bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dark tourism scholarship: a critical review
Authors: Stone Philip 
Published: July 2013

PurposeCommonly referred to as dark tourism or thanatourism, the act of touristic travel to sites of or sites associated with death and disaster has gained significant attention with media imaginations and academic scholarship. However, despite a growing body of literature on the representation and tourist experience of deathscapes within the visitor economy, dark tourism as a field of study is still very much in its infancy. Moreover, questions remain of the academic origins of the dark tourism concept, as well as its contribution to the broader social scientific study of tourism and death education. Thus, the purpose of this invited review for this Special Issue on dark tourism, is to offer some critical insights into thanatourism scholarship.Design/methodology/approachThis review paper critiques the emergence and current direction of dark tourism scholarship.FindingsThe author suggests that dark tourism as an academic field of study is where death education and tourism studies collide and, as such, can offer potentially fruitful research avenues within the broad realms of thanatology. Secondly, the author outlines how dark tourism as a conceptual typology has been subject to a sustained marketization process within academia over the past decade or so. Consequently, dark tourism is now a research brand in which scholars can locate a diverse range of death‐related and tourist experience studies. Finally, the author argues that the study of dark tourism is not simply a fascination with death or the macabre, but a multi‐disciplinary academic lens through which to scrutinise fundamental interrelationships of the contemporary commodification of death with the cultural condition of society.Originality/valueThis review paper scrutinises dark tourism scholarship and, subsequently, offers original insights into the potential role dark tourism may play in the public representation of death, as well as highlighting broader interrelationships dark tourism has with research into the social reality of death and the significant Other dead.
A study of workplace aggression as related to pedagogical reform in Hong Kong secondary schools
Authors: Wai‐ming Tam Frank 
Published: July 2013

PurposePrevious research on pedagogical reforms has seldom looked at how reform may contribute to aggression in school organizations. The purpose of this paper is to hypothesize that teachers’ disengagement from school mediates the tendency for teachers to manifest aggression when they are implementing pedagogical reform in school. Behind this hypothesis is the assumption that people are bound to encounter obstacles when implementing changes, and the resultant frustration can easily grow into feelings of disengagement and aggression which block the changes.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 845 teachers in 30 secondary schools in Hong Kong were surveyed and path analysis employed to look at how constraint in an organization and feeling of disengagement within the school hampers the successful implementation of reform towards constructivist pedagogy.FindingsResults of the study suggest that feelings of disengagement amplify the negative impact of instructional change and cause aggressive impulses within the school to intensify, but support from school can significantly reduce the feelings of disengagement and constraint experienced by teachers. Findings of the study contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of change and its impacts on school organizations.Originality/valueAlthough some studies have looked at workplace aggression in a school setting, there is no work being done to look at how mandated school reform contributes to workplace aggression.
Shopping in downtown
Authors: De Nisco Alessandro , Warnaby Gary 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the influence of three selected physical components of the urban environment – physical design, space layout and functionality, and store external appearance – on consumers' perceptions of service quality and behavioural intentions (desire to stay and repatronage intentions).Design/methodology/approachThe research framework is based on the atmospherics, servicescape and service quality literatures. The proposed model is tested with a survey conducted in an inner‐city shopping street in Benevento (Italy).FindingsResults show that physical space functionality and store appearance provide cues upon which customers base their perception of service quality provided in the shopping street and that service quality inferences, in turn, are able to affect desire to stay and repatronage intentions.Practical implicationsFindings are able to provide policy makers and retailers with suggestions in developing appropriate strategies for managing the urban setting with particular reference to individual shopping streets with the objective of improving customers' perception of service quality and subsequent behavioural outcomes.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to both retail and place marketing literature in that it is one of the few empirical studies aiming to investigate the influence of atmospheric stimuli on consumers' perception in an urban setting.
