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1 – 10 of over 50000Osamuede Odiase, Suzanne Wilkinson and Andreas Neef
The risks of natural hazards such as flooding, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides, tornado, coastal erosion and volcano are apparent in Auckland because of its vulnerability to…
Abstract
Purpose
The risks of natural hazards such as flooding, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides, tornado, coastal erosion and volcano are apparent in Auckland because of its vulnerability to multiple risks. The coping capacity of individuals serves as a precursor to the adaptation to inherent challenges. The purpose of this paper was to examine the coping capacity of the South African community in Auckland to a disaster event.
Design/methodology/approach
This study gathered information from both primary and secondary sources. Interviews and survey were the main sources of primary data. The research used parametric and non-parametric statistical tools for quantitative data analysis, and the general inductive process and a three-step coding process to analyse qualitative data. The research findings are discussed in line with existing studies.
Findings
The results indicated that the aggregate coping capacity of the community was above average on the scale of 1-5 with communication and economic domains having the highest and least capacities, respectively. An improvement in disaster response activities and economic ability among the vulnerable population should be considered in future policy to enhance coping capacity.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to the time of the investigation. The practical coping capacity of the community during challenges will be determined. This study excludes the roles of institutions and the natural environment in coping capacity because the unit of analysis was the individual members of the community.
Originality/value
The research is a pioneer study on the coping capacity of the South African community in Auckland.
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Melanie Wiese and Liezl-Marié Van Der Westhuizen
This study aims to explore public coping strategies with government-imposed lockdown restrictions (i.e. forced compliance) due to a health crisis (i.e. COVID-19). This directly…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore public coping strategies with government-imposed lockdown restrictions (i.e. forced compliance) due to a health crisis (i.e. COVID-19). This directly impacts the public's power, as they may feel alienated from their environment and from others. Consequently, this study explores the relationships between the public's power, quality of life and crisis-coping strategies. This is important to help governments understand public discourse surrounding perceived government health crisis communication, which aids effective policy development.
Design/methodology/approach
An online questionnaire distributed via Qualtrics received 371 responses from the South African public and structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results indicate the public's experience of powerlessness and resulting information-sharing, negative word-of-mouth and support-seeking as crisis coping strategies in response to government-imposed lockdown restrictions.
Originality/value
The public's perspective on health crisis communication used in this study sheds light on adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies that the public employs due to the alienation they feel during a health crisis with government-forced compliance. The findings add to the sparse research on crisis communication from the public perspective in a developing country context and provide insights for governments in developing health crisis communication strategies. The results give insight into developing policies related to community engagement and citizen participation during a pandemic.
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Lawrence Mundia and Sallimah Salleh
The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of two types of underachieving students (n=246) (active failing (AF) and passive failing (PF)) in Brunei vocational and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of two types of underachieving students (n=246) (active failing (AF) and passive failing (PF)) in Brunei vocational and technical education (VTE) institutions and their patterns of coping.
Design/methodology/approach
The field survey method was used to directly reach many participants, administer the instruments and collect the required data.
Findings
The authors found 20 AFs (14 males) and 16 PFs (five females) across the VTE courses. More-able and average students scored relatively higher on all six productive coping strategies (e.g. confronting the stressor), while the AFs and PFs scored lower on these attributes. The AFs and PFs scored relatively higher on both dysfunctional coping styles (e.g. distancing) than more-able and average students. Furthermore, the AFs also scored lower on seeking social support (possible reason for not performing well). Internet connection and students’ financial support need to be improved in Brunei VTE institutions.
Research limitations/implications
The study would have been strengthened by the inclusion of an interview component to probe supplement/complement findings from the quantitative survey and the open-ended qualitative instrument (both self-reports).
Practical implications
The study had practical significance in that its findings could be used by instructors and policy makers to improve the achievement of VTE students in Brunei and elsewhere.
Originality/value
This is the first time the phenomena of AF and PF were investigated in Brunei VTE students. Further qualitative research was recommended to gain additional insights and solutions.
