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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 13 May 2024

Michael Kipkorir Kemboi, Adrino Mazenda and Chenaimoyo Lufutuko Faith Katiyatiya

Realities of food insecurity are more pronounced with a specific focus on women in developing countries. The need to understand the varied food insecurity experiences among…

Abstract

Purpose

Realities of food insecurity are more pronounced with a specific focus on women in developing countries. The need to understand the varied food insecurity experiences among female-headed agricultural households in such contexts provided the rationale and motivation for this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional approach, drawing on the binary logistic regression to determine the influence of socioeconomic status on household coping mechanisms in response to food insecurity in a stratified random sample of 509 female-headed agricultural households in Liberia.

Findings

The results revealed that most respondents experienced food insecurity reflected in inadequate food availability, an inability to eat nutritious food and the necessity to skip meals. In response, they employed coping strategies such as borrowing money, selling assets, and reducing health expenses, which were influenced by socioeconomic characteristics such as gender, education, and marital status.

Practical implications

The study illustrates the multi-layered and complex context of food insecurity among women. From these findings, the study proposes the consideration of such dynamics to inform practical and relevant mitigatory policy approaches to the target demographic.

Social implications

With food insecurity being a social problem, the study identifies its social impact by documenting the participants' lived experiences. Thus, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of food insecurity across different segments of society.

Originality/value

The study draws its originality from understanding how food insecurity impacts female-headed households, highlighting the often-ignored gender dynamics of food insecurity in developing nations and aggregating the coping strategies and food insecurity expenses.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2024

Paul Gullon-Scott and Darren Johnson

Digital forensic investigators (DFIs) encounter traumatic material, and this is associated with the development of secondary traumatic stress (STS). Limited research has been…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital forensic investigators (DFIs) encounter traumatic material, and this is associated with the development of secondary traumatic stress (STS). Limited research has been conducted with UK DFIs, a significant concern given their role. This study aims to explore levels of self-reported STS by DFIs, the relationship to gender, years as a DFI, frequency of exposure to traumatic material and difficulty coping with such material. This study also aims to provide insight into the psychological impact, identify potential risk groups and explore coping strategies within this specific group of professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlational cross-sectional design was conducted at a fixed point in time, with a sample of 114 currently employed DFIs, recruited through the Forensic Capability Network.

Findings

Mean STS scores fell within the moderate range, although 29.9% of participants reported high to severe levels. Significant correlations were found between STS total and subscales with difficulty viewing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While females reported higher mean STS scores, the difference was not statistically significant, however, females did score significantly higher on the arousal sub-scale of the STS. Regression analysis included the variables (COPE scale and subscales, frequency of viewing child abuse material, years spent working as a DFI, age, gender) that identified mental disengagement, difficulty viewing CSAM and younger age as predictors of increased STS.

Research limitations/implications

Primarily, the reliance on self-report instruments lacks external validation of STS. Furthermore, possible response or selection basis could have stemmed from participants experiencing high stress. Hosting the study online hindered exploring this further, suggesting the potential for future research. Although the regression model explained 28% of STS variance, unaccounted factors remain, constituting 72% unexplained variance. A mixed method approach might unveil additional variables, addressing potential limitations. Additionally, this study was cross-sectional meaning that the authors cannot infer causation.

Practical implications

These findings underscore the need for educational efforts targeting DFI’s to raise awareness about potential mental health risks associated with CSAM-related work. Equally crucial is emphasising the hazards associated with adopting negative coping strategies. Equipping DFI’s with this knowledge may enable them to make informed decisions aimed at minimising the impact of job-related stressors. Moreover, it highlights the necessity of recognising DFIs as a group deserving access to professional and mental health support. It is pertinent to consider recent research highlighting the stigma of therapy and a prevailing perception of a “critical or judgemental workplace culture” among UK investigators.

