bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The UK is not innocent”: Black Lives Matter, policing and abolition in the UK
Authors: Joseph–Salisbury Remi , Connelly Laura , Wangari-Jones Peninah
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to show that racism is not only a US problem. Rather, racism is endemic and pervasive in the UK context, manifesting at every level of policing. From stop and search, to deaths after police contact, the authors highlight long-standing and widespread racist disparities in UK policing. The authors therefore pierce through any delusions of UK “post-racialism” in order to show that, as protesters have reminded us, “the UK is not innocent”.

Design/methodology/approach

In this piece, the authors reflect on the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Whilst the catalyst was the death of George Floyd in the United States, the authors explore what the protests mean in the UK context. To do so, the authors draw upon recent high-profile examples of police racism, before situating those events within a wider landscape of racist policing.

Findings

Demonstrating that UK policing has to be understood as institutionally racist, the authors suggest that responses to police racism need to be radical and uncompromising – tweaks to the system are not enough. The authors therefore look towards defunding and abolition as ways in which one can begin to seek change.

Originality/value

The piece takes up the challenges set by this Black Lives Matter moment and offers a critical take on policing that seeks to push beyond reformism whilst also highlighting the realities of UK racism.
About MyKindaFuture
Authors: Reichwald Simon
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the changing and evolving apprenticeship market, with a specific focus on how it is beginning to impact the diversity of employer organisations across a range of industry sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an opinion piece, contextualising the UK business approach to apprenticeships and the levy. It includes case studies showing how the attraction and recruitment of apprentices have been used to address diversity issues in different organisations.

Findings

Employers are pushing for:

A broader range of apprenticeship standards (and for them to be signed off more quickly),

More of the UK population to be aware of the high-quality apprenticeship roles available,

The necessary company infrastructure and appropriate external activities, to ensure that the

Broadest range of talent applies for and secures apprentice roles.

Partnership with the training provider(s) works well.

Right level of support is in place for the apprentices, whether they are existing staff or new staff members (who are often young people, returners or ex-military).

Line managers can quickly and effectively integrate apprentices into their teams, so that they are adding value and making an impact.
Workplace learning and organisational performance in the hospitality industry
Authors: Kleefstra Anne , Altan Michel , Stoffers Jol
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The hospitality industry creates a distinctive context in which learning takes place. The industry's international perspective and large globalisation play an important role in learning, as well as the operational and structural features that give meaning to learning and development in the hospitality industry. This explorative research therefore studies the relation between workplace learning and organisational performance in the Dutch hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research is done through 15 in-depth interviews with general managers and HR managers of Dutch hotels with three or more stars and at least ten employees.

Findings

It can be concluded that there is a relation between workplace learning and organisational performance in the hospitality industry, as the participants in this research and the literature both mention workplace learning enhances organisational performance.

Originality/value

Little research has been done on learning and organisational performance specifically, in the (Western) hospitality industry. This research therefore focusses on HRD and studies the influence of workplace learning on organisational performance in the Dutch hospitality industry.
Modeling attitude ambivalence and behavioral outcomes from hotel reviews
Authors: Akhtar Naeem , Siddiqi Umar Iqbal , Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem , Usman Muhammad , Ahmad Wasim
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to offer a conceptual framework that elaborates on how tourists’ perception of contradictory features in reviews’ factuality and comprehension – within a single hotel review and across multiple hotel reviews – trigger attitude ambivalence and psychological discomfort, which determine their behaviors – choice deferral and hotel booking intentions. It also investigates the moderating role of anticipated conflicting reactions (ACRs) through contradictory features on consumers’ attitude ambivalence.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a Chinese setting, researchers collected data from 524 inbound tourists who were the consumers of hotels in Beijing. The study used IBM Amos 23.0 to test measurement and structural models for the proposed relationships. It also used PROCESS macro 3.4 for the moderation analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal a positive association between contradictory features in reviews and the resulting ambivalence that affects consumers’ discomfort and leads to the decision to defer the choice of hotel. Conversely, consumers’ discomfort has a positive impact on the hotel booking intentions. ACRs have positive moderating effects on the associations between contradictory features and consumers’ attitude ambivalence.

