Polic(y)ing time and curriculum: how teachers critically negotiate restrictive policies

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christy Wessel-Powell ◽  
Beth Anne Buchholz ◽  
Cassie J. Brownell
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Elementary Classrooms ◽  
Teacher Agency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Time ◽  
Interpretive Inquiry ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Problems Of Practice

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to theorize teacher agency as enacted through a P/policymaking lens in three elementary classrooms. Big-P Policies are formal, top-down school reform policies legislated, created, implemented and regulated by national, state and local governments. Yet, Big-P policies are not the only policies enacted in literacies classrooms. Rather, little-p policies or teachers’ local, personal and creative enactments of their values and expertise are also in play in daily classroom decisions. Little p-policies are teachers doing their best in response to their students and school contexts. Design/methodology/approach Adapting elements of discursive analysis, this interpretive inquiry is designed to examine textual artifacts, situated alongside classroom events and particular local practices, to explicate what teachers’ policymaking enactments regarding time and curriculum look like across three distinct contexts. Using three elementary classrooms as examples, this paper provides analytic snapshots illustrating teachers’ policymaking to solve problems of practice posed by state and school policies for curriculum, and for use of time at school. Findings The findings suggest that teachers ration (aliz)ed use of time in ways that enacted personal politics, to prioritize children’s personal growth and well-being alongside teachers’ values, even when use of time became “inefficient.” An artifact from three focal classrooms illustrates particular practices – scheduling, connecting and modeling – teachers leveraged to enact little p-policy. Teachers’ little p-policy enactment is teacher agency, used to disrupt temporal and curricular policies. Originality/value This framing is valuable because little-p policymaking works to disrupt and negotiate temporal and curricular mandates imposed on classrooms from the outside.

The impact of Zika on local businesses

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy F. Page ◽  
Mark L. Williams ◽  
Graziana Cassella ◽  
Jessica L. Adler ◽  
Benjamin C. Amick, III
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Impact ◽  
Outbreak Areas ◽  
The Usa ◽  
State And Local ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In June 2016, the first cases of Zika were reported in the USA in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, Florida. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a survey of Wynwood businesses about their perceptions of their financial well-being and the government and media’s responses to the Zika outbreak. Design/methodology/approach A survey instrument was developed, and 44 owners/managers of Wynwood businesses were interviewed by telephone or in-person during the period when the outbreak was being managed. Findings Businesses reported downturns in revenues, profits, and customer traffic following the Zika outbreak. Believing that the downturn would be temporary, few businesses laid off workers or reduced prices. All businesses reported dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the outbreak. Originality/value This is the first study to document the impact of Zika on businesses located in outbreak areas. The findings highlight the business impact of Zika outbreaks and suggest a need for improved communication and response from state and local governments to business concerns when future outbreaks occur.

Voluntary simplicity: a content analysis of consumer comments

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petek Tosun ◽  
Selime Sezgin
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Word Frequency ◽  
Frequency Analysis ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Less Is More ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Meaningful Experiences

Purpose The voluntary simplification (VS) movement has stemmed from Western societies and gained momentum in the 1980s, but the trend has failed to become a primary perspective for most consumers. The accompanying concepts of conscious consumption, minimalism and accepting that sometimes “less is more” are still vivid in the digital era. The purpose of this study is to provide a deep and recent understanding of the consumer comments about minimalism in Turkey and examine their associations with the prominent themes in the VS literature. Design/methodology/approach Consumer comments posted on online platforms were analyzed by content analysis and word frequency analysis. Findings Consumer comments were in parallel to the themes in the VS literature and were classified under personal growth, material simplicity, sustainability, proper technology usage and self-sufficiency categories. Personal growth, material simplicity and sustainability were the first three dimensions mentioned. The prominent sub-themes that emerge from data were psychological well-being, inner peace, freedom, meaningful experiences and getting rid of belongings. A word frequency analysis pointed out that “life” and “owning” were the evident words in the personal growth category, “purchasing things” were mostly mentioned in the material simplicity category and “plastic litter” and “excessive consumption” were the prominent concerns in the sustainability category. Originality/value VS required further research in different national contexts. Besides, an analysis of the dimensions of VS was needed. This study contributes by providing recent and rich findings from a developing country, connecting them with the VS themes in the literature and suggesting a conceptual framework enriched by sub-themes that emerged from data.

Football teams for people with intellectual disabilities living in the community: “it helps your self-esteem and that, don’t it?”

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose White ◽  
Katherine Lister ◽  
Kristian Northend ◽  
Stephen Moore ◽  
Kelly Rayner
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Football Training

Purpose People with intellectual disabilities (ID) can be vulnerable to developing mental health problems. It has been found that participating in regular exercise can help to improve emotional well-being, both in typically developing people and those with ID. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences of community clients with ID who have engaged in a football training programme, and the perceived impacts on attitudes, mood and behaviour. Design/methodology/approach Interviews with seven patients from generic or forensic community ID services were conducted. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings Two master themes were identified from the interviews, “Striving” and “Togetherness”. Originality/value The most important factors related to taking part in the football programme were the social, emotional and personal growth associated with being part of a team and general enjoyment of being part of something. Although aspects of football knowledge and physical fitness were still evident, their impact seemed to be less significant. The experience of football was overwhelmingly positive.