Social implications

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first known exploration of STS in UK-based DFI’s, encompassing an investigation into potential risk and protective factors. A proportion of the sample reported experiencing mild to severe levels of STS, with the mean STS score falling within the moderate range. Notably, 29.9% of participants reported high to severe levels of STS.

Originality/value

The findings provide an inaugural exploration of STS among UK-based DFI’s, offering crucial insight into the psychological impact, vulnerable demographics and coping strategies within this unique professional context. Practical implications based on the findings are considered.

Details

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3841

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2023

Yu-Cheng Lai and Santanu Sarkar

The purpose of this paper is to understand the impending relationship between the impact of the US–China trade war on Taiwanese firms' spending on R&D and their offshore…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the impending relationship between the impact of the US–China trade war on Taiwanese firms' spending on R&D and their offshore investment in technologically advanced countries (TAC), the authors examined if changes in these firms' R&D ratios and the growing presence of skilled workers in Taiwan's labour market during the trade war have affected their offshore investments in TAC.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a model built on pooled cross-sectional time-series data from 2012–2019, the authors examined whether a change in R&D ratios of domestic firms in Taiwan and the growing presence of skilled workers in Taiwan's labour market have affected the offshore investment by these firms during the trade war. Using data from the Manpower Utilisation Survey, the authors applied differences–in–differences–in–differences and differences–in–differences–in–differences–in–differences estimation methods and found that the trade war indeed gave a boost to Taiwan's job market, particularly for skilled workers.

Findings

From the estimation results, the authors noticed a rise in employment opportunities alongside a decline in the earnings of skilled workers in industries where more firms have spent on R&D as well as invested in offshore operations. However, firms in Taiwan that had not heavily spent on R&D from industries where investment in foreign operations was otherwise high have also attracted skilled workers during the trade war.

Practical implications

An in-depth analysis of the impact of the trade war on domestic firms' spending on R&D and their investment in offshore operations in TAC should be helpful to policymakers interested in understanding the effects of the trade war and subsequent changes in firms' spending on R&D on labour market outcomes. If changes in the R&D ratios and a steady supply of skilled workers influenced the outflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to TAC, this insight could be helpful for those devising policies and measures to curb the impact of the trade war on domestic spending on R&D.

Originality/value

The study findings not only provide broad lessons to policymakers in Taiwan, but the country case study can guide growing economies that are equally careful while perceiving trade war as a significant deterrent to domestic R&D spending and the outflow of FDI.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 September 2023

Padma Tripathi, Ankit and Pushpendra Priyadarshi

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between trait self-control (TSC) and emotional exhaustion, and to examine the mediating role of effort–reward imbalance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between trait self-control (TSC) and emotional exhaustion, and to examine the mediating role of effort–reward imbalance (ERI) and emotional demands.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted using data from 441 employees working in different organizations in the information technology sector in India. PROCESS macro with a bootstrap sample size of 5,000 was used for mediation analysis.

Findings

TSC demonstrated a significant negative relationship with emotional exhaustion. Results indicated the crucial role played by ERI and emotional demands in influencing the emotional exhaustion of employees with higher TSC.

Originality/value

This study adds substantially to our knowledge of the role of TSC in employee experiences of emotional exhaustion. Results suggest how employees’ ERI perceptions and experiences of emotional demands determine whether higher TSC would reduce experiences of exhaustion. This adds to the knowledge of positive outcomes of self-control while throwing some light on why the use of self-control does not always incur a psychological cost, as suggested by some studies. The findings suggest that self-control is an individual resource that has the ability to alleviate emotional exhaustion through its influence on employees‘ effort–reward perceptions and experiences of emotional demands.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Umaira Tabassum, Xing Qiang, Jaffar Abbas, Amjad Islam Amjad and Khalid Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti

Positive psychology helps us understand the knowledge required to contribute to adolescents' societal development and adjustability. Adolescence is the crucial stage to work on…

Abstract

Purpose

Positive psychology helps us understand the knowledge required to contribute to adolescents' societal development and adjustability. Adolescence is the crucial stage to work on for a balanced personality. The present study concerned adolescents' self-strength, happiness, and help-seeking behaviour. The authors aimed to explore the relationship between adolescents' self-strength and happiness and investigate the mediational effect of adolescents' help-seeking behaviour on their self-strength and happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design of the current quantitative study was correlational, and 809 adolescents from China and Pakistan participated in the present study. Data were personally collected from participants through self-developed scales.

