bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring determinants of pre-training motivation and training effectiveness: a temporal investigation
Authors: Kodwani Amitabh Deo , Kodwani Manisha 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe present study is an attempt to extend previous findings and examine the role of the trainer's reputation, training nomination and training reputation on pre-training motivation and training effectiveness in a business context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors hypothesized that trainer reputation, training nomination and training reputation would affect pre-training motivation; and that pre-training motivation would act as a mediator between these three variables and training effectiveness. The sample is constituted by 251 managerial-level employees at a large firm in India who completed pre-training and post-training surveys. These data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling and other inferential techniques.FindingsThe results suggested that self-nomination positively influences pre-training motivation. Similarly, positive training and trainer reputations also affect pre-training motivation. Pre-training motivation mediates the relationship between trainer reputation, training nomination, training reputation and training effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe method bias and measurement error cannot be ruled out. The data were collected from employees in a single firm via self-reports, and, ceteris paribus, it would be advantageous to broaden the sampling frame to cover multiple organizations with data collected using more than one methodology. However, the temporal lag of 45 days used herein between collecting predictor data and criterion data can reasonably be expected to have mitigated this problem to some extent.Practical implicationsThe findings regarding the reputation suggest that what trainees know or what they believe they know about the trainer or the training program they are going to attend will have a significant impact on their pre-training motivation, and subsequently on the training effectiveness. It is also essential to understand how trainees get information about training. Most often, this information travels through various informal channels and passes through many people, and thus trainees may get inadequate or incorrect information about the training program and the trainer.Originality/valuePrevious research indicates that only a small proportion of training actually gets transferred to the job (Mackay, 2007). This study augments the literature by putting forward empirical evidence that could be leveraged by firms' senior management teams pursuant of optimizing investments in the training of employees.
Terrain imperatives for Mini unmanned aircraft systems applications
Authors: Ramesh P.S. , Muruga Lal Jeyan J.V. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeAmongst all classes of unmanned aircraft system (UAS), the rise of the Mini UAS class is the most dominant. Mini UASs are field-deployable systems and hence are not expected to operate from a runway. Therefore, the operating terrain plays an important role in the deployment and employment of the Mini UAS. However, there is limited published work in this area. The impact of terrain is more critical for military applications than civilian applications. The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of various types of terrain on the employment and deployment of Mini UAS.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the implications of various types of terrain on the employment and deployment of Mini UAS.FindingsMini UAS with field deployable requirements is often launched within the tactical battle area in case of military applications or in close proximity to the intended target area for civilian applications. Due to the size and weight of the Mini UAS, launch and recovery becomes an important factor to be considered. Rotary wing or fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing configuration UAS overcomes the limitations of Mini UAS and hence it is the preferred option. Impact of the terrain is significantly higher for military applications as compared to civil applications. Mountain terrain is the most challenging for Mini UAS operations.Practical implicationsThis paper will help the designers configure the UAS as per the operating terrain.Originality/valueTerrain affects the deployment and employment of Mini UAS and the capabilities of the system with respect to terrain in which it is expected to operate must be considered during the design of a Mini UAS. The paper will help the designers configure the UAS as per the operating terrain.
Multi-sided platform strategies for organizations: transforming the business model
Authors: Mancha Rubén , Gordon Steven 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore and summarize the strategies organizations can follow when adopting a multi-sided platform (MSP) business model. MSPs benefit from direct and indirect network effects, quick scaling, fast innovation and new revenue streams.

Design/methodology/approach
This study draws from the literature on business model innovation to identify five strategies in which organizations can transform by creating or acquiring an MSP. This taxonomy is confirmed with a classification of 20 MSPs adopted by 18 organizations, 5 short case studies and an interview with an executive involved in the launch of an organization’s MSP.

Findings
To implement an MSP, companies can expand their offerings, intermediate their industry with a marketplace, expand to new geographies or market segment, co-innovate their core product or service and co-innovate complementary offerings.

Practical implications
Organizations are presented with five distinct approaches to transform their business model and benefit from MSP interactions. The cases, quotes from executives and analyzes will serve organizations in designing a platform strategy.