Originality/value

By investigating the contradictory features in hotel reviews, this study extends the body of research on dual information processing (i.e. the heuristic–systematic model) and the literature on service management, psychological behaviors, travel intermediaries and hotel firms. Future research directions are recommended for tourism and hospitality researchers.
Examining the role of logistics 4.0 enabled dynamic capabilities on firm performance
Authors: Bag Surajit , Gupta Shivam , Luo Zongwei
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The study investigates the effect of technological capabilities, organizational capabilities and environmental capabilities on Logistics 4.0 capabilities and also examines the effect of Logistics 4.0 capabilities on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed theoretical framework is tested using WarpPLS 6.0 software. We selected samples from the Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers in South Africa. Initially, we sent the structured questionnaire online using Google forms to 800 potential respondents. After doing follow ups, we received 230 completed survey responses. Further, data preparation is done using established scientific approach and we checked suitability of its use in structural equation modelling. After ensuring all necessary checks are completed, the results are found satisfactory to further proceed with testing of research hypotheses.

Findings

It is observed that technological capabilities, organizational capabilities and environmental capabilities show significant effect on Logistics 4.0 capabilities. However, the outcome of technological capabilities and environmental capabilities on Logistics 4.0 capabilities (ß = 0.27) is found stronger than organizational capabilities. Logistics 4.0 capabilities shows significant effect on firm performance.

Practical implications

It is important that the sustainability goals are aligned with Logistics 4.0 strategies. Managers need to increase focus towards development of Logistics 4.0 dynamic capabilities that enhance agility and responsiveness in the supply chain. Managers should check the financial performance and market conditions continuously to further review logistics performance as this can influence the overall firm performance.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on Logistics 4.0 applications in operations management by investigating the key links such as Logistics 4.0 capability development and firm performance.
Reliability and Availability analysis of a cloud computing transition system under multiple failures
Authors: Manglik Monika , Rawat Nitesh , Ram Mangey
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To analyze the performance of multistate cloud computing transition system through the various reliability measures is the purpose of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, a mathematical model for a multistate cloud computing transition system with various types of failures has been analyzed by using the Markov process, supplementary variable technique and Laplace transformation.

Findings

Various reliability measures such that reliability, availability, mean time to failure (MTTF), mean time to repair and cost analysis have also been analyzed. This article presents some geographic illustrations for the practical utility of the model.

Originality/value

The authors developed a mathematical model to analyze the reliability of the cloud computing transition system by considering the possible failures.
A proposed hybrid root cause analysis technique for quality management
Authors: Abellana Dharyll Prince
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper attempts to develop a hybrid cause and effect diagram (CED) and interpretative structural model (ISM) for root cause analysis in quality management. The proposed model overcomes the weakness of the CED in reliably articulating hierarchical cause–effect Relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group discussion (FGD) among quality experts in the case company to establish relationships between the determined causes.

Findings

The hybridization of the CED and ISM allowed the causes to be ordered more clearly to determine potential root causes as well as presenting these causes more comprehensively.

Originality/value

The paper has been one of the very few attempts to improve the CED approach. As such, this paper employs the ability of the ISM to order concepts in a hierarchical structure, which is useful in determining root causes.
Role of income distribution and consumption expenditure in agricultural output: case of Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed Irfan , Medabesh Ali Mohammad
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study quantifies empirically the induced impact of income distribution and consumption expenditure on the structures of agriculture production of Nigerian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study calibrates an extended input-output model on a social accounting matrix (SAM) for Nigeria for the year 2010. Moreover, the study conducts a dispersion analysis to identify the key agriculture sectors/subsectors both in exogenous and endogenous setup.

Findings

This study presents an empirical analysis of propagation in the structure of production particularly in the structure of agriculture sector. It combines the aggregate and the disaggregated levels of analysis and identifies the key sectors/subsectors both in the exogenous and endogenous setup. The comparison of both findings confirms that the composition of income distribution and consumption expenditure significantly influences the composition and the aggregated and disaggregated order of structure of agriculture production.

Originality/value

Knowledge of interindustry connections is vital in policy implications since the policy makers prefer strongly interconnected sectors to the sectors with poor industry linkages. These connections are estimated as forward and backward linkages, which provide indices to set the criteria for key sectors identification. This study presents an empirical analysis of propagation in the structure of production particularly in the structure of agriculture sector. It combines the aggregate and the disaggregated levels of analysis and identifies the key sectors/subsectors both in the exogenous and endogenous setup.
A comparative overview of the primary Southeast Asian safety and health laws
Authors: Tang Kuok Ho Daniel
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This review compares the primary occupational safety and health (OSH) laws of the ASEAN members against the major provisions of the primary OSH laws of the United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) grouped under the themes for OSH law adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Design/methodology/approach

This review employs the 11 themes for OSH law adopted by the ILO as the basis of comparison. As the themes lack specificity in terms of their respective contents, specific facets of the themes are drawn from the review of the primary OSH laws of the UK and the US.

