scholarly journals At the boundaries: school networks in divided societies

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-197
Author(s):  
Gareth Robinson ◽  
Tony Gallagher ◽  
Gavin Duffy ◽  
Helen McAneney
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Boundary Crossing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Divided Societies ◽  
School Networks ◽  
Transformative Potential

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate the transformative potential of school networks in divided societies, where separate schools often mirror wider ethnic divisions. It describes Shared Education in Northern Ireland, where networks are being utilised to change how Catholic and Protestant schools engage with one another. The concept of boundary crossing is used to frame how staff members build relationships and bridge distinct knowledge communities shaped by socio-cultural practices and identities.Design/Methodology/ApproachA mixed-methods design was employed. Evidence is presented based on a social network analysis of teacher interactions within a Shared Education partnership of five primary schools in Northern Ireland.FindingsThe findings suggest that school networking can overcome systemic separation in divided societies and provide the infrastructure necessary to establish an alternative model for collegial engagement. The structural characteristics of the observed school network are discussed, including comments on its sustainability, the role of boundary-crossing relationships, the professional value for those involved and its transformative potential for society.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique perspective on the application and utility of school networks for supporting the development of professional communities in challenging circumstances. It also presents valuable social network data on the structure and management of school networks.

Personality, risk tolerance and social network use: an exploratory study

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 536-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaista Wasiuzzaman ◽  
Siavash Edalat
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Financial Risk ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Risk Tolerance ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Risk Tolerance

Purpose – The vast amount of information available via online social networks (OSN) makes it a very good avenue for understanding human behavior. One of the human characteristics of interest to financial practitioners is an individual’s financial risk tolerance. The purpose of this paper is to look at the relationship between an individual’s OSN behavior and his/her financial risk tolerance. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses data collected from a sample of 220 university students and the backward variables selection ordinary least squares regression analysis technique to achieve its objective. Findings – The results of the study find that the frequency of logging on to social network sites indicates an individual who has higher financial risk tolerance. Additionally, the increasing use of social networks for social connection is found to be associated with lower financial risk tolerance. The results are mostly consistent when the sample is split based on prior financial knowledge. Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge this is the first study which documents the possibility of understanding an individual’s financial risk tolerance via his/her social network activity. This provides investment/financial consultants with more avenues for gathering information in order to understand their current or potential clients hence providing better services.

An integrated social network mining for product-based technology analysis of Apple

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (10) ◽  
pp. 2417-2430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juhwan Kim ◽  
Sunghae Jun ◽  
Dong-Sik Jang ◽  
Sangsung Park
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Product Development ◽  
New Product ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Patent Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Mining ◽  
Technology Analysis ◽  
Social Network Mining ◽  
A Company

Purpose Patent contains vast information on developed technologies because of the patent system. So, it is important to analyze patent data for understanding technologies. Most previous studies on patent analysis were focused on the technology itself. Their research results lacked the consideration of products. But the patent analysis based on products is crucial for company because a company grows by sales of competitive products. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel methodology of patent analysis for product-based technology. This study contributes to the product development strategy of a company. Design/methodology/approach The primary goal for developing technology is to release a new product. So it is important to analyze the technology based on the product. In this study, the authors analyze Apple’s technologies based in iPod, iPhone, and iPad. In addition, the authors propose a new methodology to analyze product-based technology. The authors call this an integrated social network mining (ISNM). In the ISNM, the authors carry out a social network analysis (SNA) according to each product of Apple, and integrate all SNA results of iPod, iPhone, and iPad using the technological keywords. Findings In this case study, the authors analyze Apple’s technologies according to Apple’s innovative products, such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. From the ISNM results of Apple’s technology, the authors can find which technological detail is more important in overall structure of Apple’s technologies. Practical implications This study contributes to the management of technology including new product development, technological innovation, and research and development planning. To know the technological relationship between whole technologies based on products can be the source of intensification of technological competitiveness. Originality/value Most of studies on technology analysis were focused on patent technology itself. Though one of their research goals was to develop new product, they had their limits considering the products because they did not use the technology information in the technology analysis. The originality of this research is to use the product information in technology analysis using the proposed ISNM.