Findings

We deployed Pearson correlation and simple mediation using SPSS software and found a linear, positive, strong (r = 0.654, n = 809, p = 0.000 < 0.01) and statistically significant correlation between adolescents' self-strength and happiness. The authors also found a significant indirect effect of help-seeking on adolescents' self-strength and happiness at (β = 0.373, t(907) = 7.01).

Research limitations/implications

Using self-reported scales to gather information was one of the study's limitations. Adolescents may have misunderstood the notion or construct narrated in words or responded biasedly despite the bilingual scales.

Practical implications

This study offers social and practical implications for educators, parents, and school administrators to address the development of adolescents' personalities using a positive psychology lens.

Originality/value

The findings are of significant importance for teachers working in the elementary schools. They may work on adolescents' self-strength, happiness, and help-seeking to develop balanced personalities.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Anas Shehadeh, Sharyn Hunter and Sarah Jeong

This study aims to describe the current conceptualisation of self-management of dementia by family carers in the literature and from the views of dementia professionals and family…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to describe the current conceptualisation of self-management of dementia by family carers in the literature and from the views of dementia professionals and family carers, and to establish a more comprehensive concept of self-management of dementia by family carers.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid concept analysis included three phases: the theoretical phase reviewed the literature on self-management of dementia by family carers; the fieldwork phase interviewed professionals and family carers; and the analytical phase synthesised and discussed the findings from the previous two phases.

Findings

The findings revealed that self-management of dementia by family carers encompasses four domains: supporting care recipients, self-care, sustaining a positive relationship with care recipients, and personal characteristics and skills.

Originality/value

The findings highlighted the essential elements of the construct of self-management of dementia by family carers. The findings can be used as a conceptual framework of self-management and are useful in designing and evaluating self-management support interventions for family carers.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 May 2020

Noha Ahmed Hassan

This paper aims to analyze the link between universities and business incubators (BIs) and to determine how students, scientific researchers and entrepreneurs can benefit from…

25642

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the link between universities and business incubators (BIs) and to determine how students, scientific researchers and entrepreneurs can benefit from this linkage. It creates an environment in which everyone can help the other to put their new ideas, special skills and abilities into new businesses. In other words, the traditional universities’ role has changed and entrepreneurial universities are now needed to redirect new knowledge for economic development through BIs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts an analytical descriptive methodology approach to describe the basic features of the data by using the descriptive research design. This research is based on examining a model provided by the author concerning boosting the entrepreneurial aspects and outcomes through university business incubators (UBIs) based on wide theoretical and empirical case studies. Also, the functional structural approach is used to investigate the relationship between two variables as UBIs are considered a new unit that has functions and structures to create an added value to universities and the society as a whole.

Findings

The educational system should create a favorable environment that enables young people to develop their mindset from employees to employers, and to prepare them to improve skills and knowledge to create jobs. UBI is the recent aspect of the BI evolution where the research outcomes are linked with the industry and development. This relationship between these entities will provide success to its stakeholders.

Social implications

Many incubators around the world are supported by universities. Others are making initiatives to link up with universities and higher education institutions to get the revenues and returns from its academic nature. Lately, university incubators became a type of incubator evolution and more supportive for entrepreneurs than other types of incubators.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is to explain how UBIs succeeded to tie the results of scientific research with economy and development through entrepreneurial activities to accelerate and realize entrepreneurship strategies.

