Helping autistic women thrive

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 143-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dori Zener
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Therapeutic Process ◽  
Emotional Awareness ◽  
Family Therapist ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Invest Model ◽  
Clinical Program ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline a clinical framework developed for autistic women. INVEST (Identify Needs, Validate, Educate, Strengthen and Thrive) is a strengths-based neurodiversity therapeutic approach. Autistic individuals are treated with respect and are believed to have the capacity to make meaningful changes in their lives. Design/methodology/approach The author’s clinical experiences working as an individual, couple and family therapist specializing in girls and women with autism inform this paper. The innovative therapeutic approach will be described including reasons for seeking therapy, the theoretical underpinnings and case examples that bring each component of INVEST to life. Findings Women with autism are very responsive to a therapeutic process that validates their experiences. Helping individuals and their support systems learn more about autism and their unique profile can enhance understanding and self-acceptance. Strategies to increase emotional awareness and reduce victimization are emphasized. Understanding sensory triggers and executive functioning challenges enable individuals to make useful adaptations. Building skills and setting parameters on time and energy help to stave off autistic burnout. Practical implications The impact of the INVEST model goes beyond the therapist’s office and can be applied to multiple settings. All professionals have the opportunity to treat autistic women with respect, validation and an assumption of competence. Originality/value Clinical program are scarce for individuals with autism, especially women. The INVEST model is the beginning of a discussion of what can help autistic women thrive.

Applied improvisation training for disaster readiness and response

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara S. Tint ◽  
Viv McWaters ◽  
Raymond van Driel
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Humanitarian Aid ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Aid Workers ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Crisis Scenarios ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce applied improvisation (AI) as a tool for training humanitarian aid workers. AI incorporates principles and practices from improvisational theatre into facilitation and training. It is an excellent modality for training aid workers to deal with crisis and disaster scenarios where decision-making and collaboration under pressure are critical. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a theoretical base for understanding skills needed in disaster response and provides a case for innovative training that goes beyond the current standard. AI principles, activities and case examples are provided. Interviews with development experts who have participated in AI training are excerpted to reveal the impact and promise of this methodology. Findings – Different from typical training and games, which simulate potential crisis scenarios, AI works with participants in developing the skills necessary for success in disaster situations. The benefit is that workers are better prepared for the unexpected and unknown when they encounter it. Research limitations/implications – The current paper is based on author observation, experience and participant interviews. While AI is consistently transformative and successful, it would benefit from more rigorous and structured research to ground the findings more deeply in larger evidence based processes. Practical implications – The authors offer specific activities, resources for many others and practical application of this modality for training purposes. Social implications – Its application has tremendous benefits in training for specific skills, in creating greater cohesion and satisfaction in work units and breaking down culture and language barriers. Originality/value – This work is original in introducing these training methods to humanitarian aid contexts in general, and disaster preparedness and response in particular.

scholarly journals Prevention through design

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Lingard ◽  
Tracy Cooke ◽  
Nick Blismas ◽  
Ron Wakefield
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Construction Stage ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
One Stage ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe research aims to explore the interaction between design decisions that reduce occupational health and safety (OHS) risk in the operation stage of a facility's life cycle and the OHS experiences of workers in the construction stage.Design/methodology/approachData was collected from three construction projects in Australia. Design decisions were examined to understand the reasons they were made and the impact that they had on OHS in the construction and operation stages.FindingsThe case examples reveal that design decisions made to reduce OHS risk during the operation of a facility can introduce new hazards in the construction stage. These decisions are often influenced by stakeholders external to the project itself.Research limitations/implicationsThe results provide preliminary evidence of challenges inherent in designing for OHS across the lifecycle of a facility. Further research is needed to identify and evaluate methods by which risk reduction across all stages of a facility's life cycle can be optimised.Practical implicationsThe research highlights the need to manage tensions between designing for safe construction and operation of a facility.Originality/valuePrevious research assumes design decisions that reduce OHS risk in one stage of a facility's life cycle automatically translate to a net risk reduction across the life cycle. The research highlights the need to consider the implications of PtD decision‐making focused on one stage of the facility's life cycle for OHS outcomes in other stages.

