bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blogging and globalization: the blurring of the public/private spheres
Authors: Youngs Gillian 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how the blurring of public and private spheres is among the changes associated with the phenomenon of blogging. In linking this to theories of globalization shows more clearly how new media transformations have macro as well as micro significance.Design/methodology/approachAn assessment of blogging is undertaken in the context of theories of globalization, with specific focus on issues related to public/private linkages, the aim being to make theory‐practice connections to enhance understanding of the wider implications of blogging.FindingsThe analysis identifies how theories of globalization offer foundational understanding for investigating blogging as a social rather than purely new media development. This relates to the spatial reconfigurations of social, political, economic and cultural life, which have been characteristic of processes of globalization. The ways in which blogging demonstrates the blurring of public and private spheres is usefully understood within this broader spatial framework.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a primarily conceptual and theoretical approach with substantive reference to blogging, which remains at the general level rather than looking in detail at different kinds of blogs and their implications. Its contribution is therefore located primarily in the conceptual and theoretical domains.Practical implicationsThis form of analysis foregrounds public/private sphere boundaries in relation to blogging and could contribute to critical thinking about the social implications of blogging for bloggers and readers alike.Originality/valueConceptual and theoretical linkages between theories of globalization, especially in relation to spatial issues, blogging and the blurring of public and private.
Blogs in American politics: from Lott to Lieberman
Authors: Campbell Vincent 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the rhetoric and reality of the impact of political blogs in the specific context of American politics, where online, mainstream media and academic accounts suggest blogs have had significant impacts on political communication.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines three high profile events in which blogging has been implicated as particularly influential, and re‐evaluates them in the context of established political science approaches. These events are the resignation of Trent Lott in 2002; Howard Dean's presidential campaign of 2003‐2004; and the Connecticut primary challenge to Joe Lieberman in the 2006 Senate mid‐term elections.FindingsRe‐evaluating these cases in the context of established theories of American politics suggests that the perception of blogs as a progressive new force, that can be decisive in a politician's success or failure, is an over‐optimistic and over‐simplified interpretation of the nature and consequences of this new form of political communication.Originality/valueThis paper provides a much needed first step in integrating the rhetoric of commentary on blogs in American politics with established political science, allowing for a more balanced and contextual consideration of the political roles of blogs than that provided by the blogosphere and its proponents to date.
News blogs: strengthening democracy through conflict prevention
Authors: Touri Maria 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer greater insight in the role of blogs in the creation of a more transparent news media system and a more democratic political reality.Design/methodology/approachFraming theory is employed as a conceptual tool to re‐interpret existing evidence of the performance of news blogs during situations of political conflict and war. A theoretical analysis is developed setting out the premises of the challenge that blogs can pose to the framing of conflict by mainstream media. The analysis incorporates empirical examples of reporting conflict and war in the blogosphere. Finally, with the aid of international relations theories, the role of blogs is evaluated in terms of the political transparency and accountability they could offer during conflict and war.FindingsThe analysis demonstrated that by promoting alternative and progressive voices, blogs have the capacity to shift the power over framing away from the usual sources in the news reporting of political conflict and turn the media system into a greater constraining factor for governments than even before.Originality/valueThe paper presents a novel approach to the interaction between blogs and mainstream media by combining theories from the disciplines of communications and international relations. The analysis generated a hypothesis that can be empirically assessed with the investigation of the framing output of influential news blogs and mainstream news media during political conflict and war.
