for running it. Successful experiments like Prerna shows very distinctively how well-defined intervention strategies and innovation to methodologies using existing infrastructure can provide meaningful access to education not only to girls but to all.

Research limitations/implications

Can the model be adopted by government of developing economies by making it compulsory for every private-paid school.

Practical implications

Findings confirm that quality education to underprivileged girls is a reality at a minimum possible cost.

Social implications

A learned and well-informed girl is in a better position to take life decisions. In a country like India, where cost act as a deterrent to girl child education this model provides a solution to an extent, bringing relevance of education in their lives by right empowerment approach through focused discussions in the form of critical dialogues on sensitive issues related to marriage, sexual abuse, domestic violence, health and others.

Originality/value

This paper provides case-based evidence of how a successful private-paid school can participate in bringing a paradigm shift in providing quality education to underprivileged girls. It helps in understanding dynamics of sustaining such project.
Analyzing the factors that can limit the acceptability to introduce new specializations in higher education institutions
Authors: Abbas Wasim , Ahmed Munir , Khalid Rizwan , Yasmeen Tehreem
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive view of barriers that restrict the adoption of new specializations and courses in the higher education institutions of Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methods were used to get the responses from the respondents of different institution of target areas. Results were further analyzed with the help of statistical tools. In total, 203 respondents were approached to fill the carefully designed questionnaire.

Findings

Results of the study clearly show four major factors, including internal barrier, external barrier, cultural barrier and leadership barrier, that are restricting the introduction and adoption of new specialization courses in higher education institutes of Southern Punjab. Suggestions at the end are made to address the restrictions.

Research limitations/implications

The current study states only six higher education institution of Southern Punjab, which is a kind of limitation itself. This study is conducted by taking into account the needs and trends of the businesses and markets; student perspective is not taken about the situation in this study, which is an another limitation of the study. To get more accurate and validated results, the higher education institutions located in other areas of Pakistan could be studied, which was not done in this study because of time and resource limitations.

Practical implications

This study may prove worthy to bring a positive and practical shift in the Pakistani higher education system. This study may also prove beneficial to show the actual picture of the situation to national leaders, academician and policy maker so that things are taken seriously to actually align the Pakistani higher education system with the emerging market demands and trends. Suggestions made in this study may provide comprehensive guidelines to the academic strategists to uplift the higher education institutions of Pakistan up to the international standards and requirements, so the Pakistani higher education institutions can get a respectful place in the international academic rankings.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the restrictions and helps the institutions to introduce new specialization courses.
Potential determinants of profits and market efficiency of potato market chains in Uganda
Authors: Kyomugisha Harriet , Mugisha Johnny , Sebatta Christopher
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The study aimed at understanding the level of inefficiencies in the potato market chain. Farmers sell potato to traders but continue to complain of limited market access and low profits. The purpose of this paper is to determine market efficiency and profits of the potato market chain, and factors that influence the profits.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focussed on potato farmers, traders and small-scale processors. It was conducted in Kabale and Mbale districts being the major potato producing areas in Uganda, and Kampala being a major potato market. Data were collected from 180 farmers, 60 traders and 32 small-scale processors. Descriptive and regression methods were used to analyse the data.

Findings

There were three major potato market chains and all were profitable and efficient. The farmer-buyer node was the most efficient (efficiencies of 128-159 per cent). The trader node efficiency ranged between 56 and 81 per cent. Sex of chain actor, group marketing, contract duration and distance to market were among the factors that affected profits.

Research limitations/implications

Processors considered were those operating on very small scale, hence results do not apply to large-scale processing. Consumers were not included but the data and results are adequate for the study objective.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical information that serves as a basis to adopt market options for increased benefits to various chain actors.
Demand for food safety in emerging and developing countries
Authors: Ortega David L. , Tschirley David L.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Food safety in emerging and developing regions is receiving increased attention from economists, researchers and policymakers. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on the economics of food safety in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Of interest are studies exploring consumer demand and producer behavior regarding food safety. Particular attention is given to areas in need of additional research. The studies’ common implications for future research are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Two English language searches were conducted in the summer of 2013 to identify relevant studies on the economics of food safety, one each in Google Scholar and Web of Science. The authors carefully reviewed the abstracts of these studies for content, and select papers were identified that capture overarching themes found in the literature. Findings are presented by region.

Findings

Consumers in developing countries will become increasingly aware of food safety issues as urbanization proceeds and incomes continue to rise at robust rates. However, assuring food safety in modernizing food systems involves significant costs, and current incomes in developing SSA are far lower than in Asia. The authors find that overall consumer awareness of food safety problems in SSA is low relative to Asia. Moreover, knowledge of producer behavior and consumer demand for food safety in developing countries is very limited.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include a lack of information available on domestic food safety issues and overall knowledge of how food safety affects developing agrifood systems.

Originality/value

The findings from this review contribute to a better understanding of the economics of food safety in emerging and developing regions.
Factors attracting private sector investments in public–private partnerships in developing countries
Authors: Osei-Kyei Robert , Chan Albert P.C.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The increasing demand for public infrastructure has caused a rise in the global adoption of the public–private partnership (PPP) concept. However, over the past years, most of the developing countries have failed to attract more private investments as realised in the developed countries. This paper aims to investigate the critical factors that attract private investments in the PPP markets of developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical questionnaire survey was conducted with targeted international PPP experts from the academic and industrial sectors. The inter-rater agreement analysis, mean score ranking and Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyse the survey responses.

Findings

Results indicate that the three most critical factors are political support and acceptability for PPPs, government positive attitude towards private sector investments and political stability. On the other hand, factors including government guarantees, competent PPP unit and tax rebate on imported equipment are of low importance. The Mann–Whitney U test reveals that experts from the academic and industrial sectors view the importance of three factors differently: adequate public sector experience in PPP, government providing guarantees and government providing tax rebate on imported equipment.

Originality/value

The research outputs contribute to the existing but limited knowledge on PPP practices in developing countries by providing empirical evidence and cross-cultural perceptions on the conditions that are critical to the expansion of PPP markets in developing countries. It is therefore expected that governments and policymakers seeking to adopt the PPP concept would take into consideration the results and implications to enhance PPP growth.