bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Application of Activity‐Based‐Budgeting in Shared Service Departments and Its Perceived Benefits and Barriers under Low‐IT Environment Conditions
Authors: Moustafa Essam
Published: February 2012

The implementation of modern managerial accounting systems has its benefits, but needs certain facilities to be made available. Activity Based Budgeting (ABB) is a system that could be useful in managing shared service departments by providing deeper insights to their capacity utilization and resource allocation than a traditional budgeting system. This paper studies the possibilities, benefits, and difficulties that may face the implementation of an ABB system in an environment that lacks sophisticated IT based accounting information system. This study used an application experiment to implement the ABB in two shared service departments (Accounts and Transportation) in two different companies. In addition, a simple survey of the two companies’ employees was adopted to acquire their reaction and feedback about the proposed budgeting system. Results show that benefits can be gained and difficulties resulting from lack of IT support can be overcome but with considerable human effort. When labor force is not a constraint, this provides the solution. However, measuring human labor’s capacity is a factor that needs more consideration from accounting researchers.
An Empirical Investigation of the Perceived Suitability of International Accounting Standards for Jordan
Authors: Halbouni Sawsan
Published: February 2012

This study investigates the perceived suitability of the international accounting standards among the Jordanian preparers, users and auditors. Multivariate analysis and non‐parametric statistics are applied to test hypotheses. The t‐test was used to measure the suitability of IAS to the Jordanian environment. The results indicated that IASC is a neutral body and therefore is capable of producing neutral and relevant accounting standards that might be applied by developing countries. The ANOVA and the Chisquare tests were applied to test variation in the perceived suitability of IAS to the Jordanian environment. The results indicated that the type of audit firm, years of experience and type of experience affected the respondents’ views towards the suitability of IAS to Jordan. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the most influential factor affecting the adoption of IAS in Jordan. The results indicated that the local need for foreign investments and international audit firms were the most influential factors while local and foreign investors in addition to the international audit firms are the biggest beneficiaries of that adoption. Finally, this study found that no attempt had been made by the Jordanian regulators to benefit from the past experience of other developing countries. The respondents believed that in order to increase the reliability of Jordanian financial information IAS were quickly adopted without any discussion as to whether each IAS was suitable to the Jordanian context.
An Examination of the Goodness‐of‐Fit between the Expatriate Adjustment Model and Self‐Selecting Expatriates
Authors: Reynolds Adrienne A.
Published: February 2012

The literature on human resource management has benefited by the inclusion of a widely accepted and validated theoretical model of expatriate adjustment. This model, with its supporting studies is based solely on the factors thought to influence the adjustment experience of expatriates that are sent on international assignments by their employing multinational corporations. It is assumed that this model can be universally applied to all expatriate adjustment situations. However, this author contends that while useful to the study of expatriate management, this body of literature, through the exclusion of other types of expatriates, lacks full explanatory power for key sectors. An introduction of self‐selecting expatriates is presented. Additionally, this paper provides insight and exploration into how the model described above is not fully congruent with this underrepresented group of expatriates and offers suggestions for future model modification and testing.
An Assessment of the Relationships of Awareness, Attitude, Satisfaction and Organization Support Associated with E‐learning and Organization and Individual Performance
Authors: El‐Gamal Mahmoud , Al‐Khayyat Ridha M. , El‐Ewayed Lulwa
Published: February 2012

The main objective of the study is to test a model of e‐learning effectiveness. The data were collected from 125 subjects enrolled in the Institute of Banking Studies (IBS) at the State of Kuwait. The study results indicate that attitudes toward e‐learning systems explained a significant portion of variance in satisfaction with the systems. The results indicate also, that both attitudes toward and satisfaction with the e‐learning systems explain a significant portion of the variance in organization and individual performance. The current results indicate the special potency of the attitude toward the e‐learning systems flexibility and relevance in predicting both satisfaction with the systems and performance. The study indicated the need to test causal models and included a discussion of the implications and directions of future research.
Determinants of Fund Allocations Out of Housing Programs in the UAE
Authors: Balkir Ibrahim , Hassan Ismail Fatma , Al‐Segini Sabri
Published: February 2012

