Guided heritage walks as a tool for inclusive heritage education: case study of New Delhi

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekta Chauhan ◽  
Sanjana Anand
Keyword(s):  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Heritage Education

PurposeThis paper studies the role of heritage walks and tours in promoting inclusive education. It assesses if these walks are an effective method of exhibiting culture and facilitating inclusive heritage learning. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to establish that walks can play an imperative role in creating greater sensitivity towards heritage and conservation.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a case study approach using mixed methods. Participants for qualitative interviews were chosen using purposive sampling and six interview schedules were sent to walk leaders. Walk participant data were collected through participant observation and standardised survey with randomly selected participants of the case walks. Surveys were sent to participants electronically.FindingsHeritage walks play a crucial role in not only imparting knowledge about history and heritage but also as a tool for learning other crucial skills, competencies, values, attitudes, etc. This paper attempts to highlight that walks are an effective and inclusive way to shed light on the alternative and forgotten stories. As an educational tool these walks can not only encourage the development of historical knowledge and appreciation but also assist in the development of competency to “de-construct” mainstream “grand narratives”, questioning and learning about the forgotten.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has limited itself to the study of select cases in New Delhi. Since the study has followed a case study design, it does not produce a largely generalizable result, but rather examines and understands the dynamics of particular walks and produces insights that may well be applicable in other contexts. Whilst this paper makes an attempt to understand the changes in perception and attitudes, it does not study behavioural changes.Social implicationsIn the long run, walks allow for meaningful citizen engagement with tangible heritage such as monuments as well as intangible heritage such as practices and festivals. This allows for appreciation for the value of heritage resources and leads to a demand for better conservation and preservation from the authorities. In a few cases, local citizens themselves lead heritage management and development activities in a bid to promote their local culture. This paper has shown that heritage walks can be helpful tools in giving “forgotten” voices and stories recognition in contemporary society.Originality/valueAs heritage walks have recently gained popularity, there has been very limited research in the field especially linking heritage walks to heritage education. This is especially true for India. Even a city like New Delhi, which boasts of a robust heritage and is one of the tourism hubs of the country, heritage walks have been a very recent phenomenon. This research aims to address this lacuna in academic research and contribute meaningfully to the field of heritage education and conservation by studying how heritage walks support and promote inclusive heritage education.

scholarly journals Relevance of academic research in information technology and information management

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-295
Author(s):  
Merlin Stone ◽  
Emmanuel Kosack ◽  
Eleni Aravopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Negative Contribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Amazon Web Services ◽  
Management Approaches

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the relevance of academic research, in terms of the topic match, to commercial practise in information technology, using the case study of a large and very rapidly growing supplier that uses leading-edge management approaches, Salesforce.com. Design/methodology/approach Academic literature review and review of commercial literature and information published by Salesforce.com. Findings Academics’ choice of topics matches the issues and topics present in the development of Salesforce.com, but suffers from the lack of interdisciplinary approach and particularly fails to integrate technical, marketing and financial approaches. Research limitations/implications The case study is of only one company, though an important one, although other large companies are involved e.g. Amazon Web services. However, the approach could easily be widened to several companies. Practical implications The case study approach will help academics focus on creating more applicable research and help students to learn about companies and may also eventually help practitioners to create thought leadership. Social implications If the financial and economic aspects of such case studies are integrated with other business aspects, these will provide a better view of the positive (or negative) contribution made by companies such as the one in the case study. Originality/value This is the first time that a case study has been examined in the context of the relevance/rigour debate.

Conflicts in adaptation: case studies from Nepal and the Maldives

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phu Doma Lama ◽  
Per Becker
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Adaptation appears to be regarded as a panacea in policy circles to reduce the risk of impending crises resulting from contemporary changes, including but not restricted to climate change. Such conceptions can be problematic, generally assuming adaptation as an entirely positive and non-conflictual process. The purpose of this paper is to challenge such uncritical views, drawing attention to the conflictual nature of adaptation, and propose a theoretical framework facilitating the identification and analysis of conflicts in adaptation. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on case study research using first-hand narratives of adaptation in Nepal and the Maldives collected using qualitative interviews, participant observation and document analysis. Findings The findings identify conflicts between actors in, and around, communities that are adapting to changes. These conflicts can be categorized along three dimensions: qualitative differences in the type of conflict, the relative position of conflicting actors and the degree of manifestation of the conflict. Originality/value The three-dimensional Adaptation Conflict Framework facilitate analysis of conflicts in adaptation, allowing for a critical examination of subjectivities inherent in the adaptation discourses embedded in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation research and policy. Such an inquiry is crucial for interventions supporting community adaptation to reduce disaster risk.

scholarly journals Product returns: a growing problem for business, society and environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1613-1621
Author(s):  
Regina Frei ◽  
Lisa Jack ◽  
Steve Brown
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Business And Society ◽  
Product Returns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Operational Management ◽  
Functional Teams ◽  
Financial Impacts