Findings

The review shows that primary OSH laws of the ASEAN members encompass the fundamental aspects of the ILO OSH themes particularly the regulatory framework, scope, roles of authorities, duties of employers and employees as well as safety inspection and enforcement. The review demonstrates a lack of provision of worksite consultation by the authorities, the emphasis on research, experiment and demonstration by the government as well as certain aspects of training.

Practical implications

OSH in many developing members of the ASEAN is still evolving to advocate the basic rights of employees, protect the safety of the public and ensure the welfare, safety and health of employees are upheld at workplaces. There is an obvious disparity in the coverage of the primary OSH laws of the nations, resulting in widely varied OSH implementation. This study contributes to advancement of the primary OSH laws in developing ASEAN members by highlighting areas of their primary OSH laws that can be improved. Improvement of the primary OSH laws is crucial to subsequent improvement and development of subsidiary laws to provide for adequate protection at workplaces.

Originality/value

Most studies of OSH laws in the ASEAN are country-specific and often theme-specific. There is currently no study which compares the primary OSH laws of ASEAN nations using themes derived from the ILO as well as primary OSH laws of the UK and the US. This review is one of its kinds to use such an approach in providing a comparative overview of the primary OSH laws of all ASEAN nations.
Ambidextrous supply chain strategy and supply chain flexibility: the contingent effect of ISO 9001
Authors: Rojo-Gallego-Burin Araceli , Llorens-Montes Francisco Javier , Perez-Arostegui Maria N. , Stevenson Mark
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To analyze the effect of an ambidextrous supply chain strategy (ASCS) – i.e. the combination of exploration and exploitation practices – on each of the four dimensions of supply chain flexibility (SCF): information system, operating system, sourcing and distribution flexibility. Further, to evaluate the influence of implementing the ISO 9001 standard on the relationship between ASCS and SCF, and whether this certification directly affects the level of SCF. We ground our model in Resource Orchestration theory.

Design/methodology/approach

To perform this study, the authors used data collected from a sample of 145 non-ISO-certified firms and 157 ISO-certified firms.

Findings

ASCS does not affect all four dimensions of SCF in the same way. Rather, its effect is contingent on the presence of the ISO 9001 certification. An ASCS is shown to have a positive effect on information system flexibility irrespective of the presence of ISO 9001 certification whereas for the other three dimensions of SCF, the effect of ASCS is dependent on ISO 9001 implementation. Meanwhile, ISO 9001 implementation itself does not affect the level of SCF.

Practical implications

Managers can use the findings to configure their supply chain strategy based on the specific dimension(s) of SCF they seek to develop by implementing ASCS. Further, the results inform managers about the incentives for implementing ISO 9001.

Originality/value

Although prior studies have shown that an ambidextrous strategy enables firms and organizational units to adapt to the environment, there have been few prior studies on ambidexterity in a supply chain context. Further, although the extant literature has suggested that the ISO 9001 may facilitate ambidexterity, this link has remained largely theoretical. In fact, there is very little prior evidence on how the practice of ISO 9001 affects the supply chain.
Post-recession share repurchase behaviour by JSE-listed companies: transparent or not?
Authors: Steenkamp Gretha , Wesson Nicolene
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Share repurchases are increasingly employed in South Africa. Disclosure on share repurchases in annual reports is poor, and a high percentage of share repurchases are not announced in real time on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). A comprehensive database of share repurchases by JSE-listed companies has been created up to 2009, but post-recession repurchase behaviour is not known. This study aims to examine South African share repurchase behaviour (activity, repurchase entity, repurchase type and transparency) in the post-recession period and compare this to the 2000–2009 period.

Design/methodology/approach

Comprehensive share repurchase data for all JSE-listed companies (excluding those in the basic materials and financial industries) were obtained by scrutinising annual reports and JSE announcements.