Meet Mohammed: using simulation and technology to support learning
Authors: Lambert Nichola , Watkins Lucy 
Published: July 2013

PurposeClinical placements within healthcare are fundamental to student development and higher education institutions need to ensure that students’ learning within practice is supported. There is an increasing evidence base to suggest that simulation may help to bridge this gap. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a cohort of 85 first‐year mental health students undertook a simulation project, in which they followed the admission of a virtual patient (in the form of an avatar) called Mohammed, to an acute inpatient ward. This simulation project was a two‐week experience for student nurses, whereby they engaged with a virtual service user and worked in teams and as individuals to support his recovery. This project allowed students to practice their clinical skills and communication skills within a safe and supportive environment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is an evaluation of a two‐week experience for student nurses where they were supported to engage with a virtual service user. It was designed to provide students with exposure to decision making, critical thinking and the application of clinical reasoning in a simulated working environment. Students were able to practice their clinical and communication skills within a safe and supportive environment. Student understanding was measured before the project began, on completion to measure any changes and again when the student had had returned to practice to see if they had maintained their skills.FindingsSeveral emergent themes were identified: first, students acknowledged a greater level of learning during activities which they considered most challenging and in some cases the least enjoyable. This raises questions about the management of emotions in unfamiliar learning situations and of student expectations around the “Gamification” of learning. Students wanted increased interaction with the avatar and there is potential to continue to develop this project in terms of measuring application of knowledge and student performance by using innovative assessment and engagement strategies.Practical implicationsThis project provides a platform for the active contribution of service users, carers and specialist teams. It allows educational input to closely align to practice needs, for lecturers to support and feedback on practice experiences and it opens up flexible and remote working for students. With an understanding of the principles and practice behind it, this project could be adapted for other practice and managerial learning events. Some examples include: multi‐disciplinary team‐building activities, to form part of an assessment or interview process, or integrated within a provider's own polices and opportunities for practice learning, such as preceptorship.Originality/valueThis paper explores opportunities for creative engagement in learning with service users, practice teams and students and it highlights the need for an evidence base around simulation for mental health nurse education.
Taguchi approach followed by fuzzy linguistic reasoning for quality‐productivity optimization in machining operation
Authors: Abhishek Kumar , Datta Saurav , Sankar Mahapatra Siba , Mandal Goutam , Majumdar Gautam 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe study has been aimed to search an appropriate process environment for simultaneous optimization of quality‐productivity favorably. Various surface roughness parameters (of the machined product) have been considered as product quality characteristics whereas material removal rate (MRR) has been treated as productivity measure for the said machining process.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, three controllable process parameters, cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut, have been considered for optimizing material removal rate (MRR) of the process and multiple surface roughness features for the machined product, based on L9 orthogonal array experimental design. To avoid assumptions, limitation, uncertainty and imprecision in application of existing multi‐response optimization techniques documented in literature, a fuzzy inference system (FIS) has been proposed to convert such a multi‐objective optimization problem into an equivalent single objective optimization situation by adapting FIS. A multi‐performance characteristic index (MPCI) has been defined based on the FIS output. MPCI has been optimized finally using Taguchi method.FindingsThe study demonstrates application feasibility of the proposed approach with satisfactory result of confirmatory test. The proposed procedure is simple, and effective in developing a robust, versatile and flexible mass production process.Originality/valueIn the proposed model it is not required to assign individual response weights; no need to check for response correlation. FIS can efficiently take care of these aspects into its internal hierarchy thereby overcoming various limitations/assumptions of existing optimization approaches.
A service science approach for improving healthy food experiences
Authors: Mahr Dominik , Kalogeras Nikos , Odekerken‐Schröder Gaby 
Published: July 2013

PurposeInsufficient attention to the specific nature of healthy food experiences might limit the success of related innovations. The purpose of this article is to adopt a value‐in‐use perspective to conceptualize healthy food consumption as experiential and emotional, rather than the mere intake of nutrition, and to examine the development of healthy food communication with a service science approach.Design/methodology/approachWith a service science approach, this study proposes a virtual healthy food platform for children. The key data come from internal project documents, workshops with children and other stakeholders (e.g. parents, teachers), and interviews with project team members.FindingsThe simultaneity of functional and hedonic benefits, implications for multiple stakeholders, social norms, and need for expertise characterize healthy food experiences. The proposed framework accounts for enablers, principles, outcomes, and challenges affecting the development of communication integral to healthy food experiences, using project data and tools as illustrations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to growing literature on service science by introducing key principles and contingency factors that influence the success of experience‐centric service innovations. Quantitative research should validate the established framework and investigate the elements' relative usefulness for developing healthy food communication.Practical implicationsThe service science approach involves multiple stakeholders, empathic data collection, and visual tools to develop an entertaining platform to help children learn about healthy food.Originality/valueThis research conceptualizes and validates healthy food experiences as value‐in‐use offerings. The proposed service science approach accounts for the interactions among stakeholders, the holistic nature, and specificities of a real‐life decision context for improving healthy food experiences.
