scholarly journals What is sustainable fashion?

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia E. Henninger ◽  
Panayiota J. Alevizou ◽  
Caroline J. Oates
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Sustainable Fashion ◽  
Fair Wages ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine what the term sustainable fashion means from the perspective of micro-organisations, experts, and consumers. Design/methodology/approach This research is qualitative in nature, utilising a multi-methods case study approach (semi-structured interviews, semiotics, questionnaires). Grounded analysis was applied to analyse the data. Findings Findings indicate that interpretation of sustainable fashion is context and person dependent. A matrix of key criteria provides the opportunity to find common elements. Research limitations/implications Due to the nature of this research the sample size is limited and may not be generalised. Data were collected in the UK and are limited to a geographical region. Practical implications An important implication is that defining sustainable fashion is vital in order to avoid challenges, such as greenwashing, which were faced in other industries that have a longer history in sustainable practices. Micro-organisations should take advantage of identifying key sustainable fashion criteria, which will enable them to promote their fashion collections more effectively. Social implications The criteria identified provide assurance for consumers that sustainable fashion is produced with social aspects in mind (fair wages, good working conditions). Originality/value The paper proposes a matrix that allows micro-organisations to clearly identify their collections as sustainable.

scholarly journals Fraud in overseas aid and the challenge of measurement

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Button ◽  
Chris Lewis ◽  
David Shepherd ◽  
Graham Brooks
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
International Development ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges of measuring fraud in overseas aid. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on 21 semi-structured interviews with key persons working in the delivery of aid in both the public and voluntary sectors. It uses the UK Department for International Development as a case study to applying more accurate measures of fraud. Findings – This paper shows there are significant challenges to using fraud loss measurement to gauge fraud in overseas aid. However, it argues that, along with other types of measures, it could be used in areas of expenditure in overseas governments and charities to measure aid. Given the high risk of such aid to fraud, it argues helping to develop capacity to reduce aid, of which measuring the size of the problem is an important part; this could be considered as aid in its own right. Research limitations/implications – The researchers were not able to visit high-risk countries for fraud to examine in the local context views on the challenges of measuring fraud. Practical implications – The paper offers insights on the challenges to accurately measuring fraud in an overseas context, which will be useful to policy-makers in this context. Social implications – Given the importance of as much aid as possible reaching recipients, it offers an important contribution to helping to reduce losses in this important area. Originality/value – There has been very little consideration of how to measure fraud in the overseas aid context, with most effort aimed at corruption, which poses some of the same challenges, as well as some very different challenges.

Improving transport performance in supply networks: effects of (non)overlapping network horizons

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Eriksson ◽  
Kajsa Hulthén ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Relationship ◽  
Transport Service ◽  
Change Initiative ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Supply Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate how the efforts of improving transport performance within the scope of one business relationship are embedded in a transport service triad, which, in turn, is embedded in the wider supply network. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framing originates from the IMP approach with a specific focus on the concept network horizon, and literature on triads. The study is explorative and applies a qualitative design and a case study approach to illustrate how three actors engage in a change initiative to improve transport performance. Findings The paper concludes that it is crucial to get counterparts aware of the importance of expanding and defining their network horizons for a certain change initiative. Interaction among actors is important to create awareness and expand its own as well as others’ network horizons for a certain change. Three generic facets are proposed: overlapping network horizons, partly overlapping network horizons and non-overlapping network horizons. Practical implications The framework offers a tool to managers in terms of the concept of network horizon that can help to understand the challenges when dealing with change in supply networks and to understand where to deploy resources to cope with change. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by explicating facets of the concept of network horizon, especially when firms are faced with a change, how they are affected by this change and how they can cope with the related challenges.

Multisensory rooms: essential characteristics and barriers to effective practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-75
Author(s):  
Joanna Grace
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Effective Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
User Groups ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to identify the characteristics practitioners consider essential to effective multisensory rooms and the barriers they experience when trying to realise the potential of such rooms. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents semi-structured interviews with 27 multisensory room practitioners from a range of backgrounds followed by analysis to identify key characteristics and barriers. Findings Eleven positive room characteristics were identified. The three deemed most significant were that the rooms are dark, activity associated and uninterrupted spaces. Two negative room characteristics were identified: inaccessible design and broken equipment. Ten barriers to effective multisensory room practice were identified and grouped according to themes of logistics, suboptimal usage and practitioner capabilities. Research limitations/implications The research focuses on a small self-selecting sample, coded by one person acting independently of any institution. This is an under researched area which would benefit from further more rigorous investigation. Practical implications This research enables practitioners to remove barriers to effective multisensory room practice and to focus on the characteristics most significant in generating benefits for room users. Understanding of the essential characteristics and potential barriers to effective practice will allow practitioners to better exploit limited resources of time, money and staffing. Originality/value Past research into multisensory rooms has focused on specific user groups or specific multisensory environments. This research examined multisensory room practice across both a range of environments and a range of users, giving an original overview of current multisensory room usage in the UK.

Reluctant managers: Methodist ministers and management

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 680-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Guerrier ◽  
Christopher Bond
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Language And Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Size Limits ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a research from a study undertaken with Methodist circuit ministers in the UK and those that work closely with them. It considers in what way and to what extent ministers think of themselves as managers and to what extent and in what way they are expected to perform as managers by those they work with. Design/methodology/approach – The research that informs this paper was gathered through a qualitative study which involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 participants both Methodist ministers and those who worked closely with them. Findings – The study shows that, whilst those who work with ministers typically do not problematize management and expect managers to be able to perform management tasks, the ministers themselves are ambiguous about or rejecting of the discourse of management. Research limitations/implications – The relatively small sample size limits generalizability. Practical implications – The study challenges trainers in this context and in other contexts where the “language” of management is contested or rejected to find a discourse of management which is acceptable. Originality/value – The study contributes to the small body of literature on management and the development of managers within religious organizations. It contributes to the literature on managerial identity and the importance of management language in becoming a manager by presenting an example where this language and identity is contested or rejected.

