scholarly journals The instrumental time of memory: local politics and urban aesthetics in a tourism context

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio-Miguel Nogués-Pedregal

Purpose This paper aims to show that tourism is one of the most perfect creations of the capitalist mode of production insofar as not only does it consume places and territories and perpetuate dependency relations, but in the expressive dimension, it also produces feelings and meanings and generates a new relationship of the past with the present and future (chronotope). Design/methodology/approach The study was carried out using a socio-anthropological approach with participant observation over several decades. Findings The modes of time are described and how the tourism chronotope shapes the historic centre of a consolidated tourist destination. The case study, analysed with the model of the “conversion of place through the mediation of tourism space”, illustrates the prevalence of instrumental and commercial values over one’s own aesthetic-expressive values in tourism contexts. This fact encourages the emergence of local political projects and the incorporation of uniformities outside the local place. These processes end up uprooting the anchors from collective memory. The definition of territories according to visitors’ imaginaries and expectations encourages the abusive occupation of public space and the adoption of new aesthetic attributes of urban space. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach and methodologies, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test both the model and the propositions further. Originality/value This study approaches the relationship of the idea Tourism with the idea Development based on the anchors of memory.

Author(s):  
Sheila M. Neysmith

ABSTRACTThis case study is an analysis of a mandated municipal senior's group. Earlier work has suggested that variability in effectiveness is related to organizational structures, external forces and the level of institutional change sought.In this study information was obtained on the political, economic and social context within which the group operated; its organizational composition and structure; its objectives and strategies employed to achieve these; and resources available to the group. Outcome was assessed in terms of impact on programs, resource allocation, policy statements, changes in the definition of issues, and influence on decision makers. Data collection methods included non-participant observation; taped interviews with group members and leaders; key informants in the community; and content analysis of written committee documents.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate expectations of Generation Z in relation to the onboarding program. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts an interpretative research approach and data was gathered using interview and participant observation techniques. Fifteen group discussions lasting 40-50 minutes were carried out covering 136 participants. Findings The study identifies six key variables for effective onboarding: meaningful work, performance management, work-life balance, personal connect, the bigger picture at work and learning and development. Practical implications Organizations can use these findings to tailor onboarding programs to meet the expectations of Generations Z and reduce the likelihood of new hires leaving the company in the first few months. Originality/value This paper has an original approach by examining expectations of Generation Z during new hire orientation programs.


Author(s):  
Vincenzo Paolo Bagnato

In the last decades, the concept of cultural landscape, in its physical and social dimension, has been stoked by the contribution of a new interpretation of “technology,” understood as an innovative approach in the definition of new relationships between information, sustainability, and public space. It is a perspective that follows the changing cultural references of urban society, wondering which is the relationship between embodiment and location, between technological innovation and urban structure and how the digital and information revolution could influence and define the characteristics of urban aesthetics in the contemporary city. This chapter offers a key for reading these topics, starting from the analysis of the grid city's ontological space, its image between morphology and technology, between streets/buildings and infrastructure/landscapes, and finally, defining new ethical and dialogical interpretative approaches on sustainability and urban development, trying to find out the potentialities of the grid cities as complex public space systems.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-26
Author(s):  
Francesca Menichelli

This article investigates what happens to urban space once an open-street CCTV system is implemented, framing the analysis in terms of the wider struggle that unfolds between different urban stakeholders for the definition of acceptability in public space. It is argued that, while the use of surveillance cameras was initially seen as functional to the enforcement of tighter control and to the de-complexification of urban space so as to make policing easier, a shift has now taken place in the articulation of this goal. As a result, it has slowly progressed to affect the wider field of sociability, with troubling consequences for the public character of public space. In light of this development, the article concludes by making the case for a normative stance to be taken in order to increase fairness and diversity in the city.


2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 349-365
Author(s):  
Paulina Haduong

Purpose Some empirical evidence suggests that historically marginalized young people may enter introductory programming experiences with skepticism or reluctance, because of negative perceptions of the computing field. This paper aims to explore how learner identity and motivation can affect their experiences in an introductory computer science (CS) experience, particularly for young people who have some prior experience with computing. In this program, learners were asked to develop digital media artifacts about civic issues using Scratch, a block-based programming language. Design/methodology/approach Through participant observation as a teacher and designer of the course, artifact analysis of student-generated computer programs and design journals, as well as with two follow-up 1-h interviews, the author used the qualitative method of portraiture to examine how two reluctant learners experienced a six-week introductory CS program. Findings These learners’ experiences illuminate the ways in which identity, community and competence can play a role in supporting learner motivation in CS education experiences. Research limitations/implications As more students have multiple introductory computing encounters, educators need to take into account not only their perceptions of the computing field more broadly but also specific prior encounters with programming. Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Researchers are encouraged to explore other contexts and examples further. Practical implications This portrait highlights the need for researchers and educators to take into account student motivation in the design of learning environments. Originality/value This portrait offers a novel examination of novice programmer experiences through the choice in method, as well as new examples of how learner identity can affect student motivation.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhan Taylor ◽  
Robert McSherry ◽  
Susy Cook ◽  
Emma Giles