The government of UAE helps its nationals to own their private houses. One of the programs that are designed to achieve this goal is the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program (SZHP). It pays grants and loans to nationals to have their own houses. This paper examines the factors that affect the fund allocation of SZHP. The researchers obtained the needed data from the offices of the SZHP. The sample consisted of 394 applicants for the year 2000. Regression models were used to assess the effect of family size, income, marital status and location of the applicants on fund allocation. The research findings show that income, family size and location have the most significant effect on fund allocation.
An Empirical Study of Firm Structure and Profitability Relationship: The Case of Jordan
Authors: Mahmoud Abu‐Tapanjeh Abdussalam
Published: February 2012

The present study examines the relationship of firm structure and profitability, taking into consideration major characteristics such as firm size, firm age, debt ratio and ownership structure of 48 Jordanian industrial companies for a period of one decade, that is from 1995 to 2004, listed in Amman Stock Exchange. Hypotheses are developed taking into account both previous research and the particular idiosyncrasies of the national context. The study employed two model specifications in order to test the hypotheses, using the profitability measurement of Rate of Return on Equity (ROE) and Rate of Return on Investment (ROI). The empirical findings suggest that firm structure emerges as an important factor affecting profitability. The results indicate that a weak relationship existed between some of the independent variable and profitability, except for debt ratio.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment and Imports on Economic Growth: The Case of Jordan
Authors: Mishal Zakia , Abulaila Ziad
Published: February 2012

This study aims to measure and analyze the impact of both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Imports (M) on the Economic Growth (EG) of Jordan, over the period (1976‐2003). To achieve this, a production function was utilized by using FDI and Imports as two distinct factors among other factors of production. This study examines the relationship between variables (FDI, M and EG) through Vector Autoregression (VAR). The estimated results indicate the existence of bidirectional relationships between FDI and output, and between imports and output as well. The same bidirectional causal relationship exists also between FDI and imports. The results show that FDI affect human capital indirectly through gross domestic output, while, on the other hand, human capital affect FDI indirectly through domestic capital and imports. The results emphasize and support the FDI and import‐Led Growth Hypothesis for Jordan.
The Dubai Electronic Transactions Statute: A Prototype for E‐Commerce Law in the United Arab Emirates and the G. C. C. Countries
Authors: Blythe Stephen E.
Published: February 2012

Dubai’s Electronic Transactions Law (“ETL”) is designed to stimulate E‐commerce in the emirate by improving the authenticity and integrity of electronic transactions. The ETL recognizes the legal validity of electronic documents and electronic signatures as acceptable substitutes for paper documents and ink signatures, respectively. Accordingly, electronic records may be used to comply with a statutory writing requirement, original document requirement and retention requirement, and an electronic signature attached to an electronic document may be used to comply with a statutory requirement for a paper‐and‐ink signature. If all parties are in agreement, a contract may be in electronic form and is just as legally enforceable as a written one. The ETL does not mandate Dubai’s governmental agencies to utilize electronic documents, but they may elect to do so. The ETL has created a compulsory system of licensing of Certification Authorities (“CA”). Their role is to ascertain the identity of a subscriber and to attest in an issued Certificate that the electronic signature used by that subscriber belongs to him. The ETL contains a list of computer crimes. The statute establishes a sound framework for E‐commerce, but it could be improved by adding consumer protections, more computer crimes, mandatory Egovernment, I.T. courts and long‐arm jurisdiction. The ETL’s exclusion of wills should be eliminated.
Determinants of Corporate Dividend Policy in Jordan: An Application of the Tobit Model
Authors: Nizar Al‐Malkawi Husam‐Aldin
Published: February 2012

This paper examines the determinants of corporate dividend policy in Jordan. The study uses a firm‐level panel data set of all publicly traded firms on the Amman Stock Exchange between 1989 and 2000. The study develops eight research hypotheses, which are used to represent the main theories of corporate dividends. A general‐to‐specific modeling approach is used to choose between the competing hypotheses. The study examines the determinants of the amount of dividends using Tobit specifications. The results suggest that the proportion of stocks held by insiders and state ownership significantly affect the amount of dividends paid. Size, age, and profitability of the firm seem to be determinant factors of corporate dividend policy in Jordan. The findings provide strong support for the agency costs hypothesis and are broadly consistent with the pecking order hypothesis. The results provide no support for the signaling hypothesis.
Assessing the Global Readiness of Arab Countries to Join the WTO: A Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Charbaji Abdulrazzak , Refdan Alhajhoj Hassan
Published: February 2012