Findings

The repurchasing of shares reached a peak during the financial recession of 2008/2009, with share repurchases stabilising at a lower level post-recession. Repurchases executed by subsidiaries have decreased post-recession, probably owing to the introduction of dividends tax. However, 45% of the share repurchase value was not announced via the JSE (compared to 22% in 2000–2009).

Practical implications

Real-time JSE announcements of all share repurchases are required to improve transparency.

Originality/value

Owing to low announcement rates, a lack of transparency relating to share repurchases was observed in South Africa post-recession. Enhanced corporate governance requirements could improve transparency.
Sanctuary: an institutional vision for the digital age
Authors: Gorichanaz Tim
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Trends in information technology and contemplative practices compel us to consider the intersections of information and contemplation. The purpose of this paper is to consider these intersections at the level of institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the notion of institution is defined and discussed, along with information institutions and contemplative institutions. Next, sanctuary is proposed and explored as a vision for institutions in the digital age.

Findings

Sanctuary is a primordial human institution that has especial urgency in the digital age. This paper develops an info-contemplative framework for sanctuaries, including the elements: stability, silence, refuge, privacy and reform.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual paper that, though guided by prior empirical and theoretical work, would benefit from application, validation and critique. This paper is meant as a starting point for discussions of institutions for the digital age.

Practical implications

As much as this paper is meant to prompt further research, it also provides guidance and inspiration for professionals to infuse their work with aspects of sanctuary and be attentive to the tensions inherent in sanctuary.

Originality/value

This paper builds on discourse at the intersection of information studies and contemplative studies, also connecting this with recent work on information institutions.
Hiding in plain sight: systems thinking and school organization
Authors: Kruse Sharon D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The article asserts that systems thinking and its concurrent organizational processes are central organizing structures in schools, yet “hide in plain sight” and are therefore underexplored and underutilized in leadership theorizing.

Design/methodology/approach

By exploring the theoretical literature concerning school organization and leadership, tensions and contradictions within the literature are surfaced. The article examines and critiques distributed leadership theory and provides new directions for thinking about leadership practice based on school organization literature.

Findings

Recent work (Kruse and Johnson, 2017; Murphy, 2015, 2016) suggests that schools are far too complex to be led and managed by a single dedicated leader, yet the practice of leadership remains largely reified within the literature (Bryket al., 2015), Insofar as leadership theory relies on narratives derived from and about work of “the” leader, it ignores the larger system. A contrasting literature is that of distributed leadership (Gronn, 2000; Spillane, 2006). Yet, even within that literature, the focus remains on interpersonal interactions and conjoint actions concerning school operation. While not dismissing the importance of leadership as a theoretical and practical construct, thinking about leadership as less a property of individuals and more a variable within effective organizational practice holds promise for the study of educational leadership.

Originality/value

This article extends the existing literature by suggesting how systems processes and structures serve school leaders in addressing the leadership demands of fostering continuous (rather than episodic) change, processing information and creating contextual local knowledge with the potential to enhance school outcomes.
Vertical living satisfaction of homeowners in a medium-cost residential building in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Musa Zairul Nisham , Wan Abd Aziz Wan Nor Azriyati , Zyed Zafirah Al Sadat , Hanif Noor Rosly , Mohd Aini Ainoriza , Tedong Peter Aning , Sarip Abdul Ghani
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In Malaysia, a vertical residential building (VRB) is still facing challenges associated with property management. The lack of experience in property management resulted in the management, acting unprofessionally that cause a lot of problems to the homeowners and their properties. The findings demonstrated that maintenance of the facilities and common areas in a VRB is essential to ensure its optimal performance over its life cycle. This has to be carried out efficiently and professionally by the qualified property manager. Unfortunately, not every property manager can perform all the tasks efficiently and professionally. Thus, this leads to an increasing number of complaints by unsatisfied homeowners’ particularly on the maintenance and management of the buildings and facilities. To satisfy the homeowners, the issue of transparency is one of the area concerns that need to be emphasised in the property management system practiced in Malaysia. This case study area of Klang Valley poses as one of the urban areas that has the highest number of vertical buildings, especially the medium cost of VRB. The purpose of this study is to explore the satisfaction level of homeowners towards the management system, maintenance services and facilities provided by the management of the medium cost VRB in the Klang Valley.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative approach. The survey method was used as an appropriate method for inquiry of the data. Face to face survey was conducted with respondents at a medium-cost residential building in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that homeowners living in medium-cost VRB in Klang Valley are satisfied and faced issues with the management system, maintenance service and services provided by the management of the medium-cost VRB. The only issue confronted by the homeowners with the medium-cost VRB is the commitment of the management towards their involvement in organising the activities, problem-solving and taking action on residents’ reports or complaints.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that appointing qualified property managers who understand property management has increased the performance of the management team. Most importantly, qualified property managers are equipped with knowledge in managing people, especially to create awareness on a sense of responsibility and belonging.

