title: Sports Fans' Evaluations of Sporting Code Innovations

authors: Musgrave, Christopher Rex

subjects: Professional Sport

abstract: Today's professional sports are frequently evolving and changing their design, structure and format. Many such innovations have been spurred on by the opportunity to capitalise financially on new markets and increase profit. This study used both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (depth interviews) methods in order to examine fans' attitudes towards the current state of Rugby Union, Rugby League, Netball, Soccer and Cricket. The findings for Rugby Union concluded that the recent experimental law variations have succeeded in what they were introduced to do. Fans believe that Rugby is more exciting to watch than ever before and that it is now a faster and more attack-focused contest. Fans believe that Rugby League has improved following the introduction of the video referee and in particular by the use of two on-field referees. They believe that it is now a more exciting and faster game. Fans also believe that salary caps are good for Rugby League and help to increase competition and spread the wealth of talent among the teams. Netball fans are excited by possible new innovations and show support for the inclusion of power plays, two point goals, rolling substitutions and increased physical contact. Fans believe that Soccer needs to adopt technology in order to help its officials but they also admire the traditionalism of the code. Surprisingly, fans show support for increasing the sizes of Soccer‟s goals in order to make it easier for teams to score. Fans show support for Twenty20 cricket and seem undeterred by recent match fixing scandals. There is also evident support for the introduction of Beach Cricket to New Zealand. Analysing fans' attitudes towards professional sport's product innovations has led to a final implication and conclusion for the administrators and governing bodies of professional sport. That is, it would be wise to keep the traditional codes and their formats as traditional as possible. However, evolve the same sport in to a completely separate format in order to financially capitalise on different markets. Twenty20 cricket is a perfect example of this.

text: Sports Fans' Evaluations of Sporting Code Innovations Today's professional sports are frequently evolving and changing their design, structure and format. Many such innovations have been spurred on by the opportunity to capitalise financially on new markets and increase profit. This study used both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (depth interviews) methods in order to examine fans' attitudes towards the current state of Rugby Union, Rugby League, Netball, Soccer and Cricket. The findings for Rugby Union concluded that the recent experimental law variations have succeeded in what they were introduced to do. Fans believe that Rugby is more exciting to watch than ever before and that it is now a faster and more attack-focused contest. Fans believe that Rugby League has improved following the introduction of the video referee and in particular by the use of two on-field referees. They believe that it is now a more exciting and faster game. Fans also believe that salary caps are good for Rugby League and help to increase competition and spread the wealth of talent among the teams. Netball fans are excited by possible new innovations and show support for the inclusion of power plays, two point goals, rolling substitutions and increased physical contact. Fans believe that Soccer needs to adopt technology in order to help its officials but they also admire the traditionalism of the code. Surprisingly, fans show support for increasing the sizes of Soccer‟s goals in order to make it easier for teams to score. Fans show support for Twenty20 cricket and seem undeterred by recent match fixing scandals. There is also evident support for the introduction of Beach Cricket to New Zealand. Analysing fans' attitudes towards professional sport's product innovations has led to a final implication and conclusion for the administrators and governing bodies of professional sport. That is, it would be wise to keep the traditional codes and their formats as traditional as possible. However, evolve the same sport in to a completely separate format in order to financially capitalise on different markets. Twenty20 cricket is a perfect example of this.

year: 2011

title: Agricultural land management strategies to reduce phosphorus loads in the Gippsland Lakes, Australia

authors: Roberts, Anna M.

subjects: Benefit:Cost analysis

abstract: A target to reduce phosphorus flows into the Gippsland Lakes in south-eastern Australia by 40% in order to improve water quality has previously been established by stakeholders. This target, like many others worldwide, has been set mostly on the basis of environmental concerns, with limited consideration of issues such as technical feasibility, socio-economic constraints, political factors and associated costs and benefits. An integrated analysis at the catchment scale is undertaken to assess the agricultural land management changes required to achieve this target, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these changes. Based on assumptions used, it appears technically feasible to achieve a 40% reduction in P load entering the Lakes. However, the least-costly way of doing so would require around A$1 billion over 25 years, a dramatic increase in the current levels of funding provided for management. Results of a sensitivity analysis indicate that there is little or no chance of investment in a 40% reduction being cost-effective. On the other hand, a 20% P reduction could be achieved at much lower cost: around $80 million over 25 years and requiring more modest land-management changes. Reliance on voluntary adoption of ‘Current Recommended Practices’ is unlikely to deliver changes in management practices at the scale required to have sufficient environmental impacts. Enforcement of existing regulations for the dairy industry would be amongst the most cost-effective management strategies. The major implications of this work for agriculturally induced diffuse-source pollution include the need for feedback between goal setting and program costs, and consideration of factors such as the levels of landholder adoption of new practices that are required and the feasibility of achieving those adoption levels. Costs, landholder adoption of new practices and socio-political risks appear neglected in the formulation of many water quality programs. The study provides a demonstration of an approach to integrated multidisciplinary research addressing complex environmental problems with multiple decision makers, multiple stakeholders, and high uncertainty. On the evidence of experience in this study, the approach deserves consideration in other contexts.