In view of recent calls for an improvement in trade among Arab countries and the need to build a model for the involvement of Arab countries in the global economy, the present study evaluates a set of more than 30 macro‐level variables for economic, social, political, legal, and quality‐of‐life parameters across more than 120 developing countries. Ninety four countries are then segmented on the basis of factor analysis and cluster analysis. These segments can be used by policy‐makers and decision‐makers to discern strategic priorities. In addition, Arab policy‐makers can use these clusters for vertical and horizontal economic integration and for recommendations related to direct investment. This study should provide a strategic framework for building economic blocs and for causal explanations of the variations in country ratings as a proxy for the readiness of Arab countries to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Are Investors in Amman Stock Exchange Able to Detect Earnings’ Manipulation?
Authors: Obeidat Mohammed , Al‐Momani Mohammed
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine investors’ awareness in Amman Stock Exchange of the effects of earnings manipulation incentives on the earnings manipulation practices of managements through the usage of the available level of flexibility in the accounting standards, and to examine whether those investors are able to detect these practices. A self‐administered questionnaire of three sections was developed and used to achieve the purposes of this study. A sample of 144 respondents from four industries was selected using a stratified sampling method. The study found that investors in Amman Stock Exchange have enough awareness to the effects of earnings manipulation incentives on the practices of managements toward the manipulation of earnings. Moreover, this study concluded that investors in Amman Stock Exchange have the ability to detect those practices.
An Empirical Approach for Identifying Critical Time‐Ovrerun Risk Factors in Kuwait’s Construction Projects
Authors: Al Zubaidi Hassan , Al Otaibi Srour
Published: February 2012

Risk identification is an integral part of overall risk management framework of projects. The risks associated with projects and their response planning differs according to the country and the sector specific environment in which they are being implemented. In this paper, the study is carried out to identify the critical risk factors causing delay in Kuwait’s building and infrastructure projects. The preparation of a preliminary list of risks and risk factors is outlined, questionnaire development and survey details are explained, and analysis of survey responses for the identification of delay risk factors in Kuwait is presented. A case study analysis with respect to time‐overrun/delay of about 28 building and infrastructure projects executed in Kuwait is also presented to validate the survey results. Survey and case study results show that the frequency of time‐overrun in KuwaitRisk identification is an integral part of overall risk management framework of projects. The risks associated with projects and their response planning differs according to the country and the sector specific environment in which they are being implemented. In this paper, the study is carried out to identify the critical risk factors causing delay in Kuwait’s building and infrastructure projects. The preparation of a preliminary list of risks and risk factors is outlined, questionnaire development and survey details are explained, and analysis of survey responses for the identification of delay risk factors in Kuwait is presented. A case study analysis with respect to time‐overrun/delay of about 28 building and infrastructure projects executed in Kuwait is also presented to validate the survey results. Survey and case study results show that the frequency of time‐overrun in Kuwait’s construction projects is very high. The five most critical time‐overrun factors identified in Kuwait’s infrastructure and building projects are: delay in government approvals/permits, delay in preparation and approval in variation orders, client induced additional work beyond the original scope, changed engineering conditions from the contract document and decreased labor productivity due to extreme climatic conditions. All the above risk factors are rated as moderately critical to very critical in Kuwaits construction projects is very high. The five most critical time‐overrun factors identified in Kuwait’s infrastructure and building projects are: delay in government approvals/permits, delay in preparation and approval in variation orders, client induced additional work beyond the original scope, changed engineering conditions from the contract document and decreased labor productivity due to extreme climatic conditions. All the above risk factors are rated as moderately critical to very critical in Kuwait.
An Exploratory Analysis of the Importance of Management Accounting Tools in the GCC Countries
Authors: McLellan John D. , Moustafa Essam
Published: February 2012

This article uses a survey of Certified Management Accountants (CMA) in the six Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to examine the importance that CMAs place on a number of management accounting practices for the efficient operation of their business and to determine the degree of adoption of that management accounting practice by their organization. The findings indicate a large discrepancy between what accountants consider effective management accounting tools and the use of those tools by their companies’ senior management team. Evidence suggests that companies in the GCC rely on the traditional management accounting practices rather than the more recently developed tools. In addition, the management accountants of GCC companies feel that it would be more important for their businesses to emphasis a range of non‐financial tools as well as to adopt a more strategic management focus using tools.
The Internal Financial Determinants of Common Stock Market Price: Evidence from Abu Dhabi Securities Market
Authors: Ibrahim Obeidat Mohammed
Published: February 2012

