Defining and exploring pracademia: identity, community, and engagement

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trista Hollweck ◽  
Deborah M. Netolicky ◽  
Paul Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Professional Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Membership ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to define pracademia and conceptualise it in relation to educational contexts. This paper contributes to and stimulates a continuing and evolving conversation around pracademia and its relevance, role and possibilities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a conceptual exploration. It draws upon existing and emerging pieces of literature, the use of metaphor as a meaning-making tool, and the positionalities of the authors, to develop the concept of pracademia.FindingsThe authors posit that pracademics who simultaneously straddle the worlds of practice, policy, and academia embody new possibilities as boundary spanners in the field of education for knowledge mobilization, networks, community membership, and responding to systemic challenges. However, being a pracademic requires the constant reconciling of the demands of multi-membership and ultimately, pracademics must establish sufficient legitimacy to be respected in two or more currently distinct worlds.Practical implicationsThis paper has implications for knowledge mobilization, networks, boundary spanners, leadership, professional learning, and connecting practice, policy, and research. While the authors are in the field of education, this exploration of pracademia is relevant not only to the field of education but also to other fields in which there is a clear need to connect practice/policy with scholarship.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new definition of pracademia and argues that pracademia identifies an important yet relatively unknown space with many possibilities in the field of education.

The operational efficiency of passenger aircraft

2006 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald McLean
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Operational Efficiency ◽  
Civil Aviation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transport Economics ◽  
Load Factors ◽  
Consistent Assessment ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Passenger Aircraft ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeTo provide for the use of airlines and other civil aviation organizations a practical definition of operational efficiency and to show how it can be determined.Design/methodology/approachA brief account of air transport economics is used to demonstrate how bom load factors and aircraft utilization need to be considered in assessing operational efficiency. Then other efficiencies are treated briefly before an example is given of how the better of two fictitious aircraft can be chosen for a particular route. A second example involving the calculation of the operational efficiency achieved by an imaginary airline is also given to show that the typical value is lower than might be expected, particularly in view of the relatively high load factors involved.FindingsProvides performance values and economic figures which are typical of current airline operations.Practical implicationsUse of the proposed definition will allow the consistent assessment of the economic performance of airlines.Originality/valueAt present there is no definition of operational efficiency in general use although it is greatly needed by airlines. The definition proposed in this paper is practical and easy to use.

The pathway to marketplace insight: structuring the analysis context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam Fahey
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Part ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Working Definition ◽  
Marketing Analysis ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose By clearly mapping the pathway for managing the early stages of any marketplace analysis project, its definition, scope, framing, focus, perspective, context, imagination and data choices – the odds of generating important strategic insight can be greatly increased for executives as well as analysis teams. Design/methodology/approach A marketing analysis team should pay specific attention to how it organizes the analysis context’a process called “Structuring”. Findings A working definition of insight: new marketplace understanding that makes a difference to the organization’s thinking, decision making and action. Practical/implications 10; Nothing constricts the insight structuring process as much as lack of imagination! Originality/value The choice of analysis scope, framing, focus, perspective or methods is a critical part of the marketplace analysis structuring process that increases the possibility of distinctly different strategic inferences emerging. The article is a much needed guide to mastering strategic insight for executives and marketplace analysts.

Composition of Indian microfinance: a case for competing logics

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1298-1316
Author(s):  
Sushanta Kumar Sarma
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Belief System ◽  
Hybrid Organizations ◽  
Identity Conflict ◽  
Organizational Field ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Infrastructure ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to understand how competing logics can co-exist in the organizational field of Indian microfinance. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the theoretical lens of an organizational field to understand the composition of the microfinance field. Using the definition of an organizational field, key players in Indian microfinance are identified and their interactions within the field are analysed to understand the emergence and co-existence of multiple logics. The data used for this paper are collected from published work on Indian microfinance. Findings The co-existence of competing logics is sustained through the creation of two sub-fields within Indian microfinance. Each of the sub-field is dominated by one institutional logic. The field originated in developmental logic of microfinance and gradually adopted the banking logic post-2000. The sub-fields are dominated by different organizational forms with different nature of interaction within the field. Research limitations/implications Actors within the field would experience institutional complexity with lesser intensity because of the existence of two distinct sub-communities with individual logic. Dual logics can sustain itself independently provided these are embedded in two different sub-communities. Despite the emergence of a new logic, the previous logic can still remain relevant given the enabling support from institutional infrastructure. Practical implications The manifestation of development and banking logics through practices and the belief system in Indian microfinance would offer useful insights for social entrepreneurs balancing the dual goals of hybrid organizations. Due to the sub-communities, a professional working with different forms of organization would experience little pressure to adjust to diverse logic and would also experience no or little identity conflict. Originality/value This paper focuses on the microfinance sector in India as an organizational field and explores the mechanism of co-existence of the dual goals of microfinance at the field level.