Introduction of electronic documents: how business process simulation can help

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 950-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Leyer ◽  
Maximilian Hollmann
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Document Management ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Documents ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Many companies still use paper documents within their service processes, which is supposed to be inefficient, and a digitalisation of documents is a promising alternative. However, such a change is expensive and the process typically has to be adapted. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to show how business process simulation (BPS) can be used to forecast the effects of the introduction of electronic documents. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a case study of a German bank, and shows how BPS can be used to evaluate the introduction of electronic documents in financial service processes. Findings – The case study shows how BPS can be applied to evaluate the implications of introducing IT systems using the example of e-files. The results reveal that not only cycle time, but also costs and administrative workload, can be reduced, while the number of processed orders increases. Practical implications – On the one hand the data generated in the simulation results can form the basis for feasibility studies regarding IT investments, e.g. for the migration of historical data from the old document management system system. On the other hand, further actions can be deduced for sales staff and other processes, which can use employees’ additional free time. Originality/value – Real case examples are rare, as many companies do not apply simulations. This paper is the first to analyse the impact of introducing electronic documents in service processes using BPS. The paper provides an approach how to conceptualise such settings.

The impact of brain drain in underserved countries: implementing a global ethical leadership approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-222
Author(s):  
Marie-Lyne Grenier
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Worker ◽  
Brain Drain ◽  
Ethical Leadership ◽  
International Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Care Worker ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

Purpose – Health care worker migration from underserved nations to developed nations, also known as the “brain drain” effect, is a leading cause of worldwide health inequalities. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors which have and continue to contribute to “brain drain,” investigate the human consequences of health care worker migration, and explore the ways in which a global ethical leadership approach could be used to help address the issue of “brain drain” and its resulting deleterious effects on global health equality. Design/methodology/approach – An argument is made supporting the need for a global leadership approach that is centered on the enforcement of ethical international health care worker recruitment policies and collaborative endeavors between wealthy and underserved nations to help improve the working conditions of health care workers worldwide. Findings – The successful use of ethical leadership approaches in addressing and reversing the “brain drain” effect has been documented in Thailand and Ireland. These case examples could be used as templates for future legislative action on a global scale. Originality/value – This piece highlights the urgent need for a global ethical leadership approach to help address the issue of “brain drain” in underserved nations and provides concrete strategies to help guide legislative decision making.

scholarly journals Impact of salt and sugar reformulation on processing parameters for orange juice and tomatoes using ohmic heating

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-86
Author(s):  
Oluseyi Moses Ajayi ◽  
Wayne Martindale ◽  
Mark Swainson
Keyword(s):  
Orange Juice ◽  
Ohmic Heating ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Processing Times ◽  
Tomato Puree ◽  
Sugar Levels ◽  
Time And Energy ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it aims to investigate how salt and sugar reduction in foods due to the pressure from the emerging food regulations will affect the physico-electrical properties (PEPs) of orange juice and tomatoes during a selected PEP-dependent thermal processing. Second, the authors are keen to understand how variations in salt and sugar ingredients will affect the time-temperature processing requirements. Design/methodology/approach PEPs of the samples (orange juice and tomatoes) were measured using the KD2 thermal analyser and RS conductivity metre. Both samples with varying salt and sugar levels were subjected to ohmic heating processing using a 10 kW ohmic heater. Dehydration rates and processing times for pasteurisation were obtained. Findings Electrical conductivity increases with added salt in tomato puree but decreases with added sugar in orange juice. Statistical evidence confirmed significant changes in heating rates and processing times of tomatoes and orange juice as their relevant salt and sugar levels change. Reduction in salt content in tomato puree led to increase in time and energy for the thermal processes. While reduction in added sugar in orange juice results led to reduction in processing time and energy requirement for the processing operation. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to small change in salt and sugar variations in order to reflect recommended limits. There were therefore no significant changes in thermal conductivity for the range investigated. Also this study is focussed on two food products. Practical implications Current pressure on the need to reduce salt and sugar in foods necessitates research to increase food processing industry insight into the process and product impacts of such recipe changes, with particular regard to processing efficiency and product safety and quality. Originality/value This study represents an attempt to understand the impact of salt and sugar variations on properties and processing requirements of tomato puree and orange juice.