This study investigates the effect of Earnings per Share (EPS), Dividends per Share (DPS), and Book Value per Share (BVPS) on stock market prices in Abu Dhabi Securities Market. All listed companies in the Abu Dhabi Securities Market are included in this study except those companies which were listed after the starting of year 2002. In addition, those companies which had been prevented from trading in the market for one year or more during the years from 2002 to 2006 were also excluded because the available data of these companies are not adequate. As a result, among the 60 listed firms in Abu Dhabi Securities Market, 22 were excluded. Four hypotheses are under consideration in this study. The simple linear regression method was used to test the first three hypotheses based on t‐test, while the multiple linear regression method was used to test the last hypothesis based on F‐test. Moreover, the correlation method is used to support the findings. The current study found a significant effect of EPS and BVPS on stock market price in the Abu Dhabi Securities Market, whereas no significant effect of DPS was found.
Development in legal Issues of Corporate Governance in Islamic Finance
Authors: Bhatti Maria , Bhatti Ishaq
Published: February 2012

This paper is an attempt to present legal issues of Islamic corporate governance (ICG) in the presence of global financial crises. It presents ICG model and discusses its viability in today’s corporate structure. The model is based on institution of Hisbah which demands book keeping, disclosure, transparency based on Shariah principles of Islamic Finance Ethics.
Budget Deficit and Jordan’s Current Account Deficit: An Empirical Study 1977‐2008
Authors: Mdanat Metri F. , Shotar Manhal M.
Published: February 2012

In this research, we attempted to investigate the current account deficit and its relationship to some macroeconomic variables. Using variables such as those adopted in the traditional income/expenditure model, the results indicate that those variables explain, in an acceptable way, the current account imbalances. The current account deficit is linked to budget deficit, interest rates, income, terms of trade and government spending.
How Taxpayers Perceive the Efficiency of Jordanian Tax Systems According to the Keynesian Perspective of Tax Efficiency?
Authors: Ibrahim Sultan Obeidat Mohammed , Abdullah Al Momani Mohammed
Published: February 2012

This study investigates taxpayers’ perception to the Jordanian tax system efficiency according to the perspective of Keynes. Its main purpose is to determine whether taxpayers perceive the Jordanian tax system as efficient, enough to influence taxpayers’ patterns of behavior, or inefficient and just used to collect revenue by the government. A self‐administered questionnaire is used to collect the primary data of the study, in order to measure the economical and socio‐cultural efficiency of the system. A convenience sample consisting of 175 respondents was selected to survey how taxpayers perceive the Jordanian tax system efficiency. The t‐test is used as a decision criterion for the acceptance or rejection of the hypotheses. Correlation analysis is also used to support the findings of the study. The study finds that taxpayers perceive the Jordanian tax system as efficient, and they perceive that the tax system is intentionally used to influence their behavior.
Factors Affecting Switching Behavior of Mobile Service Users: The Case of Jordan
Authors: Suleiman Awwad Mohammad , Awad Neimat Bashar
Published: February 2012

This study aims at identifying the most critical factors affecting the customer switching behavior for mobile service providers in Jordan. A number of 580 questionnaires distributed to a random sample of Jordanian mobile users. The questionnaire contains 33 items measured on a five‐point likert scale. The data were analyzed using regression analysis. It was found that all the independent variables (pricing, inconvenience, core service failures, service encounter failures, employee responsiveness to service failures, attraction by competitors, changes in technology, switching cost) had a significant effect on switching behavior of mobile service users except change in technology and employee responsiveness to service failure. Recommendations and directions for future research are proposed.
Digital learning object repositories
Authors: Cervone H. Frank
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the issues related to developing a digital repository for learning objects. Given the unique nature of digital learning objects, compared to other types of digital materials, several factors must be considered when establishing a learning object repository.

Design/methodology/approach

The conclusions of the paper are drawn from a review of the current state of the learning object repository market.

Findings

The issues related to creating digital learning object repositories are, in some cases, significantly different from those in creating “traditional” digital repositories. Staffing, metadata, and use considerations must be carefully considered in this unique environment.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the current literature by providing a general overview of the current state of software and related practices in the learning object repository area.
Matching music: clustering versus distinguishing records in a large database
Authors: Thornburg Gail , Oskins W. Michael
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Describing musical pieces, whether sound recordings, scores, librettos, videos, has always involved cataloger interpretation and judgment. There is considerable variation in records created for exactly the same item. And there is never “proof” that two records which seem to describe the same item actually do. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes some of the challenges encountered in developing software for matching music records, and some approaches to making the software reliable.