Originality/value

This study has bridged the research gap on property management of the medium-cost of VRB in Malaysia. This will add value to the management of the medium cost of VRB.
Do intellectual capitals matter to firm value enhancement? Evidences from Taiwan
Authors: Ni Yensen , Cheng Yi-Rung , Huang Paoyu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find evidence of the impact of intellectual capital on firm value, and, in turn, enhance the existing literature which lacks consensus on it. By employing some distinctive proxies for human capital, innovation capital, customer capital and process capital, this study might provide valuable information for firms to make strategic decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses Tobin's Q to represent firm value and various variables to be the proxies for intellectual capitals. By utilizing firm-year observations, this study applies panel data models first, and then Petersen regression models for further investigation to enhance the robustness of the empirical results.

Findings

Firm value is affected positively by the average net profit per employee as well as goodwill and intangible assets. This is because firms having employees with abundant knowledge will possess advantage for innovation, and the excellent reputation, a part of goodwill for oriental firms, would encourage people to consume and invest more.

Research limitations/implications

The constraint of data resource is the main limitation. With the limited scales and as an emerging market of Taiwan Stock Exchange, it is not confirmed whether the results are appropriate for the developed markets. Nevertheless, firms should make efforts on developing intellectual capital and corporate governance for operating businesses with competitiveness and safety.

Originality/value

Since capable employees enhance the innovation, innovation improves customer's satisfaction and good customer relationship increases the sales; this study illustrates that for expanding businesses, firms should make more efforts on developing intellectual capital.
Pracademics in the pandemic: pedagogies and professionalism
Authors: Hollweck Trista , Doucet Armand
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This thinking piece examines, from the viewpoint of two Canadian pracademics in the pandemic, the role of pedagogy and professionalism in crisis teaching and learning. The purpose of the paper is to highlight some of the tensions that have emerged and offer possible considerations to disrupt the status quo and catalyze transformation in public education during the pandemic and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the current context of COVID-19 and education and uses the professional capital framework (Hargreaves and Fullan, 2012) to examine pandemic pedagogies and professionalism.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic has catapulted educational systems into emergency remote teaching and learning. This rapid shift to crisis schooling has massive implications for pedagogy and professionalism during the pandemic and beyond. Despite the significant challenges for educators, policymakers, school leaders, students and families, the pandemic is a critical opportunity to rethink the future of schooling. A key to transformational change will be for schools and school systems to focus on their professional capital and find ways to develop teachers' individual knowledge and skills, support effective collaborative networks that include parents and the larger school community and, ultimately, trust and include educators in the decision-making and communication process.

Originality/value

This thinking piece offers the perspective of two Canadian pracademics who do not wish for a return to “normal” public education, which has never serve all children well or equitably. Instead, they believe the pandemic is an opportunity to disrupt the status quo and build the education system back better. Using the professional capital framework, they argue that it will be educators' professionalism and pandemic pedagogies that will be required to catalyze meaningful transformational change.
Professional capital after the pandemic: revisiting and revising classic understandings of teachers' work
Authors: Hargreaves Andy , Fullan Michael
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article revisits three classic findings from Dan Lortie's 1975 book Schoolteacher, in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and its possible aftermaths. These findings are that teachers and others base their ideas about teaching on the long apprenticeship of observation as students; they derive their satisfaction from the psychic rewards of teaching – the emotional satisfaction and feedback that teachers got from students; and they work in conservative cultures of individualism.

Design/methodology/approach

The article appraises Lortie's foundational text in relation to contemporary public domain surveys and op-ed articles about the impact of the pandemic on teaching and learning.

Findings

COVID-19 created conditions that undermined traditional psychic rewards, weakened the tenuous student–teacher relationship as more students found schooling less engaging, began to give parents distorted observations of teaching online and made teacher collaboration more difficult.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the current nature of the pandemic and the shortage of just-in-time original data, the research relies on rapid responses and op-ed perceptions rather than on an established body of literature and database.