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This register of current research in social economics has been compiled by the International Institute of Social Economics. The register does not claim to be comprehensive but is…
Abstract
This register of current research in social economics has been compiled by the International Institute of Social Economics. The register does not claim to be comprehensive but is merely an aid for research workers and institutions interested in social economics. The register will be updated and made more comprehensive in the future but this is largely dependent on the inflow of information from researchers in social economics. In order to facilitate this process a standardised form is to be found on the last page of this register. Completed forms, with attached sheets as necessary, should be returned to the compiler: Dr Barrie O. Pettman, Director, International Institute of Social Economics, Enholmes Hall, Patrington, Hull, N. Humberside, England, HU12 OPR. Any other comments on the register will also be welcome.
Y. Meller and D. Macarov
The gradual shift from industrial to service economies which has been characteristic of all the western democracies for at least the last century has not been reflected in…
Abstract
The gradual shift from industrial to service economies which has been characteristic of all the western democracies for at least the last century has not been reflected in research on the services in a manner commensurate with the pace and importance of that shift. Although there are semantic and practical difficulties in defining exactly what is meant by services, one can discern a rough continuum running through most definitions and categorisations, with creating, altering, or combining material objects on one end of the continuum, and dealing with an individual's problems and needs through the use of a helping relationship on the other. Using this model, it is clear that the overwhelming majority of research studies into work attitudes, patterns, influences, productivity and so forth, have been towards the materials‐altering, or industrial, end of the continuum.
Victoria Townsend and Jill Urbanic
The purpose of this paper is to relate additive manufacturing (AM) and machining (CNC) synergistically in a modular approach in the design and manufacturing domains, to generate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to relate additive manufacturing (AM) and machining (CNC) synergistically in a modular approach in the design and manufacturing domains, to generate value for end‐users and manufacturers (a teleological system).
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology decomposes a part into modules, by employing a teleological systems theory approach paired with principles of modular design. Modules are manufactured with either additive manufacturing (fused deposition modeling, FDM) or machining (CNC). Process selection is determined by a decision‐making framework that quantifies strength and weakness comparisons of FDM and CNC machining processes, accomplished using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP).
Findings
The developed methodology and decision‐making framework is successfully applied to the design and manufacturing of a large, complex V6 engine section sand casting pattern. This case study highlights the merits of the research.
Research limitations/implications
The research assumes that the processes being considered are capable of meeting the product functional requirements. The proposed methodology can be extended to evaluate additional processes.
Practical implications
Value is assessed in this research relative to: time and cost opportunities, managing knowledge limitations of a process by leveraging hybrid options, and aligning design and manufacturing to create a product that accomplishes the goals of the end‐user (teleological effectiveness).
Originality/value
Utilizing the AHP process and a teleological perspective are new, and proven effective, approaches in relating additive and subtractive processes in a hybrid approach with end‐user perspectives. The research demonstrates a systematic methodology to quantify additive and subtractive process selection.
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This paper presents a report on a new multiplayer simulation game for government and/or non‐government interpersonal and intercultural communication training that launched in…
Abstract
This paper presents a report on a new multiplayer simulation game for government and/or non‐government interpersonal and intercultural communication training that launched in December 2004 and was designed expressly to serve as a non‐violent virtual sandbox in which multiple players practice communication skills, mental agility, and hone cultural awareness acumen. The game is currently being used in leadership training programs.
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Xuemei Tian, Bill Martin and Hepu Deng
The purpose of this paper is to report the findings from a research project aiming to investigate the implications of digitization for the Australian book publishing sector and in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report the findings from a research project aiming to investigate the implications of digitization for the Australian book publishing sector and in particular for current and emerging business models. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the publishing industry in Australia with the rapid development of information and communication technologies, this study aims to address several critical research questions in the publishing industry in Australia as follows: what are the major trends emerging within the publishing industry in Australia? What implications do these trends have for business models? What technologies and applications offer the greatest potential for supporting value creation activities and business model development in the digital era?
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive review of the literature on business models is conducted, in particular, in relation to the publishing industry. The current status of the technology used in the publishing industry is explored, and the overall profile of the Australian publishing industry is established with the use of a document analysis method based on secondary data available. This leads to the development of an online questionnaire for surveying the book publishers in Australia, and results in the conduct of 14 follow‐up case studies, the latter forming the basis for the current paper.