A practical guide to e-journal and e-book supply – a UK perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kluzek
Keyword(s):  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
King's College ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on current interlending and document delivery of e-books and e-journals in the UK and analyse the challenges encountered in such practices, using the experiences at King's College London as an example. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses a case study approach. Findings – Most UK libraries and higher education institutions negotiate the usage terms for their e-resources through Jisc's NESLI2 model license agreement. While the terms of this agreement work relatively well for document delivery of e-journal articles, allowing for secure electronic document transmission under prescribed circumstances, the interlending of e-books remains problematic. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions. Practical implications – This will enable UK library professionals to better use e-resources in a legally compliant way for the purpose of document delivery. It will explain to non-UK library professionals how supplying from e-resources works in the UK. Originality/value – The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions.

Strengthening and sustaining a community through reciprocal support between local businesses and the community

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Siemens
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Communities ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Rural Context ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it. Findings The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts. Practical implications The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike. Originality/value This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.

Informal learning spaces (ILS) in university libraries and their campuses

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 49-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Cunningham ◽  
Graham Walton
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to explore at Loughborough University (UK) how informal learning spaces (ILS) are used by students in the Library and elsewhere on campus. Focus includes learning activities undertaken by students, reasons why the ILS is chosen, suggestions on how they can be improved and how technologies are used. Comparison will be drawn between how students use Library ILS and other ILS. Design/methodology/approach – Case study based at Loughborough University and its Library. Semi-structured interviews were held with 265 students in various ILS spaces across campus. Findings – Similarities and differences are present in the way students use Library ILS compared with other ILS campus spaces. These include impact of campus geography and individual academic levels of students. Research limitations/implications – This is a single case study and the results can only relate to Loughborough University. There may be some lessons and themes that are relevant to other universities. The number of interviewees is relatively small. Practical implications – Highlights the need for cooperation between various university stakeholders to strategically and operationally manage different ILS on campus. Originality/value – This is one of the very few studies that investigate together the range of ILS including the Library in a comparative approach.

scholarly journals How can leaders and managers in the Police support the learning of others and at the same time, support their own?

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenni Jones
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Moderating Factors ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to attempt to demonstrate that formal mentoring is a helpful tool to develop managers within the changing context of the UK Police, and to highlight how managers can have an influence on mentoring programmes and the learning within them. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal qualitative case study approach was chosen and semi-structured interviews were conducted alongside focus groups. Findings The findings showed that both mentees and mentors perceived they were learning within the mentoring relationship. Also, despite some common themes in relation to the key moderating factors, managers were seen as both facilitating and hindering these mentoring relationships. Research limitations/implications It was recognised that although interesting to compare and contrast the findings between the two different case study organisations, the findings drawn from this study may not be directly applicable to other mentoring programmes beyond these UK Police Forces. More could have been explored in the focus groups and information could have been collected from those that did not attend the interviews or the focus groups. Originality/value This research adds value as there is little written about the mentoring and managers, within the interesting changing context of the UK Police force. The insights from this mentoring research suggest that there is much learning to be gained by both parties through mentoring and that line managers need to be encouraged away from the day to day reactive approach towards being more proactive with supporting the personal development of their team members (and themselves) into the future. If they are more involved and supportive of learning and development interventions, then they and their team members will gain more from the experience and this will ultimately help them to make a more positive difference within their role.

Can a merger of equals truly exist?

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 40-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayanth-Reddy Alluru ◽  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Perceptions Of Fairness ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Between 1985 and 2001, only 45 of 90,480 total European mergers and acquisitions were identified as a merger of equals (Zaheer et al., 2003). This indicates that there were less than 1 per cent of the M&A deals that could actually be categorized as a merger of equals. This paper aims to analyse two recent mergers and assess to what extent they are “of equals”. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a multi-case study approach looking specifically at the Lafarge-Holcim and DuPont-Dow Chemical mergers. Findings Zaheer et al. (2003) point out that in the case of a merger of equals emotions run usually high, perceptions of fairness and unfairness are strongly related to identification with their former organizations, and the very idea of “equality” can backfire, as integration can never be equal in all its aspects. It remains to be seen if the Lafarge-Holcim and the DuPont-Dow Chemicals will truly be equal. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Can hospital dashboards provide visibility of information from bedside to board? A case study approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Pace ◽  
Sandra C. Buttigieg
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Fit ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse hospital dashboards’ visibility of information at different management levels to improve quality and performance in an acute general hospital. Design/methodology/approach Data were generated via 21 semi-structured interviews across different management levels. Findings All management levels had greater visibility of information, could make informed decisions, and registered performance improvement. Specifically, waiting time improved, however since introduction of hospital dashboards was work-in-progress at time of study, managers could not record improvement in terms of cost reductions, clinical effectiveness, patient safety and patient satisfaction. Different managerial levels had different visibility with top management having the greatest. Research limitations/implications In single case studies, where only one context is used, the findings cannot be reproduced in different contexts; even though most of the results could be matched with the current literature. Practical implications The need to have balanced key performance indicators that take into account other facets of improvements, apart from time, has been emphasised. Furthermore, if middle and departmental managers have greater visibility, this would allow them to work towards a strategic fit between the departments that they manage with the rest of the hospital. Originality/value There is scant literature regarding performance dashboards’ enhancement of visibility of information at different management levels. Furthermore, according to the authors’ knowledge, no other paper has tried to identify and discuss the different levels of information, which should be visible from bedside to board namely to management, clinicians and public.

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