Blogs, news and credibility
Authors: Gunter Barrie , Campbell Vincent , Touri Maria , Gibson Rachel 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the emergence of blogging in the news sphere. If blogs represent a genuinely new breed of news provision, then they should adhere to some of the founding principles of mainstream news and journalism. A key principle in this respect is news credibitility.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a review of recent literature about news blogging and assesses whether news blogs manifest many of the core attributes of mainstream news and journalism. The review considers the attributes that have previously been identified as defining good quality news and competent journalism and then applies some of these principles to “news” blogging.FindingsThere is no doubt that blogs have emerged as news sources of increasing significance and there have been occasions when they can be influential in setting news agendas. The essential qualities of credibitiltiy and capturing public trust in the news sphere, however, often depends upon the established reputation of known news “brands”. Although some blogs have emerged as reliable information sources in some specialist areas, they have yet generally to assume the key characteristics of mainstream news that drive public trust.Originality/valueThis paper provides an up‐to‐date review of a topic that is rapidly developing and attempts to set out some foundations on which further analysis of news blogging can be constructed.
Freshness of fruits and vegetables: consumer language and perception
Authors: Péneau S. , Linke A. , Escher F. , Nuessli J. 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify descriptions involved in defining the concept of freshness from a consumer perspective.Design/methodology/approachA total of 559 subjects recruited in supermarkets of different cities and villages in Switzerland were asked to write down their understanding of freshness in general, and for fruits and vegetables in particular. Direct elicitation by means of an open‐ended questionnaire was used.FindingsRespondents mentioned a large variety of descriptors in relationship with fresh fruits and vegetables. Results suggest that freshness describes a level of closeness to the original product, in terms of distance, time and processing. Respondents having more contact with the place of fruit and vegetable production mentioned non‐sensory attributes more frequently, whereas those having fewer contacts mentioned sensory attributes more frequently. It can be concluded that consumers have a collective concept of freshness but they use their different everyday experiences with fruits and vegetables to describe freshness.Research limitations/implicationsAnalysis of open‐ended questionnaires is time‐consuming and difficulties were encountered in the categorisation of phrases. Participants might have been influenced by the environment in supermarkets.Practical implicationsThe perception of freshness is influenced by the information consumers have on products. Therefore, the importance of providing sufficient information on the products is emphasized.Originality/valueThe study is the first to extensively investigate the consumer understanding of the term “fresh” in relationship with fruits and vegetables. The use of an open‐ended questionnaire is particularly interesting as it allows greater freedom of expression by the participants compared with other forms of enquiry.
The pork industry: a supply chain perspective
Authors: Perez Catalina , de Castro Rodolfo , Font i Furnols Maria 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to highlight and summarize the main factors found along the pork supply chain, which affect the quality of pork products, taking into consideration the product attributes demanded by consumers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a review of the pork supply chain literature, and the main objective is to describe and analyze the complexity of the pork production industry from a holistic perspective. An extensive review of the relevant literature was done together with discussions and reflexions carried out with pork sector researchers.FindingsThe paper highlights the complexity involved in the pork supply chain in order to obtain quality products and demonstrates that, by looking at pork production as a chain instead of as individual steps made by different companies, the meat sector can more easily meet the challenge of accurately responding to changing customer demands.Research limitations/implicationsThe contribution describes the main factors and attributes found along the pork supply chain, which are relevant to the quality of the final product as perceived by the consumer. Further research could be done on the effects of the interactions between the factors on pork chain analysis and consumer satisfaction.Practical implicationsThe main lesson to be learned from this work is the opportunity supply‐chain agents get from collaboration, which allows them to become more competitive than if they stay isolated and without a global perspective of the whole chain. The findings contribute to further research on the pork sector from a supply chain perspective.Originality/valueThe paper provides a holistic perspective of the pork supply chain and can be useful for researchers and practitioners involved in the management of pork product quality and new product development.