Findings

The paper finds that matching can be used successfully to create GLIMIR clusters in the WorldCat database. Work is needed in several areas to complete the implementation, but intermediate results are promising.

Originality/value

This implementation will allow end‐user applications to collocate resources, to improve discovery and delivery in a complex bibliographic universe
A sex offender treatment group for men with intellectual disabilities in a community setting
Authors: Rose John , Rose David , Hawkins Cliff , Anderson Caitlin
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a rationale for the development of a community‐based group for men with intellectual disability who have been involved in sexually inappropriate behaviour but may not have been charged.

Design/methodology/approach

The group was based on a cognitive behavioural model: group process and adaptations are briefly described. The group has been run on two occasions and preliminary data on outcome are provided.

Findings

Participants show a reduction in attitudes consistent with offending, an increase in sexual knowledge, and a more externallocusof control on completion of the group. One of the 12 men who attended was recorded as offending again within 18 months of group completion; however, three moved to less well supervised placements.

Originality/value

It is concluded that this style of treatment has some advantages over other models and may be more effective, yet further research is required.
A treatment component designed to enhance empathy in sex offenders with an intellectual disability
Authors: Michie Amanda M. , Lindsay William R.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the introduction of a component designed to enhance empathy, to an established cognitive behavioural treatment program for sexual offenders with an intellectual disability.

Design/methodology/approach

The treatment group received an empathy component and was compared with a control group. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed pre‐ and post‐treatment and at follow‐up using the interpersonal reactivity index which assesses fantasy; perspective taking; empathic concern and personal distress experienced due to others' misfortune.

Findings

There were no significant differences between treatment and control groups at baseline. For the treatment group, significant differences were identified between pre, post and three‐month follow‐up assessments indicating an increased empathy at post‐treatment assessment, the treatment group had significantly improved over the controls.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could compare empathy measures and investigate specifically the relationship between what is taught in empathy programs and what is measured by empathy assessments. Difficulties with the study are discussed.

Originality/value

The empathy component appears to enhance empathic responses.
The effectiveness of Prisoners Addressing Substance Related Offending (P‐ASRO) programme: evaluating the pre and post treatment psychometric outcomes in an adult male Category C prison
Authors: Crane Mark A.J. , Blud Linda
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Offending behaviour interventions that adhere to the now well‐known principles of “What Works” can be effective in reducing recidivism. The field is dominated by a programmed approach, in which facilitators adhere to a manual designed to target specific criminogenic needs and risks in different groups of offenders. This study aims to explore the short‐term impact of the Prisoners Addressing Substance Related Offending (P‐ASRO) programme, a cognitive‐behavioural intervention addressing offending related to substance misuse and targeting those with low‐medium dependency. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of P‐ASRO in key areas targeted by the programme.

Design/methodology/approach

A non‐experimental fixed design examined differences between the pre‐ and post‐intervention measures of prisoners (n=81) who had completed the P‐ASRO programme between April 2006 and March 2007.

Findings

The majority of offenders in the sample fell into the high‐dependency need group. Nevertheless, there were significant differences between all of the pre‐ and post‐measures, with large effect sizes reported. Prisoners were found to be less impulsive, to have increased their problem‐solving ability, to have developed a greater internal locus of control and were more motivated toward taking action.

Research limitations/implications

Caution needs to be taken in relation to the conclusions that can be drawn due to the nature of the data used (anonymised archival data) which do not allow for the control of certain key variables.

Originality/value

The findings add to the research on prison interventions and lend some support to the suitability of this intervention for offenders with substance use problems, regardless of severity of substance dependency.
“Everybody's Business” – engaging the independent sector. An action research project in Lancashire
Authors: Simic Paul , Newton Steve , Wareing Dave , Campbell Barbara , Hill Marie
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate key organisational processes in managing “safeguarding” in relation to the independent sector, the local authority delivery arm for care.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods employed were a telephone survey (one in five random sample of all residential and domiciliary providers in a local authority area) and follow up focus groups (n=2) of local authority staff and independent sector domiciliary and residential providers, in an action research framework. The survey was developed through expert members of a multi‐agency Project Reference Group.