Details

Review of Economics and Political Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2356-9980

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Malleswari Karanam, Lanka Krishnanand, Vijaya Kumar Manupati and Sai Sudhakar Nudurupati

The primary goal of this review is to identify emerging themes in the cold supply chain (CSC) and their future research directions, methodologies, and theories.

Abstract

Purpose

The primary goal of this review is to identify emerging themes in the cold supply chain (CSC) and their future research directions, methodologies, and theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The review looks at CSC related articles from Scopus database published in the years 2000–2020. Thereafter, bibliometric and co-citation analyses have been conducted to identify emerging themes, methodologies, and theoretical perspectives related to CSC management.

Findings

This study revealed a clear research gap in CSC literature with emerging themes relevant to diverse aspects. Primarily, the most prominent authors, methodologies, and theories were identified from bibliometric analysis. Next, we generated clusters to identify the insights of each cluster using co-citation analysis. Consequently, the significance of clusters concerning the number of articles, theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and themes was recognized. Finally, a few future research questions regarding emerging themes have been identified.

Practical implications

The importance of co-citation and bibliometric analyses in studying the evolution of research over a definite time is emphasized in this work. As per emerging themes, implementing digital technologies has increased the efficiency of traditional CSC and transformed it into digital CSC.

Originality/value

As per the authors' knowledge, this work is the first in literature to explore the significance of identifying emerging areas and future research directions in managing CSC through literature review based on bibliometric and co-citation analysis.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2024

Arsalan Zahid Piprani, Syed Abdul Rehman Khan and Zhang Yu

Growing emphasis on long-term viability prompts researchers and industry professionals to collaborate on innovative approaches for sustainability and survival. Industry 4.0 (I4.0…

Abstract

Purpose

Growing emphasis on long-term viability prompts researchers and industry professionals to collaborate on innovative approaches for sustainability and survival. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology's importance drives active adoption by firms amidst evolving business dynamics. This research examines the influence of I4.0 technologies on lean, agile resilient and green practices and their impact on supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from Pakistani manufacturing enterprises were analyzed using SMART PLS to explore the relationship between I4.0 technology, supply chain practices and supply chain performance.

Findings

I4.0 technologies significantly impact all practices, while agile and resilient supply chain approaches partially mediate the relationship with supply chain performance.

Practical implications

Insights from this research guide policymakers and business experts in implementing and managing lean, agile, resilient and green practices. Integrating these principles with digital technology solutions enhances supply chain performance.

Originality/value

This study advances understanding of the interplay between I4.0 technologies, practices and supply chain performance, providing a basis for further research and practical implications.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2024

Gerardo Petruzziello, P.M. Nimmi and Marco Giovanni Mariani

This study aims to understand how employability capitals’ dynamics foster self-perceived employability (SPE) among students and graduates, which is still being empirically…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand how employability capitals’ dynamics foster self-perceived employability (SPE) among students and graduates, which is still being empirically explored. Building upon the Employability Capital Growth Model and the Social Cognitive Career Theory’s career self-management model, we aimed to understand how different capitals associate by testing a serial mediation model connecting career identity (reflecting career identity capital) and SPE through the serial mediation of cultural capital and job interview self-efficacy (ISE) (an element of psychological capital).

Design/methodology/approach

We adopted a two-wave design involving 227 Italian University students and graduates. We recruited participants through multi-channel communication. The hypothesised relationships were analysed employing the structural equation modelling approach with the SPSS AMOS statistical package.

Findings

The results indicated that career identity, cultural capital, ISE and SPE are meaningfully related. In particular, in line with our expectations, we observed that career identity predicts cultural capital, which is positively associated with ISE which, ultimately, impacts SPE.

Originality/value

Our work adds to existing research by advancing the understanding of employability capitals, explaining how they interact and influence SPE, which is crucial for a sustainable transition into the workforce. At a practical level, our findings call upon, and guide, efforts from various stakeholders in the graduate career ecosystem (i.e. universities and their partners) to offer students and graduates meaningful experiences to form and use their employability capitals.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

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