Application of Islamic banking instrument (Bai Salam) for agriculture financing in Pakistan
Authors: Kaleem Ahmad , Abdul Wajid Rana 
Published: March 2009

PurposeIslam prohibits interest as a source of income or profit. The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible application of Bai Salam contract (forward sale agreement) as an alternative financial instrument in the agriculture sector of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted in four districts of the Punjab with a specifically designed questionnaire. A convenient sampling technique was used to gather farmers' concerns related to crops inputs, output and credit requirements.FindingsEmpirical findings conclude that agriculture income represents only up to 60 percent of the income of an average farm household. About 70 percent of farmers participate in the credit market. They need money to purchase crops inputs, to pay the labour and to hire rental machinery. Farmers believe that they can save up to 25 percent in costs if they purchase inputs on cash. The survey also discloses that middlemen are the larger financers and buyers of crops in the rural economy whereby only 10 percent of transactions are conducted on a purely cash basis. Farmers usually return the money after the sale of the crop.Research limitations/implicationsThe concept of the paper can be extended to areas where large landlords dominate the scene. Alternatively, it can be extended towards non‐farm activities such as cattle raising and poultry.Originality/valueThe paper is a first comprehensive effort to explore the possible application of an Islamic banking instrument in the agriculture sector of Pakistan. It also suggests three possible models for financing under a Bai Salam contract. Some policy recommendations are also given.
Environmental and animal welfare issues in food choice
Authors: Honkanen Pirjo , Ottar Olsen Svein 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe primary purpose of this study is to investigate whether welfare issues are important to consumers also relating to fish. Second, it aims to identify segments based on animal and fish welfare issues, environmental concerns and ambivalence about farmed fish.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was designed to investigate consumers' concern for environmental and animal and fish welfare issues together with variables used in profiling segments in the study. The measurement scales used here are adapted from validated scales in previous studies. The survey was conducted in Valencia, Spain, among 450 randomly‐chosen respondents.FindingsAnimal welfare issues related to farmed fish do not seem to be important for the consumers in Valencia. There are, however, differences among the consumers relating to general environmental and animal welfare concern, and ambivalence. Three segments were identified: the unconcerned (27 per cent), the wild fish concerned (34.5 per cent) and the ambivalent (38.5 per cent). Attitudes toward farmed fish, the importance of natural food and social class were most important in profiling differences between clusters.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that the animal welfare issue has not yet become a barrier for farmed fish in Valencia. The results may help fish‐farming companies to find their target group among the consumers, based on environmental and animal welfare issues. The results also indicate that there are consumers who are somewhat ambivalent about farmed fish. For this group, more information and knowledge can change their attitudes so they become more positive toward farmed fish in the future.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information for fish‐farming companies or the authorities planning healthy‐eating campaigns targeting fish.
Contextualising learning at the education‐training‐work interface
Authors: Harreveld Bobby , Singh Michael 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the ways in which learning is contextualised among the intersecting worlds of education, training and work.Design/methodology/approachA case study methodology is used.FindingsIt was found that contextualised learning is integral to industry‐school transition strategies in senior secondary school learning. However, its operational complexities are yet to be articulated in terms of senior secondary students as learners and earners – educational leadership in partnerships for future innovations in curriculum and pedagogy.Research limitations/implicationsInitial analysis of first stage fieldwork data is reported.Originality/valueThe paper is the first of a series that will report on findings from a three‐year research project (2007‐2010). Its originality stems from conceptualising “contextualised learning” (CL) for the development of individual capabilities through multi‐directional and reciprocal boundary crossing among education, training and work systems.
Achieving graduate employability through consensus in the South Pacific island nation
Authors: Bhanugopan Ramudu , Fish Alan 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to recognise the important technical and business skills and personal attributes necessary to support the “employability” of undergraduate business students.Design/methodology/approachSenior‐level undergraduate business students and employers were surveyed regarding their perceptions on the importance of certain general business and technical skills and personal attributes which contribute to employability of the students in the industries.FindingsResults indicate that significant differences were shown to exist between students and employers in their perceptions of each of the three “employability” support fields. Results also suggest the overall importance of establishing a platform for the career advancement of graduates.Research limitations/implicationsIt is recommended that future research or replications among other samples should examine the perceptions of the academics on employability.Practical implicationsBased on the findings, specific implications related to employers, students and educational institutions were identified. The study offers new insights into the concept of employability by reclamation of the value of skills and personal attributes required at the workplace.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a foundation to support the “job‐readiness” and “employability” of business graduates as well as the development of industry‐relevant courses to improve the “employability” of business graduates.