Practical implications

The postpandemic agenda holds out three ways to modernize Lortie's agenda in ways that advance the presence and impact of professional capital. These ways comprise new psychic rewards for students and not just teachers, a more open professionalism that is actively inclusive of parents and collaborative professionalism that has greater strength and depth.

Social implications

Educational reform in the postpandemic age must be transformational and not seek to return to normal.

Originality/value

The paper gives new meaning to Lortie's original ideas on COVID-19 circumstances
Experimental determination of the residual compressive strength of concrete columns subjected to different fire durations and load ratios
Authors: Nair Anjaly , Salem Osama (Sam)
Published: July 2020

Purpose

At elevated temperatures, concrete undergoes changes in its mechanical and thermal properties, which mainly cause degradation of strength and eventually may lead to the failure of the structure. Retrofitting is a desirable option to rehabilitate fire damaged concrete structures. However, to ensure safe reuse of fire-exposed buildings and to adopt proper retrofitting methods, it is essential to evaluate the residual load-bearing capacity of such fire-damaged reinforced concrete structures. The focus of the experimental study presented in this paper aims to investigate the fire performance of concrete columns exposed to a standard fire, and then evaluate its residual compressive strengths after fire exposure of different durations.

Design/methodology/approach

To effectively study the fire performance of such columns, eight identical 200 × 200 × 1,500-mm high reinforced concrete columns test specimens were subjected to two different fire exposure (1- and 2-h) while being loaded with two different load ratios (20% and 40% of the column ultimate design axial compressive load). In a subsequent stage and after complete cooling down, residual compressive strength capacity tests were performed on each fire exposed column.

Findings

Experimental results revealed that the columns never regain its original capacity after being subjected to a standard fire and that the residual compressive strength capacity dropped to almost 50% and 30% of its ambient temperature capacity for the columns exposed to 1- and 2-h fire durations, respectively. It was also noticed that, for the tested columns, the applied load ratio has much less effect on the column’s residual compressive strength compared to that of the fire duration.

Originality/value

According to the unique outcomes of this experimental study and, as the fire-damaged concrete columns possessed considerable residual compressive strength, in particular those exposed to shorter fire duration, it is anticipated that with proper retrofitting techniques such as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) wrapping, the fire-damaged columns can be rehabilitated to regain at least portion of its lost load-bearing capacities. Accordingly, the residual compressive resistance data obtained from this study can be effectively used but not directly to adopt optimal retrofitting strategies for such fire-damaged concrete columns, as well as to be used in validating numerical models that can be usefully used to account for the thermally-induced degradation of the mechanical properties of concrete material and ultimately predict the residual compressive strengths and deformations of concrete columns subjected to different load intensity ratios for various fire durations.
Influencing factors in online tourism service quality: a fuzzy cognitive map based on customers’ perceptions
Authors: Xu Lan , Lu Xianlei
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influencing factors of online tourism service quality to clarify the relationship between such factors and the degree of influence so that targeted and effective measures to improve service quality can be suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire is used to obtain original data, establish the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) structure chart model and modify the model.

Findings

The results reveal that comprehensive service types, comprehensive information provided, true and accurate, upgrade and update, payment security, data and information security, customer rights and interests protection, service friendliness and evaluation processing are the key influencing factors in online tourism service quality. In addition, the FCM can also predict the improvement of service quality.

Originality/value

To establish an FCM model, this study establishes the evaluation framework of influencing factors of online tourism service quality and identifies the cause and effect of 26 indicators. The mechanism of influencing factors of online tourism service quality is explored through the iteration of the model.
No business as usual: a case for data ethics and data governance in the age of coronavirus
Authors: C Yallop Anca , Aliasghar Omid
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this commentary is to reflect on the transformative changes organisations experience, in the form of increased use of emergent information and communication technologies (ICTs), as a significant factor in enabling the continuation of normal business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent key ethical considerations in the use of new technology by organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary adopts a reflective approach and is based on a review of theories on diffusion of innovation, dynamic capabilities and data ethics and governance, as well as up-to-date business reports to reflect on the ethical implications of new technologies for organisations.