text: Agricultural land management strategies to reduce phosphorus loads in the Gippsland Lakes, Australia A target to reduce phosphorus flows into the Gippsland Lakes in south-eastern Australia by 40% in order to improve water quality has previously been established by stakeholders. This target, like many others worldwide, has been set mostly on the basis of environmental concerns, with limited consideration of issues such as technical feasibility, socio-economic constraints, political factors and associated costs and benefits. An integrated analysis at the catchment scale is undertaken to assess the agricultural land management changes required to achieve this target, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these changes. Based on assumptions used, it appears technically feasible to achieve a 40% reduction in P load entering the Lakes. However, the least-costly way of doing so would require around A$1 billion over 25 years, a dramatic increase in the current levels of funding provided for management. Results of a sensitivity analysis indicate that there is little or no chance of investment in a 40% reduction being cost-effective. On the other hand, a 20% P reduction could be achieved at much lower cost: around $80 million over 25 years and requiring more modest land-management changes. Reliance on voluntary adoption of ‘Current Recommended Practices’ is unlikely to deliver changes in management practices at the scale required to have sufficient environmental impacts. Enforcement of existing regulations for the dairy industry would be amongst the most cost-effective management strategies. The major implications of this work for agriculturally induced diffuse-source pollution include the need for feedback between goal setting and program costs, and consideration of factors such as the levels of landholder adoption of new practices that are required and the feasibility of achieving those adoption levels. Costs, landholder adoption of new practices and socio-political risks appear neglected in the formulation of many water quality programs. The study provides a demonstration of an approach to integrated multidisciplinary research addressing complex environmental problems with multiple decision makers, multiple stakeholders, and high uncertainty. On the evidence of experience in this study, the approach deserves consideration in other contexts.

year: 2012

title: Engaging the parent/whānau community: Methods, benefits, and challenges for senior leaders in small town and rural New Zealand secondary schools

authors: Kallahar, David

abstract: Engaging parents and whānau (family) in a respectful partnership that develops strong home-school connections and uses effective methods of engagement has the potential to positively affect student outcomes. However, there are also methods of engagement that can be counterproductive and negatively affect student outcomes. This study presents how senior leaders in small town and rural secondary schools in New Zealand are engaging with their parent and whānau community. The investigation reveals what methods they are using to engage parents and whānau and, how effective they and a small number of parents and whānau consider these are, then outlines some of the benefits and challenges that they face in this process. 
The literature reviewed for this study emphasised the benefits of engagement between parents, whānau and school leaders, along with the essential ingredients necessary for successful home-school partnerships and how senior leaders play a critical role in developing the conditions for schools’ engagement with their parent and whānau community. The consideration of aspects from New Zealand’s political and educational history illuminated possible reasons why parents and whānau of Māori descent struggle to connect with schools, and how concepts which have traditionally guided the way of life for these indigenous people can be and are being used by school leaders to develop strong, respectful enduring partnerships. Research on the rural context and how schools in this type of location manage engagement was also studied and seen as yet another factor that senior leaders need to bear in mind when planning for engagement. Examination of three types of engagement – involvement, empowerment, and solidarity, revealed that each is characterised by certain practices and represent a progression in the level of contribution and commitment parents and whānau give to the school. Engagement and progression are, however, dependent on how connected parents and whānau are to their child’s school and how much of a sense of belonging they have.
The study was conducted using an interpretive paradigm to afford richer more detailed descriptions to be gathered from both the senior leaders at three small town and rural schools, and some of the parent and whānau community of each of these schools. A mixed-methods approach was taken to gather and triangulate both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data collected and analysed included semi-structured interviews with senior leaders, descriptive survey submissions from parents and whānau, along with planning and review documents for each school. Quantitative data derived from parents and whānau surveys and represents their preferred methods of engagement with the school statistically.
The study findings indicate that the schools use a range of methods to engage parents and whānau. These include face to face interactions and time-efficient digital communication systems. Some such as an open door policy and parent conferences were reported as effective by leaders and whānau. Furthermore, it was found that there is no one way to engage with all parents and whānau, some liked to participate in events and activities and derived a sense of belonging from this while others simply preferred to gather information and not engage with the school beyond this need. 
Partnerships between parents, whānau and school leaders that were built on respectful relationships and the acknowledgement of difference were said to lead to stronger connections and more productive working relationships, by the senior leaders in all of the schools in the study. These could be said to reflect the use of guiding concepts for living in partnership used by Māori, which the schools in this study were using as foundations in building and sustaining the partnerships with their parents and whānau. The three types of engagement, structured in a progressive framework, also illustrated to school leaders where their parent and whānau community were situated and where they as leaders needed to work further to strengthen and secure both the partnership and to increase engagement.   
Further research as a result of this study could relate to gaining a better understanding of why specific methods of engagement are more acceptable to parents and whānau than others. It could involve looking at the delivery of these methods by senior leaders in more detail, and trialling the three-stage framework on a larger scale and in different contexts, particularly in urban areas where school roll numbers are higher, and communities are less connected.