PurposeThis article sheds light onto the increasing problem of product returns, which is exacerbated by growing e-commerce. Many retailers and academics are oblivious to the nature and scale of this challenge. Interdisciplinary research is needed to develop supporting theory, and cross-functional teams are required to implement measures addressing economic, ecological and social sustainability issues.Design/methodology/approachThe initial project adopted a multi-case study approach, whereby returns processes were mapped, vulnerabilities identified and a returns cost calculator was developed.FindingsProduct returns processes are usually complicated, prone to internal and external fraud, inefficient and lack sustainability. They can generate considerable losses to the business, especially as returns data are often not systematically collected, monitored or reported to senior management. There are important implications for strategic and operational management, namely the need to develop a concept for Lean returns systems.Originality/valueProduct returns are a unique and understudied but growing field in academic research, with only few publications over the last two decades. Yet the phenomenon is causing increasing problems in business and society. Robust solutions could achieve great financial and non-financial impacts.

The Role of Nature Sports Guides to Sustainable Local Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 371-388
Author(s):  
Ricardo Melo ◽  
Diogo Leite
Keyword(s):  
Local Development ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Sports Tourism ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
Instrumental Role

The overall aim of this case study was to understand the role of nature sports guides in promoting sustainable local development. The study adopted a qualitative and descriptive case study approach. Data was collected from participant observation in one nature sports tourism company established in the area of Coimbra region in the centre of Portugal, as well as in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews applied to a sample of 30 nature sports guides working in nature sports tourism companies, established in the same region. The data collected from both participant observation and interviews were analysed through categorical content analysis. The findings reveal that the nature sports guides have already adopted certain sustainability practices in the analysed dimensions. However, the greatest focus of the nature sports guides is the instrumental role. Findings of this study are important for both the industry and academy and some strategies will be discussed so that the great potential of nature sports for the promotion of sustainable local development can be reached.

Relevance of heritage safeguarding plans in the Algerian Medina

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hana Salah-Salah
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Historic Center ◽  
Intangible Heritage ◽  
Community Model ◽  
New Vision ◽  
General Community

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the heritage management of the Algerian medinas subject to standardized safeguarding plans, referring only to the general community model, and then ignoring their particularities. Two medinas were selected as a case study: Annaba and Constantine.Design/methodology/approachSeveral methodologies of a descriptive historical issue and an exploratory study approach were used to determine the physical and cultural values of the two medinas. The objective is to see to what extent the medinas can be claimed as a place of affirmation and diffusion of urbanity.FindingsOn the basis of the results obtained, this work aims to articulate the tangible and intangible heritage as two inseparable dimensions to rethink the heritage of the Algerian medinas, taking into account the specificities and peculiarities of each of them.Originality/valueThis paper responds to an identified need to examine the issue of identity as a new approach that depends on the available characteristics of the historic center and the way in which planners and decision-makers use these resources as a guideline for implementing a new vision of safeguarding.

scholarly journals Dilemmas within commercial involvement in open source software

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malgorzata Ciesielska ◽  
Ann Westenholz
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Open Source Software ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Involvement ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Open Source Communities ◽  
Social Logics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature about the commercial involvement in open source software, levels of this involvement and consequences of attempting to mix various logics of action. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses the case study approach based on mixed methods: literature reviews and news searches, electronic surveys, qualitative interviews and observations. It combines discussions from several research projects as well as previous publications to present the scope of commercial choices within open source software and their consequences. Findings – The findings show that higher levels of involvement in open source software communities poses important questions about the balance between economic, technological, and social logics as well as the benefits of being autonomous, having access to collaborative networks and minimizing risks related to free-riding. There are six levels of commercial involvement in open source communities, and each of them is characterized by a different dilemma. Originality/value – The paper sheds light on the various level of involvement of business in open source movement and emphasize that the popularized “open innovation” concept is only the first step in real involvement and paradigm shift.

Evidence based organizational change: people surveys, strategies and structures

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 623-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Stephen Town
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Human Capital Measurement

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the use of people surveys to enact change in human capital organization and practices in a University library. Design/methodology/approach – The study covers seven years of people surveys and the consequent interventions applied based on this and other data and evidence at the University of York, UK. The case describes measurement of staff’s lived experience, leading to innovation and intervention in management strategies, structures and policies. The research employs a mixed methodology; the paper draws on quantitative evidence from surveys, qualitative evidence from focus groups and desk research on human capital measurement and emotion in the workplace. Findings – The paper describes the findings of investigations across seven years, discusses the available methods for people assessment, and the different theoretical foundations of the engagement, climate and excellence surveys used across the period. Strategic and structural interventions are described and their effectiveness discussed. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of research in the field of human capital are discussed, including the participant observation of the library director, together with the potential confounding factors affecting data collected during the period of research. Social implications – The paper reflects on advances in the understanding and practice of people evaluation in libraries. The development of a people strategy based on evidence, and repetition of surveys to gauge the effectiveness of interventions, with consequent refinement of solutions, appear to have had a real effect on the lived experience, culture and service provided by the case library. Originality/value – The originality and value of the paper is that it provides a unique long-term case study of people surveys, strategy and structure in an academic research library.