Findings

Organisations from different industries and sectors around the world have experienced major disruptive changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adoption and integration of new ICTs occurred at an accelerated pace in a collective effort to maintain “business as usual”. The use of emergent technologies is not without risks. The commentary argues that, in times of crisis, it is vital that organisations address the growing concerns around privacy and security of personal data by designing effective data governance frameworks that go beyond a mere compliance with existing policies and prevailing data privacy and protection laws to ensure data security and protection for all stakeholders.

Originality/value

This commentary is making the case for more considered approaches to data governance and data ethics in business following the unprecedented challenges posed by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and suggests possible ways of moving forward from an ethical perspective.
Toward contextual understanding: antecedents of work-family interface in India
Authors: Raina Mahima , Cho Eunae , Singh Kamlesh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The current study examined cultural (diffuse orientation), organizational (organizational work-family climates) and individual (role centrality) antecedents of key work-family (WF) experiences (WF conflict, WF enrichment and WF boundary management) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 586 white-collar employees in India. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Analyses revealed interesting culture-specific insights into the WF dynamic. For example, less demarcation between WF boundaries (diffuse orientation) did not increase WF conflict, but significantly fostered WF enrichment, challenging the findings in the Western cultural contexts. A supportive organizational WF climate was found to be a crucial factor that alleviated WF conflict, whereas greater investment in work role led to greater WF enrichment.

Research limitations/implications

This study addresses a dearth of research on antecedents of WF interface that simultaneously examines the positive and negative aspects of WF interface. It also advances the WF literature by generating empirical evidence related to the cultural dimension of diffuse orientation.

Originality/value

This study provides a holistic view of WF interface in the Indian context by incorporating various antecedents in one model.
invisaWear: evolving the entrepreneurial mind-set
Authors: Santos Roberto S. , Sun Sunny Li , Luo Xiaoyi
Published: July 2020

Theoretical basis

Why do some individuals become entrepreneurs while others do not? This fundamental question has vexed entrepreneurship scholars for some time, giving rise to various schools of thought. Traditional economic motivation theories, for example, suggest that entrepreneurial opportunities arise from changes in either supply (Shane, 2000) or demand (Dew et al., 2004) and emphasize personal economic gain as a motivator for pursuing entrepreneurship. Both neoclassical equilibrium and psychological theories take a person-centric perspective whereby stable, enduring differences among people’s characteristics, determines who becomes an entrepreneur. Opportunity recognition may be enhanced through perspective taking (i.e. putting oneself in the shoes of another person) (Prandelli et al., 2016).

Research methodology

The founders of the company provided us with access to the inner workings of the company, their mentors and advisors and themselves. This study used archival research and interviews when preparing this case. Interviews allow for the development of uncensored, real-life insights into the entrepreneur’s business experience. The authors first conducted a 90-min interview with Rajia and Ray at DifferenceMaker® Central on the UMass Lowell campus. DifferenceMaker® provided us with pictures and timelines from when Rajia and Ray participated in the various DifferenceMaker® activities and competitions. A follow-on 90-min interview was conducted with the founders four months later at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub to delve deeper into their transition from engineers to entrepreneurs.

Case overview/synopsis

In the summer of 2016, the future of invisaWear suddenly became uncertain. Rajia Abdelaziz and Ray Hamilton had conceived an idea for smart jewelry that they felt solved a real problem. But it was one thing to have a great idea and quite another to turn that idea into a real business. As engineering students, they were accustomed to solving problems, but if they truly wanted to make an impact, they had to learn to solve problems as entrepreneurs. With the help of DifferenceMaker® and their mentors, they developed an entrepreneurial mind-set and decided to build invisaWear into a company.

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable for an undergraduate course in business or entrepreneurship. This case is intended to illustrate to both business and non-business students how individuals with different backgrounds can become entrepreneurs. Presented as a real-life example of how engineering students can make the transition to an entrepreneurial mind-set, the case can also be used to hone in on select topics including opportunity recognition, problem-solving, ideation and the business model canvas.
Guidance for successful tree planting initiatives
Authors: Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Holl Karen D.
Published: July 2020

A growing number of initiatives at global, regional and national scales propose to plant millions, billions or even trillions of trees as a simple solution to resolve complex environmental problems. However, tree planting is much more complicated than it seems.

We summarize the multifaceted decision‐making process needed and offer guidelines to increase the success of the proposed ambitious efforts to increase tree cover world‐wide.