text: Engaging the parent/whānau community: Methods, benefits, and challenges for senior leaders in small town and rural New Zealand secondary schools Engaging parents and whānau (family) in a respectful partnership that develops strong home-school connections and uses effective methods of engagement has the potential to positively affect student outcomes. However, there are also methods of engagement that can be counterproductive and negatively affect student outcomes. This study presents how senior leaders in small town and rural secondary schools in New Zealand are engaging with their parent and whānau community. The investigation reveals what methods they are using to engage parents and whānau and, how effective they and a small number of parents and whānau consider these are, then outlines some of the benefits and challenges that they face in this process. 
The literature reviewed for this study emphasised the benefits of engagement between parents, whānau and school leaders, along with the essential ingredients necessary for successful home-school partnerships and how senior leaders play a critical role in developing the conditions for schools’ engagement with their parent and whānau community. The consideration of aspects from New Zealand’s political and educational history illuminated possible reasons why parents and whānau of Māori descent struggle to connect with schools, and how concepts which have traditionally guided the way of life for these indigenous people can be and are being used by school leaders to develop strong, respectful enduring partnerships. Research on the rural context and how schools in this type of location manage engagement was also studied and seen as yet another factor that senior leaders need to bear in mind when planning for engagement. Examination of three types of engagement – involvement, empowerment, and solidarity, revealed that each is characterised by certain practices and represent a progression in the level of contribution and commitment parents and whānau give to the school. Engagement and progression are, however, dependent on how connected parents and whānau are to their child’s school and how much of a sense of belonging they have.
The study was conducted using an interpretive paradigm to afford richer more detailed descriptions to be gathered from both the senior leaders at three small town and rural schools, and some of the parent and whānau community of each of these schools. A mixed-methods approach was taken to gather and triangulate both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data collected and analysed included semi-structured interviews with senior leaders, descriptive survey submissions from parents and whānau, along with planning and review documents for each school. Quantitative data derived from parents and whānau surveys and represents their preferred methods of engagement with the school statistically.
The study findings indicate that the schools use a range of methods to engage parents and whānau. These include face to face interactions and time-efficient digital communication systems. Some such as an open door policy and parent conferences were reported as effective by leaders and whānau. Furthermore, it was found that there is no one way to engage with all parents and whānau, some liked to participate in events and activities and derived a sense of belonging from this while others simply preferred to gather information and not engage with the school beyond this need. 
Partnerships between parents, whānau and school leaders that were built on respectful relationships and the acknowledgement of difference were said to lead to stronger connections and more productive working relationships, by the senior leaders in all of the schools in the study. These could be said to reflect the use of guiding concepts for living in partnership used by Māori, which the schools in this study were using as foundations in building and sustaining the partnerships with their parents and whānau. The three types of engagement, structured in a progressive framework, also illustrated to school leaders where their parent and whānau community were situated and where they as leaders needed to work further to strengthen and secure both the partnership and to increase engagement.   
Further research as a result of this study could relate to gaining a better understanding of why specific methods of engagement are more acceptable to parents and whānau than others. It could involve looking at the delivery of these methods by senior leaders in more detail, and trialling the three-stage framework on a larger scale and in different contexts, particularly in urban areas where school roll numbers are higher, and communities are less connected.

year: 2020