Uncovering the factors impacting visitor’s satisfaction: evidence from a portfolio of events

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
António Almeida ◽  
Sergio Jesus Teixeira ◽  
Mara Franco
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Peripheral Region ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Event Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
Socio Economic Variables ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to get insights on a real-life portfolio of events from a demand-centred prospective, based on the identification of factors influencing the degree of attendee’s satisfaction, with the ultimate aim of identifying commonalities and prospective cross-leverage strategies among events. Design/methodology/approach Data from attendees to three major events taking place in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, were analysed based on multivariate statistics and categorical regression owing to the overwhelming presence of categorical data in the database. The econometric analysis pursued in this paper is based on a sample of 1,830 tourists. Findings The research demonstrates that the impact of the socio-economic variables and travel arrangements on attendees’ satisfaction is rather irrelevant, irrespective of the event under analysis, with cross-cutting factors defining the overall quality of any event (mainly technical aspects such as aesthetical elements, organization and opening hours) determinant in predicting the overall degree of satisfaction. Another key finding relates to the existence of a number of commonalities among events, in terms of tourists’ profiles, market orientation, themes and resources laying ground to define ready-to-apply cross-leverage strategies. Research limitations/implications The analysis concentrated on three major events taking place in the capital city of a peripheral region. The content of the questionnaire co-developed with the destination management organization with order to get access to a large sample of respondents. Practical implications Lessons to be learnt in terms of managing a disparate collection of events developed over time in an ad hoc manner. A few examples of cross-leverage strategies are put forward. Originality/value The analysis and empirical content portrayed in this study contribute to the literature on event portfolio via description of real-life case examples of how to develop competencies based on post-event analysis in a proactive manner.

The More Control, the Better?

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeeyun Oh ◽  
Mun-Young Chung ◽  
Sangyong Han
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Design ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Story Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High User ◽  
User Control ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Control Versus ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Impact

Despite of the popularity of interactive movie trailers, rigorous research on one of the most apparent features of these interfaces – the level of user control – has been scarce. This study explored the effects of user control on users’ immersion and enjoyment of the movie trailers, moderated by the content type. We conducted a 2 (high user control versus low user control) × 2 (drama film trailer versus documentary film trailer) mixed-design factorial experiment. The results showed that the level of user control over movie trailer interfaces decreased users’ immersion when the trailer had an element of traditional story structure, such as a drama film trailer. Participants in the high user control condition answered that they were less fascinated with, absorbed in, focused on, mentally involved with, and emotionally affected by the movie trailer than participants in the low user control condition only with the drama movie trailer. The negative effects of user control on the level of immersion for the drama trailer translated into users’ enjoyment. The impact of user control over interfaces on immersion and enjoyment varies depending on the nature of the media content, which suggests a possible trade-off between the level of user control and entertainment outcomes.