Given the varied definitions of and motivations for tree planting, it is critical that stakeholders work together to clearly define the biophysical and socioeconomic goals of each project. Then a series of questions must be addressed about where and how (e.g. planting trees vs. allowing for natural forest regrowth) to most effectively achieve these goals and minimize unintended negative consequences, as well as how, when and by whom success of efforts will be evaluated.

Key guidelines to successfully increase tree cover include: (a) first addressing the underlying drivers of deforestation; (b) integrating decision‐making across scales from local to global; (c) tailoring tree planting strategies to clearly stated project goals and planning, adaptively managing and evaluating success over a sufficiently long timeframe; (d) focusing on the forest ecosystem as a whole, and not just the trees; (e) coordinating different land uses and (f) involving stakeholders at all stages of the planning process.

Synthesis and applications. Tree planting, along with other strategies to increase tree cover in appropriate locations and contexts, can make a valuable contribution to ensuring the ecological and social well‐being of our planet in coming decades, but only if these efforts are considered as one component of multifaceted solutions to complex environmental problems and are carefully planned, implemented and monitored over a sufficiently long time‐scale with stakeholder engagement and broader consideration of socio‐ecological complexities.
Limited evidence for a consistent seed mass‐dispersal trade‐off in wind‐dispersed pines
Authors: Wyse Sarah V. , Hulme Philip E.
Published: July 2020

Much of the variation in dispersal potential among seeds of different plant species has been related to a putative trade‐off between dispersal potential and seed mass. Yet to date there are few taxonomically controlled comparisons that explore the generality of this relationship across and within multiple species.

We measured the seed mass and dispersal traits across multiple pine species that encompassed a 100‐fold range in seed mass. We expected that for the larger seeded species, the resource investment required in the cone to house seeds and their wings may constrain dispersal potential. We examined the relative roles of samara and cone traits in determining the terminal velocity, and investigated how the relative investment of resources in cone structure related to seed mass and samara dispersal traits. Finally, we examined the partitioning of variation in seed mass and terminal velocity within and among individuals of each species.

We found a strong positive relationship between seed mass and samara terminal velocity across all 12 species; however, this seed mass‐dispersal trade‐off was only significant within two of our species. For most species, wing loading was the most important trait determining samara terminal velocity. Across species, increases in cone investment were associated with heavier seeds with longer wings but higher terminal velocities, while within‐species increases in cone investment were associated with decreases in terminal velocity. The majority of the variation in terminal velocity occurred within individual trees, while seed mass variation mostly occurred among trees and may therefore be subject to stronger selection pressure.

Synthesis. We have found strong support for a trade‐off between seed mass and dispersal potential across a wide range of wind‐dispersed Pinus species. Importantly, we show that this trade‐off is largely absent within species, potentially reducing selective pressure. This may be largely due to the relationships between cone investment and samara traits, whereby increases in cone investment result in a proportionally greater increase in wing size than seed mass. Where resources are limited, investment in seed mass may be prioritized over dispersal.
Better understanding positive and negative impacts of disasters on regional economies, with special reference to China
Authors: Kong Feng
Published: July 2020

The impact of disasters on the macroeconomy has moved to the centre of sustainable development in a country and regions, as disasters can affect all sectors of society. It is of great practical value for comprehensive disaster reduction and sustainable development to better determine these impacts, analyse different types of disasters and different impact types, and clarify both positive and negative implications for the macroeconomy from the short term to longer term. Disasters have played an especially important role on China's economic development with implications examined in this paper.
Hidden in plain sight? The human resource management practitioner's role in dealing with workplace conflict as a source of organisational–professional power
Authors: Roper Ian , Higgins Paul
Published: July 2020

This article examines the perceived importance of human resource (HR) practitioners' role as ‘organisational professionals’ at national and organisational levels. Informed by institutionalist theory and drawing upon interviews at national and organisational levels, a dissonance is identified in the degree to where HR's non‐substitutable expertise lies. It is concluded that HR's role in dealing with workplace conflict is under‐recognised at national level as it does not fit with the proactive ‘strategic’ narrative seen to be what HR needs to achieve to be influential. At organisational level, however, conflict management is a source of power because, unlike many other HR roles—valued as they may be—conflict management is the role that can least be substituted by non‐specialist HR practitioners because of its unpredictability.