Comparison of the effects of the food supplementation programmes of ICDS centers and primary schools at Bali Gram Panchayat, Arambagh, West Bengal, India

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 232-246
Author(s):  
Gopal Chandra Mandal ◽  
Kaushik Bose ◽  
Slawomir Koziel
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Food Supplementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Quality Of Food ◽  
The Government ◽  
Better Than

Purpose – Developing countries like India, accounts for about 40 percent of undernourished children in the World and it is largely due to the result of dietary inadequacy in relation to their needs. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the changes in the nutritional status of the children, from their preschool days to the present primary school days. Design/methodology/approach – The present investigation was conducted at 20 Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) centers (Center-A) and 15 primary schools (Center-B) in Bali Gram Panchayat, Arambag, Hooghly District of West Bengal, India, at an interval of three to four years. A total of 1,012 children (boys=498; girls=514) aged two to six years old enrolled in these ICDS centers and a total of 603 children (boys=300, girls=303), aged five to ten years were studied from the 15 primary schools who were the beneficiaries of ICDS centers. Underweight (weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ)) and wasting (weight-for height Z-score (WHZ)) were used to assess the nutritional status. Findings – The nutritional situation (both in case of underweight and wasting) was better in Center B as compared with Center A. In general, the nutritional condition of boys was better than girls. Center had a very significant effect on both WAZ as well as WHZ, irrespective of age and sex. Sex has a significant impact only on WAZ. Interestingly, there was no significant sex-center interaction for both WAZ as well as WHZ. The children of the area were getting Mid Day Meal supplied through the school authorities which was comparatively better than the ICDS centers’ food supplementation. Better monitoring of nutritional supplementation at primary schools may be an important factor. Practical implications – In ICDS centers, only the Anganwari worker is responsible in running and implementing the programs offered by the Government. However, at primary schools, the active involvement of all the teachers to run the program may have effectively led to have better results. Furthermore, the Government's focus should not be only on the increase the area covered by the ICDS program, but focus should be to increase the quality of food supplied, proper monitoring of the implementation and increase the allocation of funds. Appropriate measures may be taken by the authorities regarding this. Originality/value – The results of the study will help in policy making in reducing the prevalence of undernutrition.

Debates over Irish unification will gain traction

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Northern Irish ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Status ◽  
Scottish Independence ◽  
The Uk

Significance The differing perspectives of unionists and nationalists on the creation of Northern Ireland as a political entity within the United Kingdom, together with Brexit and tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP), have brought the contentious issue of Irish reunification onto the political agenda in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Impacts Scottish independence would likely increase momentum for a referendum on Irish unity. Successful implementation of the NIP, giving firms access to EU and UK markets, may support arguments for maintaining the status quo. If the UK government abandons the NIP, the adverse trade impact on Northern Irish firms could increase support for unification.

A network case of knowledge brokering

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joelle Rodway ◽  
Stephen MacGregor ◽  
Alan Daly ◽  
Yi-Hwa Liou ◽  
Susan Yonezawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
Centrality Measures ◽  
Knowledge Brokering ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Brokers ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is two-fold: (1) to offer a conceptual understanding of knowledge brokering from a sociometric point-of-view; and (2) to provide an empirical example of this conceptualization in an education context.Design/methodology/approachWe use social network theory and analysis tools to explore knowledge exchange patterns among a group of teachers, instructional coaches and administrators who are collectively seeking to build increased capacity for effective mathematics instruction. We propose the concept of network activity to measure direct and indirect knowledge brokerage through the use of degree and betweenness centrality measures. Further, we propose network utility—measured by tie multiplexity—as a second key component of effective knowledge brokering.FindingsOur findings suggest significant increases in both direct and indirect knowledge brokering activity across the network over time. Teachers, in particular, emerge as key knowledge brokers within this networked learning community. Importantly, there is also an increase in the number of resources exchanged through network relationships over time; the most active knowledge brokers in this social ecosystem are those individuals who are exchanging multiple forms of knowledge.Originality/valueThis study focuses on knowledge brokering as it presents itself in the relational patterns among educators within a social ecosystem. While it could be that formal organizational roles may encapsulate knowledge brokering across physical structures with an education system (e.g. between schools and central offices), these individuals are not necessarily the people who are most effectively brokering knowledge across actors within the broader social network.