Solvency capital requirement for insurance products via dynamic cash flow matching under lattice models
Authors: Ka Chun Ma Alfred , Yuen Ki Cheung Justina 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a framework based on cash flow matching for computing the Solvency Capital Requirement under Solvency II.Design/methodology/approachThe time horizon of the insurance liabilities is typically longer than the maturities of bonds available in the market. With the assumption that a collection of bonds will be available for purchase in the future, the authors study the cash flow matching program under interest rate lattice models.FindingsThe solution can be interpreted as the worst‐case cost and the economic capital can be found accordingly.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates the methodology of computing the Solvency Capital Requirement using a dynamic cash flow matching framework under lattice models. The proposed method is particularly useful for insurance products with a typical long time horizon when most duration matching techniques are not easily applicable.
The significance of regulatory orientation, political stability and culture on consumption and price adequacy in insurance markets
Authors: Jean Kwon W. 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine insurance regulation theories, regulatory agency structures and measures.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates significance of regulatory agency structure, key regulatory measures, political stability and cultural dimension in insurance markets of 56 developed and developing countries for 2005‐2009.FindingsIt was found that insurance consumption is lower in countries with an authority exclusively for insurance regulation but life insurance consumption is higher when the agency is part of government or when another agency is jointly responsible for insurance regulation. Market entry regulation leads to lower consumption whereas market exit regulation has the opposite effect. Solvency regulation and required use of standard forms for insurer financials lead to greater consumption of insurance. A positive impact on the nonlife market is observed for accounting regulation and regulator's intervention power.Practical implicationsPrice control regulation may lower consumption of insurance whereas tariff rating brings about a rise in the consumption. Regulation of insurance intermediaries or corporate governance may lower insurance consumption whereas the requirement that insurers employ an actuary or actuaries gives rise to the consumption.Originality/valueThe author found no difference between OECD and non‐OECD countries. However, corruption‐freeness and inflation impact insurance consumption. Using OECD country data only, a negative impact was found of the single agency structure and tariff regulation in the life insurance market and a positive impact of regulation by two or more agencies in the life insurance market and of price control regulation in the nonlife insurance market. Corruption‐freeness positively affects the loss ratio in the life insurance market and the combined ratio in the nonlife insurance market.
Building blocks, exploitation and exploration of sectoral systems of innovation in catch‐up of China's car industry
Authors: Wang Yi 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine evolutionary processes of sectoral systems of innovation in China's catch‐up situation.Design/methodology/approachHistory event analysis method is used. The data that inform this paper come primarily from interviews carried out as a part of case studies of the innovations of China's car industry as well as public sources.FindingsMarket catch‐up of China's self‐owned brand cars expanded from low to high end market segment. Changes of the five building blocks of innovation system of China's car industry have driven the market catch‐up since the 1980s. The five building blocks are: market demand, industrial technology and knowledge base, institutional setting, industrial structure, firms' competences and strategy. China's car industry evolved through exploitation and exploration, which were affected by the five building blocks. The exploitation and exploration shaped the catch‐up way of China's car industry: from production localization to design localization and self‐owned brands. Exploration of the self‐owned brand group built on exploitation of the joint‐venture group.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a single industry. Studies on more industries are needed to generalize the research results.Practical implicationsIncreased understanding of how sectoral systems of innovation evolve will give managers and policy makers in the developing countries like China improved opportunities to formulate policies and management practices that can cultivate innovation capabilities in catch‐up.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the research stream on sectoral systems of innovation by understanding building blocks and evolutionary processes at the base of change and growth in the catch‐up situation.