Findings
The findings are that global trends towards consolidation and increasing competition are replicated in Australia, and that business models are responding, for example, with the emergence of hybrid models, embodying traditional elements and those consequent on the advent of digitization. It is also clear that the internet and related network technologies, along with content and digital rights management technologies are emerging as key to change, but those strategic decisions are ultimately based on business drivers rather than on emerging technologies.
Practical implications
The research findings would be of significant benefits to Australian business, especially, the publishers in Australia in their endeavour to effectively deal with the challenges that the rapid advance in information and communication technologies has brought to every organization. These findings help organizations, including Australian publishers, realistically assess the impact of the digital technologies on their businesses and subsequently formulate effective policies and strategies for fully making use of the potential of the digital technologies for developing and sustaining their competitive advantages in the market.
Originality/value
The originality of this study is the use of a multi‐method approach for investigating the implications of digitization for the Australian book publishing sector and in particular for current and emerging business models. Such a study is of tremendous value to the Australian publishers due to the rapid advance of digital technologies; the need for a better understanding of the impacts of such technologies advances on publishers; and the increasing competitive market in publishing. The research findings would help Australian publishers and also other organizations develop specific strategies and polices for effectively dealing with the challenges from the rapid development of the digital technologies.
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Edward J. Oughton, Zoraida Frias, Mischa Dohler, Jason Whalley, Douglas Sicker, Jim W. Hall, Jon Crowcroft and David D. Cleevely
Public policy requires effective identification of the current and emerging issues being faced in industry and beyond. This paper aims to identify a set of key issues currently…
Abstract
Purpose
Public policy requires effective identification of the current and emerging issues being faced in industry and beyond. This paper aims to identify a set of key issues currently facing digital communications and reviews their relevance for the strategic provision of infrastructure, particularly within the UK context.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology focusses on taking a horizon-scanning approach to obtaining current information from a range of authoritative decision makers across industry, government and academia. After structuring the issues identified, these areas are explored by a multi-disciplinary research team covering engineering, economics and computer science.
Findings
Five key categories were identified including future demand; coverage and capacity; policy and regulation; economics and business models; and technology. The results are reported for both fixed and wireless networks. Shared issues affecting the wider digital ecosystem are also identified including Brexit, connecting remote areas and the degree to which the economics of infrastructure allows for building multiple overlapping infrastructures. The authors find that future demand uncertainty is one of the major issues affecting the digital communications sector driven by rigid willingness-to-pay, weak revenue and an increasing shift from fixed to wireless technologies. Policy must create the market conditions that encourage the entry of new competitors with innovative thinking and disruptive business models.
Research limitations/implications
A limitation of the analysis is that it is quite UK-focussed; hence, further research could broaden this analysis to assessing issues at a continental or global scale.
Originality/value
The value of this paper originates from the breadth of the expert elicitation exercise carried out to gather the initial set of issues, followed by the analysis of this data by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers. The results direct a future research agenda, as many issues are indicative of a lack of existing evidence to support effective decision-making.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the paradox that arises when firms simultaneously share and protect their knowledge in an alliance with other organizations. The goal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the paradox that arises when firms simultaneously share and protect their knowledge in an alliance with other organizations. The goal of this paper therefore is to explore this tension field in such a coupled open innovation process and to identify which strategies can be developed to cope with this tension.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was initially guided by a literature review and exploratory interviews, and it ultimately develops an inductive framework based on a multiple case study approach. The paper presents eight cases of a focal firm involved in a particular R&D collaboration. The case studies are based on a variety of data sources, including a number of semi‐structured interviews.
Findings
This paper unravels the tension field of knowledge sharing and protection in R&D collaborations, with the knowledge characteristics at the core and with the knowledge embodiment and relational dimension as mediating factors. These forces are in turn influenced by the collaboration characteristics and environment. Moreover, the case studies show different ways to cope with the tension between knowledge sharing and protection, such as an open knowledge exchange strategy and a layered collaboration scheme with inner and outer members. Licensing is moreover presented as a concrete way to implement such coping strategies.
Originality/value
This paper provides an holistic perspective on the knowledge paradox in R&D collaborations as a coupled process of open innovation. Moreover, it describes two concrete strategies to cope with the tension field as well as the role and implications of licensing as a particular mechanism to overcome the open innovation paradox.
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