UK prime minister will likely remain in power for now

2022 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
Conservative Party ◽  
Culture Wars ◽  
Consumer Confidence ◽  
Party Leader ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
The Eu

Significance As many as a dozen lockdown parties are now alleged to have been held at Downing Street, significantly damaging Johnson’s support among the public and his Conservative Party. His position as party leader and prime minister is gravely threatened. Impacts Johnson’s domestic troubles, coupled with rising economic concerns, increase the chance of an agreement with the EU over Northern Ireland. Disillusionment with Johnson, opposition to net-zero and culture wars open the door for Nigel Farage’s Reform Party to revive its appeal. Rising inflation threatens to undermine consumer confidence and slow the economic recovery over the coming year.

Social network analysis applications in sustainable construction and built environment management: a review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandun Madhusanka Hewa Welege ◽  
Wei Pan ◽  
Mohan Kumaraswamy
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Centrality Measures ◽  
Environment Management ◽  
Content Type

PurposeApplications of social network analysis (SNA) are evidently popular amongst scholars for mapping stakeholder and other relational networks in improving the sustainability of construction activities and the resulting built environment. Nevertheless, the literature reveals a lack of thorough understanding of optimal SNA applications in this field. Therefore, this paper aims to convey a comprehensive critical review of past applications of SNA in this field.Design/methodology/approach95 relevant journal papers were initially identified from the “Web of Science” database and a bibliometric analysis was carried out using the “VOS Viewer” software. The subsequent in-depth review of the SNA methods, focussed on 24 specifically relevant papers selected from these aforesaid 95 papers.FindingsA significant growth of publications in this field was identified after 2014, especially related to topics on stakeholder management. “Journal of Cleaner Production”, “International Journal of Project Management” and “Sustainability” were identified as the most productive sources in this field, with the majority of publications from China. Interviews and questionnaires were the popular data collection methods while SNA “Centrality” measures were utilised in over 70% of the studies. Furthermore, potential areas were noted, to improve the mapping and thereby provide useful information to managers who could influence relevant networks and consequentially better sustainability outcomes, including those enhanced by collaborative networks.Originality/valueCloser collaboration has been found to help enhance sustainability in construction and built environment, hence attracting research interest amongst scholars on how best to enable this. SNA is established as a significant methodological approach to analysing interrelationships and collaborative potential in general. In a pioneering application here, this paper initiates the drawing together of findings from relevant literature to provide useful insights for future researchers to comprehensively identify, compare and contrast the applications of SNA techniques in construction and built environment management from a sustainability viewpoint.

Food education in Finnish primary education – defining themes and learning objectives using the Delphi technique

2021 ◽  
Vol 123 (13) ◽  
pp. 404-427
Author(s):  
Aija Liisa Laitinen ◽  
Tanja Tilles-Tirkkonen ◽  
Leila Karhunen ◽  
Sanna Talvia
Keyword(s):  
Primary Education ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Education

PurposeThe importance of food education in primary schools has been globally recognised. However, more detailed definitions of its learning objectives are rarely found. The study aimed to define multisectoral themes and learning objectives for food education in primary education in Finland.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive three-round Delphi study was conducted with experts in food education in various organisations. In the first questionnaire, the participants were asked to define possible objectives for food education related to general objectives for basic education. Respondents of the first questionnaire formed a research panel (n = 22). These panellists were then invited to complete the second (n = 16) and third questionnaires (n = 12), where the objectives were further modified. Qualitative content analysis and Bloom's taxonomy were applied in the process of creating the learning objectives.FindingsIn the iterative process, 42 learning objectives for food education in primary schools were defined. Further, “Sustainability and ethics of food systems” was defined as the cross-cutting theme of food education. In addition, 13 subthemes were defined, which fell into three thematic categories: personal (e.g. feelings), practical (e.g. eating) and intangible (e.g. culture) issues.Originality/valueThe defined learning objectives for a holistic food education may be used in advancing primary school curriculum in Finland and perhaps other countries.

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