Internal, external, and media stakeholders’ evaluations during transgressions

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 512-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Koehler ◽  
Sascha Raithel
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Crisis Communication ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
Corporate Crises ◽  
Corporate Crisis

Purpose As crises are largely perceptual, the deeper the understanding is of how stakeholders perceive crisis situations, the more effectively corporations can target their crisis communication messages. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how different stakeholder groups process information during transgression-based corporate crises. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on 17 qualitative interviews with the internal, external and media stakeholders of an organisation that experienced a major transgression-based crisis. A case study approach is adopted to analyse and understand how these stakeholders process and respond to the same crisis event. Findings Findings suggest that there are considerable differences in the crisis evaluations of different stakeholder groups. This study identifies several elements specific to internal, external and media stakeholders’ crisis information processing. Research limitations/implications Although the findings are tied to the specific case, the authors extend the existing theory by shedding light on the specific factors that shape the evaluations of different stakeholder groups during a transgression. Practical implications The findings may help managers in building more accurate assumptions and knowledge with respect to crisis effects on an organisation’s stakeholders and thus provide the basis for more effective crisis communication. Originality/value Prior crisis information-processing models provide fragmented and generic insights into the specifics of different stakeholder groups and thus lead crisis communication to miss opportunities to attenuate the loss of a corporation’s social approval. This study moves towards an integrated framework of how different stakeholders evaluate a transgression-based corporate crisis.

scholarly journals Exploring strategic agency in sustainability-oriented entrepreneur legitimation

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orlagh Reynolds ◽  
Maura Sheehan ◽  
Rachel Hilliard
Keyword(s):  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Strategic Value ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to look at the role played by three archetypal constructs pertaining to the individual sustainability-oriented entrepreneur, namely prior knowledge, sustainability orientation and sustainability intention, in legitimation behavior and explores their strategic utility. Design/methodology/approach The author studies legitimacy-seeking behavior in the case of ten sustainability-oriented entrepreneurs. A qualitative case study approach is used, capturing evidence of legitimation behavior in the startup phase through interviews, participant observation and documentation analysis. Findings Prior knowledge and sustainability orientation appear to offer little value beyond their role as necessary factors in maintaining legitimacy. Both appear to have limited strategic value for legitimation in comparison to sustainability intention. Intention as a construct embodies the “paradox” of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship, and learning to successfully overcome this paradox to strategically utilize intention in legitimation is crucial for these entrepreneurs. Practical implications Knowledge of these factors could assist sustainability-oriented entrepreneurs in strategically utilizing these factors as agency when dealing with diverse stakeholder expectations to achieve their enterprising goals. Strengthening knowledge on factors important for legitimacy is pertinent in supporting this shared value approach to entrepreneurship. Originality/value Little theoretical or empirical attention has been paid to the complexity of strategic legitimation behavior of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurs. This paper provides novel empirical insight into what role these archetypal factors play in legitimation behavior and how they can be strategically utilized.

The need for requisite variety to support growth: an organizational life cycle perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-256
Author(s):  
Rocco Palumbo ◽  
Rosalba Manna
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Organizational Life ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Environmental Complexity ◽  
Organizational Life Cycle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Requisite Variety

PurposeDrawing on the “Giffoni Experience” case study, the purpose of this paper is to establish a conceptual link between requisite variety and organizational life cycle. The law of requisite variety states that – to be viable – a system should be able to achieve the minimum number of states which are required to deal with environmental uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive case study approach was taken, which allowed a holistic analysis of the subject being investigated. Multiple sources and different techniques were used to collect relevant data, including: document analysis, unstructured interviews with key informants, and participant observation.FindingsThe development of requisite variety is intended to fill the gap between organizational adaptability and increased environmental complexity. The process of requisite variety generation is influenced by the organizational life cycle stages, turning out to be reactive in the early phases of life and proactive in the maturity ones. Ultimately, the development of requisite variety makes the organization able to establish a co-evolving relationship with the environment, which paves the way for greater organizational adaptability and effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings are not generalizable; besides, the exploratory nature of this study did not allow to point out a consistent relationship between requisite variety and the organizational life cycle.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to examine requisite variety adopting the conceptual lenses of organizational life cycle. Empirical research works dealing with requisite variety are uncommon and generally overlooked by management scholars and practitioners.

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