Originality/value
This study provides executives and researchers with insights about how organizations can transform their business models with MSPs.
What theories underpin performance-based financing? A scoping review
Authors: Paul Elisabeth , Bodson Oriane , Ridde Valéry 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe study aims to explore the theoretical bases justifying the use of performance-based financing (PBF) in the health sector in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a scoping review of the literature on PBF so as to identify the theories utilized to underpin it and analyzed its theoretical justifications.FindingsSixty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Economic theories were predominant, with the principal-agent theory being the most commonly-used theory, explicitly referred to by two-thirds of included studies. Psychological theories were also common, with a wide array of motivation theories. Other disciplines in the form of management or organizational science, political and social science and systems approaches also contributed. However, some of the theories referred to contradicted each other. Many of the studies included only casually alluded to one or more theories, and very few used these theories to justify or support PBF. No theory emerged as a dominant, consistent and credible justification of PBF, perhaps except for the principal-agent theory, which was often inappropriately applied in the included studies, and when it included additional assumptions reflecting the contexts of the health sector in LMICs, might actually warn against adopting PBF.Practical implicationsOverall, this review has not been able to identify a comprehensive, credible, consistent, theoretical justification for using PBF rather than alternative approaches to health system reforms and healthcare providers' motivation in LMICs.Originality/valueThe theoretical justifications of PBF in the health sector in LMICs are under-documented. This review is the first of this kind and should encourage further debate and theoretical exploration of the justifications of PBF.
A two-nation investigation of leadership self-perceptions and motivation to lead in early adulthood: the moderating role of gender and socio-economic status
Authors: Hoyland Thomas , Psychogios Alexandros , Epitropaki Olga , Damiani Jonathan , Mukhuty Sumona , Priestnall Chris 
Published: January 2021

PurposeDrawing on the social-cognitive and motivational literature of leadership, the present study examines the influence of young adults' self-perceptions of leadership on their leadership self-efficacy (LSE) and motivation to lead (MTL) in their future career. The authors further examine gender and socio-economic status (SES) as important moderators of the proposed relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe present investigation consists of a two-study research design, based on data collected from young adult samples across two culturally different countries, namely the UK (N = 267) and Japan (N = 127).FindingsThe study presents evidence of self-perceptions of leadership influencing LSE and MTL. The results further support the mediating role of leader self-efficacy. Regarding the moderating role of gender, results in both samples showed that the effects of leader self-efficacy on MTL were stronger for males. SES was found to moderate the effects of leadership self-perceptions of negative implicit leadership theories (ILTs) on LSE in the UK sample and the effects of leadership self-perceptions of positive ILTs on LSE in the Japanese sample.Originality/valueThis study fills the gap of empirical research focused on early adulthood influences on leadership development. In particular, this study has a three-fold contribution, by, firstly, developing a conceptual model that examines the role of young adults' self-perceptions of leadership on their self-efficacy as leaders and MTL; secondly examining contingencies of the proposed relationships; and thirdly testing the conceptual model in two countries.
The impact of service excellence and service innovation on organisational reputation: quantitative evidence from Jordanian public sector
Authors: Aladwan Shaker A. , Alshami Sajeda I. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe aim of this paper is the identification of the impacts that innovation and service excellence have upon organisational reputation within public sector organisations in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachAn approach was adopted that was quantitative with a questionnaire designed that was to be self-administrated for the primary data collection. In total, there was distribution of 600 questionnaires from which 556 were retrieved with a high rate of response (92.7%).FindingsThrough analysis of the data, several findings were revealed by the study, including that innovation was the factor with the most influence (beta = 0.81) upon organisational reputation within the public sector in Jordan compared to the factor for service excellence (beta = 0.54).Practical implicationsThe research has several potential implications for theory and management for those making decisions and policies within public administration such as in relation to enhancement of innovation strategy application for improving the reputations of organisations within the public sector. Furthermore, the paper fills a gap within the theory of organisational reputation and within the literature generally, especially in the context of public administration.Originality/valueIn regard to value and originality of this paper, it can be considered the first of its type for the public sector in Jordan, and perhaps the Arab region as a whole, that has examined the impacts that innovation and service excellence have upon organisational reputation within the context of public administration.
Field‐based ecological studies to assess prospective biological control agents for invasive alien plants: An example from giant rat's tail grass
Authors: Sutton Guy F. , Canavan Kim , Day Michael D. , Paterson Iain D. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Biological control (biocontrol) of invasive alien plants is a widely utilised weed management tool. Prospective biocontrol agents are typically assessed through host specificity testing and pre‐release efficacy studies performed in quarantine. However, rearing of the potential biocontrol agents and/or test plants is often difficult or impossible under quarantine conditions. Moreover, practitioners may attain laboratory artefacts in quarantine, which may result in the potential agent being needlessly rejected. Field‐based studies in the weed's indigenous distribution could overcome these issues.