Defining and developing a scale to measure strategic thinking

foresight ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Dhir ◽  
Swati Dhir ◽  
Payel Samanta
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Strategic Thinking ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Strategic Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Bias ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to derive a sound definition of strategic thinking by horizontal analysis of past research and discussions with professionals.Design/methodology/approachThe research design includes three broad stages: item generation, scale development and assessment of scale’s psychometric properties.FindingsThe eclectic composition cuts across vocations, religions, sex and age strengthen the flexibility of application of the scale. The resulting scale shows strong psychometric properties and is expected to be useful for academics, practitioners and organizations alike.Research limitations/implicationsThe information on strategic thinking was self-reported through strategic thinking questionnaire (STQ) and is consequently at risk to be influenced by self-bias.Practical implicationsUsing the scale of strategic thinking will empower strategic thinkers to draw a more extensive scope of strategies at all levels. This will additionally bring about higher-quality procedures, increased performance and greater competitive advantage.Social implicationsThe study represents to be an imperative predecessor to strategic decision-making and may give a key to better comprehend authoritative change marvels and at last survival.Originality/valueAs the sample for our STQ has been collected from all across the country cross-sectioning different culture, gender and position of responsibility, the scale has significant robustness and implicative potential.

scholarly journals Accountability and responsibility defined

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 687-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Keith McGrath ◽  
Stephen Jonathan Whitty
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Internal Conflict ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Systems ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Governance Models ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to remove confusion surrounding the terms responsibility and accountability from the general and project management arenas by creating “refined” (with unnecessary elements removed) definitions of these terms. Design/methodology/approach A method of deriving refined definitions for a group of terms by ensuring that there is no internal conflict or overlap is adopted and applied to resolve the confusion. Findings The confusion between responsibility and accountability can be characterised as a failure to separate the obligation to satisfactorily perform a task (responsibility) from the liability to ensure that it is satisfactorily done (accountability). Furthermore, clarity of application can be achieved if legislative and organisational accountabilities are differentiated and it is recognised that accountability and responsibility transition across organisational levels. A difficulty in applying accountability in RACI tables is also resolved. Research limitations/implications Clear definition of responsibility and accountability will facilitate future research endeavours by removing confusion surrounding the terms. Verification of the method used through its success in deriving these “refined” definitions suggests its suitability for application to other contested terms. Practical implications Projects and businesses alike can benefit from removal of confusion around the definitions of responsibility and accountability in the academic research they fund and attempt to apply. They can also achieve improvements in both efficiency and effectiveness in undertaking organisation-wide exercises to determine organisational responsibilities and accountabilities as well as in the application of governance models. Social implications Refined definitions of responsibility and accountability will facilitate building social and physical systems and infrastructure, benefitting organisations, whether public, charitable or private. Originality/value Clarity resulting in the avoidance of confusion and misunderstanding together with their consequent waste of time, resources and money.

scholarly journals Applying HR analytics to talent management

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 247-254
Author(s):  
Andrew Mayo
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Senior Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Writing Models ◽  
Effectiveness And Efficiency ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to summarise the different areas of talent management and how HR metrics and analytics can be harnessed to make those areas more effective. Design/methodology/approach The paper first discusses the different definitions of “talent”. It then takes three areas for the application of metrics and analytics – data about individuals, the effectiveness and efficiency of talent processes and the extent of the supporting culture. Findings The definition of talent should not be confined to senior leadership only, nor be fully inclusive of every employee, but organisations need to define those individuals and groups where some specific attention will benefit the organisation; it is as important to understand the potential of all employees as it is to assess their performance; metrics should be chosen for all talent processes and related to business KPIs where possible. Practical implications This is a practical paper giving guidance to talent managers in organisations on how to apply and utilise people analytics. Originality/value This paper is based mostly on the writing, models and experience of the author.

Reverberations in the Torrens system: a new Land Transfer Act in New Zealand

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-107
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Toomey
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Judicial Discretion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
System A ◽  
Land Transfer ◽  
The Common ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose On 12 November 2018, New Zealand's Land Transfer Act 2017 came into force. The purpose of this paper is to pinpoint some of the significant changes in the Act that challenge the fundamental concepts of the Torrens system of registration. Design/methodology/approach The paper addresses three significant reforms: a definition of land transfer fraud; the concept of immediate indefeasibility with limited judicial discretion and its impact on volunteers and the Gibbs v. Messer anomaly; and the compensation regime. Case studies illustrate the effect of these changes. Findings The limited legislative definition of fraud reflects the common law and allows for any necessary flexibility. The new Act reiterates the principle of immediate indefeasibility but qualifies it with the introduction of some judicial discretion. This is a novel concept for the courts and will undoubtedly be dealt with cautiously. The author voices some disquiet with regard to some of the guidelines set out in s 55(4) of the Act. The compensation provisions introduce an element of an owner's culpability. An owner now runs the risk of reduced compensation if there has been a lack of proper care. Research limitations/implications The implications of this research are fundamental for New Zealand's land transfer system. Practical implications The limited judicial discretion will challenge the courts of New Zealand. The new compensation provisions will ensure that an owner's carelessness will be accountable. Originality/value This study is one of the first to analyse the Land Transfer Act 2017 (New Zealand). Its value extends beyond New Zealand shores as it has implications for global land transfer systems.