Findings

Three survey domains (on “information”, “training” and “support and advice”) indicated high satisfaction, but “experience of investigations'” low rating raised questions for further exploration and were followed up in detail in the focus groups selected from providers with experience of safeguarding alerts. A number of issues were raised for local policy and for safeguarding more broadly.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only assesses one local authority area. A more balanced systems approach is needed to manage safeguarding.

Originality/value

The involvement of the independent sector in safeguarding is under‐researched and the development of processes that encourage a research culture and a systems approach are exemplified.
The strange deaths of section 47
Authors: Hewitt David
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Law Commission's recommendations concerning the power of removal contained in section 47 of the National Assistance Act 1948. That provision applies to certain people who are seriously ill, living in squalor, or not receiving proper care and it enables them to be taken to hospital or a care home and detained there.

Design/methodology/approach

The Law Commission's final report on adult social care law was considered and compared with earlier Commission publications that addressed this issue, and also with other sources (such as a paper published by the Department of Health in 2000).

Findings

The Law Commission calls for the repeal of section 47, because it is hard to interpret, difficult to implement and seems to breach the European Convention on Human Rights. The Commission says other provisions, such as those in environmental health legislation, the Mental Health Act 1983, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, provide a more appropriate means of caring for people in distress and that more information is needed before a decision can be taken as to what, if anything, should replace section 47. Some of these criticisms, and also the call for more information, were made by the Department of Health.

Originality/value

The Law Commission's findings and recommendations concerning section 47 have not otherwise been widely reported, nor has much been done to analyse their development or antecedence. The paper also offers a modest critique of this aspect of the Commission's report.
Managing suspected misuse of direct payments: messages for practice from the High Court
Authors: Mitchell Ed
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the practical implications of a recent High Court ruling about the legality of a council's response to concerns that direct payments were being misused.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review of a reported High Court decision.

Findings

The High Court upheld a council's unilateral response to its genuine concerns about misuse of direct payments but this was an extreme case. Normally, a far more inclusive approach to direct payments decision making is required.

Originality/value

This paper provides an interpretation of the judgment for practical application.
Relationships, learning and team working in UK services for children
Authors: Collins Fiona , McCray Janet
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to report on education, health, and social care practitioners' experiences of working across traditional boundaries and establishing new relationships in the context of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) in UK children's services.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a total of 20 education, health and social care practitioners, and operational managers using the qualitative methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

The article highlights how change in the composition of teams has provided stimulus for new relationships, learning, and ways of working.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based upon a relatively small number of interviews conducted within one county.

Originality/value

Consideration of relationships and learning within multi‐agency practice contexts is underdeveloped within the literature. As new forms of partnership may result from ongoing reconfiguration of services, this research into partnership working around the CAF offers insights and learning for future interprofessional teamworking.
Working together – learning through sharing
Authors: McEvoy Charlotte , Nosowska Gerry
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the barriers and enablers to working together in social care, focusing on the experiences of carers and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The project employed a change project method which brings research and practice together to identify a problem, seek ways to resolve it, and develop resources to implement the learning in practice.

Findings

The main findings substantiate much of the existing evidence in this area: the way people are treated by practitioners and services is as important as the outcomes they seek; there is a need to improve understanding and recognition of carer expertise; and there is a tension, for practitioners, between working within resource‐bound systems and implementing a needs‐led and person‐centred cultural service. It demonstrates that when shared learning is focused on action, i.e. learning through doing, relationship‐building becomes an intrinsic part of the process.

Research limitations/implications

The project involved a limited number of participants, and this article shares interim findings only.

Originality/value

The project has used an action‐research approach.
Interview with Charles Jennings
Authors: by William Strange Interview
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an interview with Charles Jennings.

Design/methodology/approach

The interview is conducted by an independent interviewer.

Findings

Charles Jennings is the director of Duntroon Associates, a leading learning and performance consultancy practice focused on helping organizations build their ability to deliver maximum business benefit from their workforce. He is also a principal of The Internet Time Alliance, a think‐tank of leading learning and business performance practitioners helping organizations exploit emerging practice and informal and social learning to “work smarter”. From 2001 until the end of 2008 he was the chief learning officer for Reuters and Thomson Reuters.