Evolution of cities in Borneo: a kaleidoscope of urban landscapes for planning future resilient cities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Kozlowski ◽  
Rahinah Ibrahim ◽  
Khairul Hazmi Zaini
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
Urban Development ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Cultural Tradition ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Central State ◽  
Unique Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
State And Local

PurposeThis study aims to examine the trajectory of the urban growth of Borneo by portraying its resilient settlements in the pre-colonial times, tropical sensitive colonial architecture, the built environment of the post–independence period and finally the contemporary city image. This is followed by a comparative study of its major urban centres and determining how globalisation and neoliberalism impact the traditional urban settlements of this island and poses a threat to its rich biodiversity.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses case study research methodology involving selected cities on the Island of Borneo including Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Miri and Kuching (Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia), Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), and major cities of the state of Kalimantan, Indonesia. Data collection includes a literature review, content analysis, field assessment and observations. The major research objectives would address past and current issues in the selected urban environment of Borneo. They address the historical evolution of major cities of Borneo, current urban development trends, the deterioration of the traditional urban fabric as a result of post–independence development and later globalisation.FindingsThis study found that the rich cultural tradition and climate-responsive architecture from the past have been discontinued to pave way for fast track and often speculative development. The results contribute in the convergence of existing shortcomings of cities from three nations on Borneo Island in guiding future sustainable urban planning agenda for achieving a resilient city status while reinstating the character and the sense of place. The study expects the recommendations to become prerequisites for future urban planning in sensitive tropical regions.Originality/valueThis research identified a new “Borneo approach” to urban development. The study strongly recommends top priorities for the central, state and local governments of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia allowing the planners and decision-makers to establish a new tropical urban planning initiative with the ample design practice for this unique region in Southeast Asia. The results of this study can serve as the guiding principles for other urban environments in fragile and sensitive tropical regions.

Psychological well-being of people living near landfills: preliminary case study in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-379
Author(s):  
Hamka Hamka ◽  
Ni'matuzahroh Ni'matuzahroh ◽  
Tri Astuti ◽  
Mein-Woei Suen ◽  
Fu-An Shieh
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The People ◽  
The Government ◽  
Voice Recorder

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the psychological well-being of people living around landfills, which constitutes a preliminary case study localized in Samarinda city, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This current study used a descriptive, participatory case study design. For data collection, interviews and participatory observation were used. Specifically, this case study took place in Samarinda City, Indonesia. Findings The psychological well-being of the people living around landfills was indicated very low in the light of psychological well-being such as personal growth, life’s goals and self-acceptance dimensions. Research limitations/implications Psychological well-being is part of an attitude of gratitude, thus making individuals happy and satisfied in life. The results of this study point to the fact that people who live around landfills have low psychological well-being due to lack of support from the community and government. In addition, with this research, people who live near landfills are very happy because they feel cared for and care about their condition. People who live near landfills expect the government and surrounding communities to know about their situation so that they become prosperous and well-being. In addition, providing medical team services, sending clean water and providing good solutions can help people who live near landfills. The limitation of this preliminary study was that researchers could deeply explore the lives of people in the next research. Besides, the next research can provide a camera or voice recorder in the state of only observation. In addition, the researcher can analyze more deeply in the next research. The final limitation was that participants could not have enough time to interact with, thus, the researcher could not collect the data to explore further. Practical implications Base on the result in this study, the government needs to have the policy to take care of those people who stay near landfills, for example, improving drinking water, establish the health management and giving a right to people to stay near landfills. Social implications By improving the growing environment, the people live near landfills can have some changes in their life. In addition, the negative stereotype and prejudice can be decreased and establish a more friendly society and increasing their well-being. Originality/value The participants were found to be problematic, primarily in managing their environment and influencing their personal growth. On top of that, the participants appeared to possess a lack exposure of to social interaction with other communities, which might cause them social gap and lack of caring perceived toward the surrounding environment, lack of better life’s goals, the disappointment of current conditions due to low educational and skill backgrounds. Nonetheless, the participants were still of gratefulness upon the situation for they were still granted health for studies to support their families. Besides, the participants did not show any positive attitudes toward themselves because of the disappointment of their condition and personal qualities.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of family in enhancing the well-being of patients with developmental disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 721-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Lam ◽  
Constanza Bianchi
Keyword(s):  
Family Relationships ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Therapy Services

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how family members co-create value and improve the well-being of patients with chronic developmental disorders, such as Asperger syndrome (AS) that undertake permanent therapy services. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative methodology is used to identify family value co-creation activities and well-being outcomes. Extensive interviews with family members and professional therapists of AS patients were conducted as the main data collection method. Findings Drawing from previous conceptualizations of value co-creation activities in health contexts, the findings of this study identify the specific value co-creation activities held by family members that influence the different dimensions of well-being for AS patients and their families: co-learning, combining therapies, changing ways of doing things, connecting, co-operation and co-production, managing daily life, motivating, protecting, regulating and establishing roles. The findings also reveal improvements in the following dimensions of patient well-being: autonomy, self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relationships with others, control of the environment and personal growth. In addition, value co-creation activities also improve family relationships at home and the well-being of patient family members. Originality/value This study contributes to the services literature and addresses a gap in transformative service research by exploring the value co-creation activities of family members for improving well-being outcomes of patients with chronic developmental disorders. People with chronic developmental disorders engage in permanent therapy services and tend to have below-average well-being scores, which also extends to their family members.