Impact of relationship strength and integration capability on the efficiency of knowledge transfer among technology alliances in China
Authors: Shu‐wen Ma , Wen‐an Pan 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to adopt a study framework of network embeddedness and social capital perspective, and to explore the relationship among relationship strength, knowledge integration capability and the efficiency of knowledge transfer among technology alliance.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data were acquired through a recent survey of electrical and mechanical, biopharmaceutical and chemical industries. LISREL analysis was employed to examine the impact of relationship strength and integration capability on the efficiency of knowledge transfer.FindingsThe results verify that relationship strength has a significant positive impact on cooperative knowledge transfer and external integration capability, but it cannot influence innovative knowledge and internal integration capability. The internal knowledge integration capacity has a positive influence on the external integration capacity, but the external knowledge integration does not have significant impact on the internal integration capacity. Combined with the external integration capability, relationship strength's indirect influence on cooperative knowledge transfer is greater than the direct one.Research limitations/implicationsStrengthening knowledge integration capacity is the key to improve the efficiency of knowledge transfer by taking advantage of partnerships. The enterprise should adjust the relationship strength according to the function matching of the knowledge.Originality/valueThis paper is one of very few that provide empirical evidence of the impact of relationship strength and integration capability on the performance of knowledge transfer. It provides necessary basis for the enterprise to lay out and establish the technology alliance, which the enterprise should adjust the type of union according to the characteristic of the knowledge during the process of planning the technology alliance. This paper also suggests that the enterprises should make full use of technology alliance to enhance the external integration ability.
Development and implementation of a regional intensive care health service model
Authors: Roberts Daniel , Clark Helen , Rock Betty‐Lou 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a healthcare service redesign. Before 1998, five community hospitals in Winnipeg each managed their intensive care units (ICUs) independently, providing virtually no access to patients in rural and remote regions of the province of Manitoba; and two tertiary university affiliated hospitals were left with insufficient intensive care beds to service the rest of the provincial population in addition to their tertiary service responsibilities. The authors resolved to create a city‐wide integrated critical care services model, in order to improve patient access, quality of care and cost effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA population demand analysis was performed and service objectives were defined. A gap analysis became the basis of an integrated service model design and an implementation plan was formulated.FindingsBeds were redistributed among community hospital ICUs to match available nursing resources. A credentialing process was developed to establish medical competency for attending physicians. A central bed registry and a referral triage system were implemented, to ensure that any Manitoban requiring an ICU admission acquired an appropriate bed in a timely manner. A regional computerized critical care database was introduced to all ICUs. The total number of beds was reduced from 92 to 84 and total occupancy fell from 65 to 58. The new model was entirely funded from bed reductions.Originality/valueThis paper describes the integration of a group of hospital‐based ICUs into a regional service delivery model developed to meet the needs of a provincial population.
Applying systems engineering to create a population‐centered sleep disorders program
Authors: Hathout Linda , Tenbergen Tina , Giannouli Eleni , Clark Helen , Roberts Daniel 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a healthcare service redesign. In 2005, sleep disorder diagnostic assessments for patients in the Province of Manitoba were conducted at two independent sites. Referrals had accumulated, creating a waiting list of over 3,400 patients while only 1,200 patients were studied annually. Wait times for diagnosis and treatment increased dramatically. No managed patient database existed, nor were there standards to measure the effectiveness of the services.Design/methodology/approachA systems analysis approach was used which including population demand analysis, value stream mapping and refining the clinical service objectives. The current and desired state of the system was defined and a gap analysis became the foundation of a change management plan.FindingsA system redesign resulted in tripling the throughput with a 35 per cent increase in operating budget, evaluation metrics, elimination of diagnostic handling and treatment start delays, and an increase in treatment rates for positively diagnosed patients from 55 to 70 per cent.Originality/valueThis paper provides an example of how healthcare services can be envisioned using a systems analysis approach.