Practical implications

Charles Jennings explores the concept of governance in learning and development and how learning and development professionals need to become involved with business strategy.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that learning and development professionals need to develop core consultancy skills in order to communicate and deal effectively with key stakeholders and thus help define company strategies.
What's in a number? Counting the African population of Portland, Oregon: methods, issues and implications for community health collaborations
Authors: Tuepker Anais , Boise Linda , Onadeko Folashade , Gipson Teresa
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Aware that “those who aren't counted don't count” in health program planning, a community coalition, called African Partnership for Health, attempts a current estimate of the African community living in Portland, Oregon, USA. This paper seeks to describe the findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's definition of the “African community” was crucially informed by community participation in the research process. The authors drew on existing publicly available data sources to estimate the size of the target population and identified the strengths and weaknesses of each source.

Findings

Conservative estimations are of a 2010 African community population of 11,500‐15,500 for the Portland metropolitan area. No data source on its own would have resulted in this estimate.

Research limitations/implications

Areas for further research include creating practical systems to collect data on country of origin and to address an existing data bias towards refugees over immigrants. In the USA, more robust data collection systems are needed to estimate the impact of secondary migration on the size and characteristics of refugee and immigrant communities.

Practical implications

Health program planners should be aware that existing data may include more information about some groups (refugees as opposed to immigrants) and emphasize some characteristics (race as opposed to country of origin).

Originality/value

Including immigrant and refugee community members in the research process can result in more relevant definition of that community, which may lead to more effective program targeting and design.
Family therapy with Eastern European immigrants: recommendations for practice
Authors: Robila Mihaela , Sandberg Jonathan
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The increased number of Eastern European immigrants provides many opportunities to work with these immigrants and issues related to immigration. The purpose of this article is to examine Eastern European immigrants' adaptation patterns and provide recommendations for family therapy working with the group.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 120 Eastern European immigrants. Data analysis was conducted using constant comparisons.

Findings

Common immigration experiences illustrating the need for services have been identified, along with barriers that might prevent the use of social services. The results indicate similarities and differences among the different groups regarding their immigration experience and adaptation to the host society.

Originality/value

Recommendations for overcoming the service‐use barriers and conducting family therapy with these immigrants are provided.
Improving parents' child‐feeding practices: a social marketing challenge
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Pescud Melanie
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the ability of a social marketing intervention to provide families with specific nutrition information, stimulate family discussions on the topic of nutrition, and encourage parents to make changes in their child‐feeding practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A postcard intervention was administered to families with children aged five to 12 years at three primary schools in Western Australia. Approximately two months later, an evaluation questionnaire was administered to the three intervention schools and a control school.

Findings

In total, 229 usable questionnaires were returned, representing a 22 percent response rate. In the intervention schools, almost half of the respondents reported discussing the contents of the postcards with their children and a third reported giving the cards to their children to read. The intervention was successful in encouraging a majority (60 percent) of respondents to make at least one favourable change to their child‐feeding practices, in line with the recommendations provided.

Originality/value

The study demonstrated that a simple and cost‐effective social marketing intervention can encourage family discussions on the topic of nutrition and favourably influence parents' child‐feeding practices.
A strategy for advancing social marketing
Authors: McKay‐Nesbitt Jane , DeMoranville Carol W. , McNally Dan
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contend that one way to advance the social marketing discipline is by introducing students to social marketing concepts during the early stages of their marketing education. Thus, it describes an interdisciplinary group Social Marketing Plan (SMP) project that was included as a class project in an introductory marketing course. An analysis of the SMP's impact on student learning is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Foundations of Marketing (Foundations) students at a US university completed an SMP project as a course requirement. Project impact was assessed with post‐project measures of students' ability to apply social marketing concepts in a SMP. Project impact was also assessed with post‐project measures of attitudes toward working on interdisciplinary teams and pre‐ and post‐project comparisons of declarative marketing knowledge, environmental awareness, environmental attitudes, and environmental intentions. A post hoc comparison of the commercial marketing knowledge of a control group and Foundations students was also conducted.

Findings

End of semester surveys showed that Foundations students understood and were able to apply social marketing concepts, enjoyed the SMP project, appreciated the value of working in interdisciplinary teams, and believed that future SMP projects should include students from other disciplines. Foundations students also reported significant increases in environmental awareness, attitudes, and intentions, and commercial marketing knowledge. Contrasts with a control group revealed that adding social marketing concepts to an introductory marketing course did not impede Foundations students' learning of commercial marketing concepts.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence that incorporating a social marketing project into an introductory marketing course is an effective method for introducing students to social marketing concepts, therefore advancing the social marketing discipline. Changes in student environmental attitudes and intentions to act to preserve the environment also suggest that a SMP project can be an effective method of doing social marketing.
Parenting stress among US Army spouses during combat‐related deployments: the role of sense of coherence
Authors: Everson Ronald Blaine , Darling Carol Anderson , Herzog Joseph R.
Published: February 2012