Term‐time employment
Authors: Winkler Ingo 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate experiences of students when working during the term. The particular aim of the study is to determine central aspects relevant for students when assessing their term‐time job.Design/methodology/approachThe data are based on a qualitative study conducted at Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany. A number of students were interviewed about various work‐related issues in order to acquire information about common aspects that are frequently referred to when students assess their working experiences in terms of satisfaction and dissatisfaction.FindingsWith regard to the results three central aspects could be raised that were important within the students' assessment of their job: the self‐perception of being a student; the individual motivation to work during the term, and; social aspects like working atmosphere and social integration.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the fact that it was conducted with German students the study only reflects the specific context of German higher education and German companies' use and treatment of students as flexible employees.Practical implicationsStudents' experiences as flexible workers together with the experienced reality of their fellow non‐standard employees provide them with first‐hand knowledge about the working situation of those employees. Universities should constitute the basis for reflecting experiences at work, link them to already existing research in this field and help students to draw conclusions for their future professional life as managers.Originality/valueThe study adds to the knowledge of how students perceive their term‐time job. In particular it highlights the influence of self‐identity, motivation and social aspects to students' satisfaction and dissatisfaction at work. It contributes to the few studies focusing on the experiences students have as flexible employees.
Teaching students with dyslexia in higher education
Authors: Taylor Mark J. , Duffy Sandi , England David 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the type of adjustments to delivery appropriate for students with dyslexia in a UK higher education setting.Design/methodology/approachA case study in a UK university department was conducted over a four‐year period.FindingsIt was found that a variety of adjustments may be required for students with dyslexia in a UK higher education environment including adjustments to teaching delivery, assessment and pastoral care. In addition it is necessary to provide a managed transition from school/college/work to higher education.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the case study reported here focusesd on only 22 students with dyslexia, the number of students entering UK higher education with dyslexia is likely to increase and institutions need to be aware of the adjustments that may potentially be required.Originality/valuePreviously few students with dyslexia had attended university in the UK. However, growing numbers of such students are now attending university, but thus far little, if any, research has been conducted regarding the adjustments that may need to be made for such students.
Promoting business creation through real world experience
Authors: Miguel Calado Dominguinhos Pedro , Margarida Cagica Carvalho Luísa 
Published: March 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the effectiveness of entrepreneurship training programmes targeting post‐graduate students.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of a case study of an entrepreneurship training programme, to assess its effectiveness. For this purpose the paper concentrates on the number of firms created and industries chosen by individuals. Additionally, attention is focused on non‐starters, analysing the main reasons behind the decision not to set up a firm. Several sources were used to accomplish the objectives: an assessment report provided by the deliverers of the programme, an interview with the person responsible for the programme and interviews with programme participants.FindingsTwo editions of the programme “Começar” are closely scrutinized, including a self‐assessment made by developers of the programme. Results show a success rate of 41 per cent, but non‐starters benefit from the competencies developed in the programme, allowing them to change their careers or to increase their effectiveness in the labour market.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents some limitations. First, this programme is not compared at the same level of analysis, against others. The literature concludes that the entrepreneurial context is relevant in assessing the level of entrepreneurship. Second, a control group who had an idea but did not benefit from entrepreneurship assistance is not followed. Third, the timeframe of analysis is not too long. A longitudinal study will overcome this problem.Practical implicationsThe case study can help promoters to design more effective programmes, especially those targeted at postgraduates. Combining classes with experience in the field could help young graduates to overcome their vulnerability which is due to their youthfulness and lack of work experience.Originality/valueThe paper identifies good practice in entrepreneurship training programmes. Additionally, it analyses the effectiveness of these programmes, measured by perceived effectiveness from the point of view of participants and by the number of firms created, an area so far characterized by scant research.