Mexico's June elections face serious crime risk

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Parties ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Level ◽  
The Political ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Actors ◽  
Physical Attack ◽  
Serious Crime ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Crime Risk

Subject The weakness of state and local level institutions is encouraging more intervention from Mexico City. Significance With twelve Mexican states set to go to the polls on June 5, and a thirteenth holding elections on July 3, longstanding concerns regarding the risk of criminal infiltration in local governments have returned to the fore. Beyond the political manipulation of alleged political-criminal links, political actors appear increasingly aware of their vulnerability to threats, intimidation and physical attack. Impacts How federal and local authorities manage criminal threats will be central to the outcome of the forthcoming elections. Candidate screening will be ineffective as long as federal authorities and political parties are both reluctant to lead the process. Politically motivated intervention will worsen, with all parties using criminal accusations to smear or disqualify other candidates.

Administrative reforms and performance of local public policies

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 462-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Santos Curto ◽  
Álvaro Dias
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Public Policies ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Administrative Reforms ◽  
State And Local

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between administrative reform in Portugal and the impacts on the dependence of local governments in the face of budgetary resources of state and local municipal revenue collection, which is understood as a form, among others, participation civil society in local public policies. Design/methodology/approach – The study opts for an exploratory analysis using the grounded theory approach, including the use of data relating to local government structures and partnerships with the private sector, based on the main lines of the public administration reform. The data were supplemented by documentary analysis, including legislative documents and papers in specialized area of administrative decentralization and civil society participation in local public policies. Findings – The paper provides empirical insights about how the increased participation of civil society in local public policies is associated with less reliance on state budgets and a greater number of local managerial structures. Research limitations/implications – Due to the chosen research approach, the results cannot be generalized. A comparative study between several countries could bring several interesting insights. Social implications – The paper includes implications for economic and social development of new public policies in the context of administrative reforms. Originality/value – This paper makes several theoretical and empirical contributions on this research field specially about local public manager's decisions for financial resources transfers within the active policy of sustainable local development.

scholarly journals Exploring how internet services can enhance elderly well-being

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Constanza Bianchi
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Internet Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Elderly Consumers

Purpose This study aims to investigate how Internet services can improve the well-being of elderly consumers. Drawing on transformative service research (TSR) and technology adoption literature, it examines the main challenges for the elderly when adopting Internet services and how they and their family members can co-create value to improve the elderly service inclusion and well-being. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology is used to identify challenges, value co-creation behaviors and well-being outcomes of elderly individuals and their family members when using Internet services. The data collection method involved 24 in-depth interviews with consumers over 75 years of age and their family members. Findings This research first recognizes specific challenges for the elderly in adopting Internet services related to resistance to technology adoption and health impairments. Second, the findings identify value co-creation behaviors held by elderly consumers of Internet services: learning and formal training, complying with indications and seeking help when they encounter problems with technology. Family members also contribute to elderly well-being through two value co-creation behaviors: helping and supporting elderly relatives with technology and being patient and tolerant when they need support. Finally, these behaviors are found to influence five dimensions of elderly consumers’ well-being: enjoyment, personal growth, mastery, autonomy and social connectedness. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the value co-creation behaviors of elderly consumers of Internet services and their family members for improving well-being outcomes. Understanding value co-creation and well-being for elderly consumers of Internet services is an emerging and under-researched area in TSR and service inclusion literature.

scholarly journals Institutional Challenges in the Implementation Process: A Case Study of Rural Transport Accessibility in Kuala Krai, Kelantan

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-147
Author(s):  
Maria binti Mohd Ismail ◽  
Raja Noriza binti Raja Ariffin
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Transport Accessibility ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Institutional Challenges

The central aim of many transport systems is to improve people’s access to goods, services and facilities. Improving transport access can subsequently reduce social isolation. Compared to urban areas, the issue of accessibility is more prominent in rural areas due to its distances from many opportunities. It has been proven in many studies that the provision of rural infrastructure and the improvement of rural transport can upgrade the social well-being of the rural community. The process of improving rural access should always start with the identification of the transportation needs of the community and their mobility patterns. This paper narrates the institutional challenges in implementing rural transport accessibility strategies in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. The district is located in the northeast of Peninsular Malaysia. The qualitative case-study approach used in this study involved 17 respondents; thirteen policymakers from federal, state and local governments, two local transport operators and two rural transport experts. The findings show that among the institutional challenges in the implementation process are poor communication and coordination, lack of transport planning experts and limited financial resources. The findings provide critical inputs for policymakers at various decision-making levels, namely federal, state and local, in planning and designing a more accessible transportation system for the rural population.

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