Sporobolus pyramidalis and Sporobolus natalensis (giant rat's tail grass; Poaceae) are indigenous in Africa but have become problematic invasive alien plants in Australia. A previous biocontrol program was terminated because the candidate agent could not be reared and tested in quarantine. We performed field‐based host specificity and efficacy studies for prospective biocontrol agents in South Africa (indigenous distribution). Forty‐seven non‐target grass species were sampled during host specificity assessments. Candidate agent efficacy was estimated based on damage to the target weeds, for each host specific candidate individually and in combination with other host‐specific candidates.

Three species of endophagous wasps were deemed host specific. Efficacy assessments identified an undescribed stem‐boring wasp (Tetramesa sp.) species as the most damaging candidate. A second Tetramesa species was much less damaging alone but had a cumulative impact on the plant in combination with the more damaging Tetramesa species. Both Tetramesa species are recommended for importation into quarantine in Australia for confirmatory host specificity testing with a significantly reduced test plant list.

Synthesis and applications. Similar field‐based assessments in the indigenous distribution of weeds targeted for biocontrol could be included in the future programs. Where rearing of potential agents and/or test plants is difficult or impossible under quarantine conditions, our field‐based method provides an alternative. Where quarantine‐based testing is feasible, this method ensures that only candidates that have passed an ecologically realistic host‐specificity and potential efficacy screening are imported into quarantine. This may reduce the number of agents that are imported and the length of time each agent is kept in quarantine. This is advantageous because quarantine space is highly valuable and is usually a limiting factor in pre‐release assessments of biocontrol agents.
Adaptive monitoring in action: Reconsidering design‐based estimators reveals underestimation of whitebark pine disease prevalence in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Shanahan Erin , Wright Wilson J. , Irvine Kathryn M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Identifying and understanding status and trends in ecological indicators motivates continual monitoring over decades. Many programs rely on probability surveys and their companion design‐based estimators for status assessments (e.g. Horvitz–Thompson). Design‐based estimators do not easily extend to trend estimation nor situations with observation errors. Field‐based monitoring efforts inevitably have turnover of field crew members which may affect consistency and accuracy of data collection over time. Additionally, design‐based estimators ignore the complexities of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in an ecological indicator and how this variability may be linked to environmental or biological dynamics. We propose monitoring programs should re‐evaluate their prescribed statistical methods, consider model‐based approaches and adapt their sampling designs as needed to improve inferences.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, home to two of the most iconic U.S. National Parks, has experienced significant declines in whitebark pine Pinus albicaulis communities due to forest pathogens, insect outbreaks, wildland fires and drought. Whitebark pine is a keystone species found in mountainous environments throughout the Western U.S. and Canada. We assessed the design‐based ratio estimator originally recommended for estimating prevalence of white pine blister rust Cronartium ribicola. We compared the design‐based estimator to a model‐based approach that accounts for the sampling design, imperfect detection and allows for infection probabilities to vary over space and time.

Ignoring observation errors led to lower estimated prevalence of white pine blister rust in the general population. Using model‐based approaches, we found that the probability of infection has increased since 2004. However, overall prevalence likely has not changed because of the mountain pine beetle Dendroctonus ponderosae‐induced shift towards smaller diameter trees that have a lower probability of infection compared to their larger cohorts.

Synthesis and Applications. Using a design‐based approach to detect change in ecological indicators falls short because of the inability to account for observation errors or to explore environmental or biological factors explaining temporal dynamics. Inherently understanding the mechanisms leading to changes in an ecological indicator over time informs potential management actions. Our assessment underscores the need for continued evaluation and updating of a monitoring program's sampling design and analytical procedures to maintain relevancy.
Is Obesity Policy in England Fit for Purpose? Analysis of Government Strategies and Policies, 1992–2020
Authors: THEIS DOLLY R.Z. , WHITE MARTIN 
Published: January 2021