scholarly journals Stakeholder-informed considerations for a food poverty definition

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Beacom ◽  
Sinéad Furey ◽  
Lynsey Elizabeth Hollywood ◽  
Paul Humphreys
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Food Bank ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Context Data ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeA number of food poverty definitions have been identified by academics and various government organisations globally; however, there exists no government-endorsed definition of food poverty in the United Kingdom (UK), and there remains a gap regarding how relevant current food poverty definitions are in the Northern Ireland (NI)/UK contexts.Design/methodology/approachInterviews (n = 19) with a range of stakeholders (e.g. policymakers, politicians, community advice centre workers, consumer sub-group representatives, food bank and food redistribution organisation representatives) were conducted to examine (1) the usefulness of a food poverty definition, (2) what a food poverty definition should include and (3) the applicability of an existing definition (Radimer et al., 1992) in the NI/UK context. Data was thematically analysed using QSR NVivo (v.12).FindingsDefinition was considered important to increase awareness and understanding. Any consideration of revising the Radimer et al. (1992) definition, or of establishing a new standardised definition, should seek to reduce/remove ambiguity and subjectivity of terminology used (i.e. more clearly defining what the terms “adequate”, “sufficient”, “quality” and “socially acceptable ways” mean in this context).Practical implicationsThis research emphasises the importance of appropriately conceptually defining social phenomena such as food poverty, as a first step to constructing and reviewing measurement approaches and ultimately assessing predictors and recommending solutions.Originality/valueThis research addresses the gap relating to stakeholders’ opinion on food poverty definition and contributes recommendations for modifying the Radimer et al. (1992) definition in the NI/UK and present-day contexts.

Dangerous liaisons?

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Rodwell ◽  
Linden Fairbairn
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Delivery Model ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Role Description ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeMany university libraries are adopting a faculty liaison librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper aims to examine, in a pragmatic way, the variations in the definition of the role of the faculty liaison librarian, the expectations of those librarians, their library managers and their clients and the impact of environmental factors. The faculty liaison librarian role is not entirely new, evolving from the traditional subject librarian and university special/branch library role. However the emerging role is characterized by a more outward‐looking perspective and complexity, emphasizing stronger involvement and partnership with the faculty and direct engagement in the University's teaching and research programs.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a review of the literature and other sources on the rationale and role of library liaison, the current developments, drivers and expectations are discussed.FindingsThe study finds that dynamic external and internal environments of universities are driving the evolution of library liaison, so the role description is still fluid. However, the breadth and weight of expectations is now such that the effectiveness and sustainability of the role has to be addressed.Practical implicationsWhile a dynamic, broader and more intensive role for the faculty liaison librarian is emerging, more thinking is needed about the extent of that role and its sustainability. What, for example, are the priorities for the faculty liaison librarian? What traditional activities can, and may, have to be abandoned? These considerations are necessary not only to guide the librarians, but also to help define the attributes and skills required for the position and to determine the institutional support it requires.Originality/valueThis is a contemporary critique of the well‐established, but diverse library service – the faculty liaison librarian structure.

Practical approaches to compliance for entrepreneurial uses of licensed databases in libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Posie Aagaard ◽  
Natasha Z Arguello
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Property ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
License Agreements ◽  
Practical Guidance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide practical guidance to business librarians in academic and public libraries for applying essential concepts of licensing electronic resources in entrepreneurial contexts. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is an outcome of a preconference presentation on licensing business resources, based on the practical experience of the authors in licensing and vendor negotiations. It also presents results of the preconference presurvey, gauging awareness among business librarians about licensing concepts and concerns about the usage of licensed databases by entrepreneurs. Findings – For-profit goals of entrepreneurs using library e-resources lead to concerns among business librarians about compliance with non-commercial clauses of library license agreements and potentially to unnecessary restrictions on patrons’ database use. License agreements of business e-resources are likely to have more restrictive terms of use because of perceived value of their intellectual property by vendors, a wider range of content types and clauses carried over from commercial license agreements. Business librarians generally have only basic awareness of licensing concepts. Because of organizational silos, special terms of use sometimes are not clearly conveyed from the licensing staff to librarians who work directly with entrepreneurs. Practical implications – The paper proposes a definition of entrepreneurial uses of licensed e-resources and practical approaches to manage compliance risk. Originality/value – The paper provides a practical framework for business librarians to assess compliance with license agreements in the context of entrepreneurial uses.

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