Perceived workplace gender-bias and psychological impact

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 339-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siham Lekchiri ◽  
Cindy Crowder ◽  
Anna Schnerre ◽  
Barbara A.W. Eversole
Keyword(s):  
Gender Bias ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Working Women ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Treatment Bias ◽  
Male Dominated ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Organizational Mechanisms ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of working women in a male-dominated country (Morocco) and unveil the unique challenges and everyday gender-bias they face, the psychological impact of the perceived gender-bias and, finally, identify a variety of coping strategies or combatting mechanisms affecting their motivation and retention in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach Empirical evidence was obtained using a qualitative research method. The Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was used to collect incidents recalled by women in the select institution reflecting their perceptions of their managers’ ineffective behaviors towards them and the impact of these behaviors. The critical incidents were inductively coded, and behavioral statements were derived from the coded data. Findings The qualitative data analysis led them to structure the data according to two theme clusters: The perceived gender-bias behaviors (Covert and evident personal and organizational behaviors) and Psychological impacts resulting from the perceived bias. These behavioral practices included abusive behaviors, unfair treatment, bias and lack of recognition. The psychological impact elements involved decreased productivity, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Practical implications Understanding these experiences can facilitate the identification of strategies geared towards the retention of women in the workforce, and Moroccan organizations can develop and implement strategies and policies that are geared towards eliminating gender-bias in the workplace and to retaining and motivating women who remain ambitious to work in male-dominated environments and cultures. Originality/value This paper provides evidence that sufficient organizational mechanisms to support women in male-dominated environments are still unavailable, leaving them to find the proper coping mechanisms to persevere and resist.

An empirical examination of firm financial performance along dimensions of supply chain resilience

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun Li ◽  
Qun Wu ◽  
Clyde W. Holsapple ◽  
Thomas Goldsby
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Critical Dimensions ◽  
Firm Financial Performance ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of three critical dimensions of supply chain resilience, supply chain preparedness, supply chain alertness and supply chain agility, all aimed at increasing a firm’s financial outcomes. In a turbulent environment, firms require resilience in their supply chains to prepare for potential changes, detect changes and respond to actual changes, thus providing superior value. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data from 77 firms, this study develops scales for preparedness, alertness and agility. It then tests their hypothesized relationships with a firm’s financial performance. Findings The results reveal that the three dimensions of supply chain resilience (i.e. preparedness, alertness and agility) significantly impact a firm’s financial performance. It is also found that supply chain preparedness, as a proactive resilience capability, has a greater influence on a firm’s financial performance than the reactive capabilities including alertness and agility, suggesting that firms should pay more attention to proactive approaches for building supply chain resilience. Originality/value First, this study develops a comparatively comprehensive definition for supply chain resilience and explores its dimensionality. Second, this study provides empirically validated instruments for the dimensions of supply chain resilience. Third, this study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence for direct impact of supply chain resilience dimensions on a firm’s financial performance.

Proprietary information and the cost of bank debt

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
HyunJun Na
Keyword(s):  
Least Square ◽  
Bank Loan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loan Contracts ◽  
Proprietary Information ◽  
Banking Deregulation ◽  
Interstate Banking ◽  
Innovative Firms ◽  
Bank Loan Contracts ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study explores how the firm’s proprietary information has an impact on the bank loan contracts. It explains the propensity of using the competitive bid option (CBO) in the syndicate loans to solicit the best bid for innovative firms and how it changes based on industry competition and the degree of innovations. This research also examines how the interstate banking deregulation (Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act) in 1994 affected the private loan contracts for innovative borrowers.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses various econometric analyses. First, it uses the propensity score matching analysis to see the impact of patents on pricing terms. Second, it uses the two-stage least square (2SLS) analysis by implementing the litigation and non-NYSE variables. Finally, it studies the impact of the policy change of the Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 on the bank loan contracts.FindingsFirms with more proprietary information pays more annual facility fees but less other fees. The patents are the primary determinants of the usage of CBO in the syndicate loans to solicit the best bid. While innovative firms can have better contract conditions by the CBO, firms with more proprietary information will less likely to use the CBO option to minimize the leakage of private information and the severe monitoring from the banks. Finally, more proprietary information lowered the loan spread for firms dependent on the external capital after the interstate banking deregulation.Originality/valueThe findings of this research will help senior executives with responsibility for financing their innovative projects. In addition, these findings should prove helpful for the lawmakers to boost economies.

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