Policy Points
This analysis finds that government obesity policies in England have largely been proposed in a way that does not readily lead to implementation; that governments rarely commission evaluations of previous government strategies or learn from policy failures; that governments have tended to adopt less interventionist policy approaches; and that policies largely make high demands on individual agency, meaning they rely on individuals to make behavior changes rather than shaping external influences and are thus less likely to be effective or equitable.
These findings may help explain why after 30 years of proposed government obesity policies, obesity prevalence and health inequities still have not been successfully reduced.
If policymakers address the issues identified in this analysis, population obesity could be tackled more successfully, which has added urgency given the COVID‐19 pandemic.
ContextIn England, the majority of adults, and more than a quarter of children aged 2 to 15 years live with obesity or excess weight. From 1992 to 2020, even though the government published 14 obesity strategies in England, the prevalence of obesity has not been reduced. We aimed to determine whether such government strategies and policies have been fit for purpose regarding their strategic focus, nature, basis in theory and evidence, and implementation viability.MethodWe undertook a mixed‐methods study, involving a document review and analysis of government strategies either wholly or partially dedicated to tackling obesity in England. We developed a theory‐based analytical framework, using content analysis and applied thematic analysis (ATA) to code all policies. Our interpretation drew on quantitative findings and thematic analysis.FindingsWe identified and analyzed 14 government strategies published from 1992 to 2020 containing 689 wide‐ranging policies. Policies were largely proposed in a way that would be unlikely to lead to implementation; the majority were not interventionist and made high demands on individual agency, meaning that they relied on individuals to make behavior changes rather than shaping external influences, and are thus less likely to be effective or to reduce health inequalities.ConclusionsThe government obesity strategies’ failure to reduce the prevalence of obesity in England for almost 30 years may be due to weaknesses in the policies’ design, leading to a lack of effectiveness, but they may also be due to failures of implementation and evaluation. These failures appear to have led to insufficient or no policy learning and governments proposing similar or identical policies repeatedly over many years. Governments should learn from their earlier policy failures. They should prioritize policies that make minimal demands on individuals and have the potential for population‐wide reach so as to maximize their potential for equitable impacts. Policies should be proposed in ways that readily lead to implementation and evaluation.
Varieties of Constitutionalism in the European Union
Authors: Larsen Signe Rehling 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe underlying assumption of constitutional pluralism, one of the dominant theories of EU legal scholarship, is a fundamental constitutional homogeneity amongst the EU Member States allowing for harmonious co‐existence and ‘constitutional tolerance’. This article challenges this assumption by demonstrating that the EU is characterised by a fundamental constitutional heterogeneity. It argues that the Member States are influenced by at least three different ‘varieties of constitutionalism’: ‘post‐fascist constitutionalism’, ‘evolutionary constitutionalism’ and ‘post‐communist constitutionalism’. The article shows that the type of constitutionalism dominant in a Member State influences its conception of the nature of the EU and its legal and political relationship to the project of European integration. The EU is therefore characterised by a fundamental constitutional asymmetry. The rise of authoritarianism in Poland and Hungary, while extreme, should thus not be treated as an exception to an otherwise constitutionally homogenous Union.
Ethno‐nationalist populism and the mobilization of collective resentment
Authors: Bonikowski Bart 
Published: January 2021

AbstractScholarly and journalistic accounts of the recent successes of radical‐right politics in Europe and the United States, including the Brexit referendum and the Trump campaign, tend to conflate three phenomena: populism, ethno‐nationalism and authoritarianism. While all three are important elements of the radical right, they are neither coterminous nor limited to the right. The resulting lack of analytical clarity has hindered accounts of the causes and consequences of ethno‐nationalist populism. To address this problem, I bring together existing research on nationalism, populism and authoritarianism in contemporary democracies to precisely define these concepts and examine temporal patterns in their supply and demand, that is, politicians’ discursive strategies and the corresponding public attitudes. Based on the available evidence, I conclude that both the supply and demand sides of radical politics have been relatively stable over time, which suggests that in order to understand public support for radical politics, scholars should instead focus on the increased resonance between pre‐existing attitudes and discursive frames. Drawing on recent research in cultural sociology, I argue that resonance is not only a function of the congruence between a frame and the beliefs of its audience, but also of shifting context. In the case of radical‐right politics, a variety of social changes have engendered a sense of collective status threat among national ethnocultural majorities. Political and media discourse has channelled such threats into resentments toward elites, immigrants, and ethnic, racial and religious minorities, thereby activating previously latent attitudes and lending legitimacy to radical political campaigns that promise to return power and status to their aggrieved supporters. Not only does this form of politics threaten democratic institutions and inter‐group relations, but it also has the potential to alter the contours of mainstream public discourse, thereby creating the conditions of possibility for future successes of populist, nationalist, and authoritarian politics.