The present study seeks to model the effects of parenting stress on contentment experienced by spouses of soldiers deployed to Iraq for long periods of time (n= 200). Using the ABC‐X model from family stress and resiliency theory, a path analysis determined that, in addition to parenting stress, the length of deployment and the ethnic background of the Army spouse also acted as contributing stress factors influencing not only contentment, but perception of family coping and the sense of coherence experienced by the spouse during long‐term deployments (mean = 4.6 months). The mean age of children in the home was found to have significant effect on sense of coherence in this particular sample of women. The influence of the stressors in the statistical model on life contentment was mostly ameliorated by sense of coherence (i.e. perception of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness in daily life). In other words, spouses with higher sense of coherence experienced better contentment with their lives during deployments. The study also captures qualitative responses and provides several themes associated with daily experiences of Army spouses. Implications for both military and civilian social workers are discussed.
Ethnic differences in reported unmet needs among male inpatients with severe mental illness
Authors: BRUCE M. , GWASPARI M. , COBB D. , NDEGWA D.
Published: February 2012

Accessible summary

Literature suggests that ethnic minority groups are disadvantaged within current health care services in the UK. This study attempts to identify the rates and nature of unmet health and social needs across three ethnic groups.

Inpatients of African ethnicity reported significantly less unmet needs than their White British counterparts.

Unmet needs in the domains of psychotic symptoms, alcohol use and safety to self differed significantly across the three ethnic groups.

Inpatients of White British heritage appeared to have more unmet needs and/or were more willing to disclose these compared to other ethnic groups.

The ability to meet health and social needs is complicated by the presence of antisocial personality disorder and alcohol dependence.

Health services are failing to meet the needs of ethnic minority groups with severe mental illness in the UK. Understanding these unmet social and health needs will assist service providers in developing culturally sensitive and responsive care pathways. Using a cross‐sectional design, 165 service users were recruited from 10 acute inpatient wards across four South London boroughs. Needs were assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Assessment Schedule and substance dependence and antisocial personality disorder were measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Drug Use Disorders Identification Test and the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders. African, but not African–Caribbean, heritage continued to predict lower rates of reported unmet needs compared to White British (P < 0.001) following multivariate analysis. Different patterns of unmet needs were observed across ethnic heritage groups. Antisocial personality disorder and alcohol dependence were also independently associated with unmet needs. Consideration of a patient's ethnic identity and comorbidities is essential for effective needs assessment within psychiatric and mental health nursing.
Role of distension on duodenal and colonic contractility in mice: a novel myograph for intestines
Authors: Lu X. , Zhang Z. , Choy J. S. , Kassab G. S.
Published: February 2012

Background  The role of mechanical distension (stretch and tension) on intestinal contractility is poorly understood.

Methods  We introduce a novel isovolumic myograph to quantify the intestinal contractility in response to mechanical stimulation. To evaluate the role of distension on contractility, an external restraint was used to restrict intestinal distension or stretch induced by inflation pressure. The amplitude of intraluminal pressure at isovolumic condition was defined as an index of intestinal contractility.

Key Results  The in situ maximal contraction (1.42 ± 0.39 mmHg) of duodenum in response to inflation pressure was similar to the in vitro maximal contraction (1.39 ± 0.37 mmHg). As the pressure was increased, the in situ duodenal contraction attenuated faster than the in vitro one. The in situ maximal contraction (4.86 ± 1.32 mmHg) of distal colon in response to inflation pressure was significantly larger than the in vitro maximal contraction (2.31 ± 0.67 mmHg). With increase of pressure, the in situ colonic contractility (1.82 ± 0.87 mmHg) became similar to the in vitro counterpart (1.61  ± 0.98 mmHg). With restraint, the maximal contraction of duodenum and distal colon decreased from 4.86 ± 1.32 and 1.42  ± 0.39 mmHg to 2.91 ± 0.87 and 0.97 ± 0.29 mmHg, respectively. Finally, a significant linear relation was found between strain and amplitude of contraction for both duodenum and colon which became non‐significant with restraint.

Conclusions & Inferences  Our results suggest that distension is an important stimulus for intestinal contractility and nervous regulation is implicated in the intestinal contractility response to mechanical stimulus.