PurposeThis research aims to contribute to the literature on Lean implementation in healthcare by studying the emotional experiences of the relevant actors related to a Rapid Process Improvement Workshop (RPIW) in a UK healthcare context. The purpose of this study was to go beyond what people think about Lean and towards an exploration of their subjective, emotional and “feeling” experience and whether that emotional experience influenced Lean implementation.Design/methodology/approachA phenomenological and symbolic interactionist qualitative case study was undertaken. Data related to participants' emotional experience were collected through non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic network analysis.FindingsThis paper provides novel insights into the emotional experience of Lean as experienced through an RPIW. The findings reveal that participation in an RPIW is much more than a technical process. It influences how people feel about themselves, is based on relationships with others, and requires mental, physical and emotional effort. All of these factors influence engagement with, initiation of and sustainability of the RPIW.Research limitations/implicationsA new conceptual framework for the planning and implementation of RPIWs has been developed. However, because of the chosen research approach, the results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the framework and proposed practice implications.Originality/valueDespite emotions being an integral part of individual and social everyday life, emotional experience has not been studied in relation to Lean. This study is the first to explore emotions in relation to Lean, with implications for practice as to how RPIWs are managed with a new framework for implementation being proposed.


Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 18-26
Author(s):  
Lukas Windlinger ◽  
Susanne Hofer ◽  
Christian Coenen ◽  
Franziska Honegger ◽  
Daniel von Felten ◽  
...  

Purpose – This paper aims to review FM research in Switzerland with a focus on recent research projects at the Institute of Facility Management of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a summary and review of research projects. Findings – FM research in Switzerland has grown in the past few years and is now well rooted in the Swiss FM industry. The focus is on service management, workplace management and FM in health care. FM research in Switzerland has been driven collaboratively by the Institute of FM and the industry. Research limitations/implications – Research at the IFM is very much oriented towards application and many collaborative projects between industry, public administration and universities have been conducted. However, some fields of FM have received little attention yet. Practical implications – FM research in Switzerland has been driven collaboratively by the Institute of FM and the industry. The focus is on application, e.g. management tools, benchmarking systems or the relationship of FM services, organisational outcomes, and customer satisfaction. Many research results contribute to the development of Swiss FM industry. Originality/value – In this article the authors summarize FM research in Switzerland and their research approach. With this they contribute to transparency and further development of FM research.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie Vigar-Ellis ◽  
Leyland Pitt ◽  
Albert Caruana

Purpose – This paper aims to determine whether exploratory wine purchasing behaviour is affected by consumers’ objective and subjective wine knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was developed using recognised scales for exploratory consumer tendencies, objective and subjective wine knowledge. The survey was administered using the MTurk platform. A factor analysis was first used to test the psychometric properties of the measures of the three constructs. Once the robustness of the measures was ascertained, cross-tabulations and testing via ANOVA’s of the demographics of age, gender, weekly wine consumption and education on the constructs was undertaken. In addition the causal relationship of subjective and objective wine knowledge on exploratory purchase behaviour was investigated via the use of multiple regression analysis. Findings – The results show that consumers with more real (objective) knowledge of wines are more likely to participate in exploratory wine purchasing. Objective wine knowledge is greatest amongst older consumers and those who consume more wine. Research limitations/implications – While attempts were made to limit biases due to the research approach, the results may lack generalisability because a US sample only, was used. Recommendations for future research extending the sample population as well as for changes to the question formats are suggested. Practical implications – The findings of this study have implications for wine marketers in that marketing strategies and activities (labelling, distribution, media, etc.) may need to be adapted depending on the exploratory purchasing behaviour and wine knowledge of their target customers. Originality/value – Exploratory wine acquisition behaviour is important to wine marketers. This behaviour encourages trial but, at the same time, impacts brand loyalty. This paper identifies the characteristics of consumers in terms of wine knowledge, consumption and demographics most likely to exhibit this behaviour and provides support for the need for marketers to identify these consumers and adapt their marketing activities targeting them.


Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 606-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianjiao Zhao ◽  
Kin Wai Michael Siu

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to determine how to achieve a balance between freedom and control in public space. It analyses the relationship between freedom and control to identify phenomena and offer users and policymakers instructions for achieving that balance. Public space, including privately owned public space, is important to urban living. People have both the right to use public space and the responsibility to protect it. Both freedom and control should exist in public space in an appropriate combination. It is impossible and inappropriate for us to ask for absolute freedom or endure unreasonable control. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) reveals typical freedom/control relationships. Quantitative descriptions are given based on field observations. Findings – Freedom and control are primary factors affecting the quality of urban life and management of city space. They depend on and conflict with each other. The balance between freedom and control is a balance between diverse spaces. The “freedom space” belonging to both citizens and authorities determines whether freedom and control are balanced. Ethics and strategies constitute control. Only when each authority and user obtains a proper freedom space can freedom and control achieve balance in public space. Research limitations/implications – Freedom and control differ across cities because they are both affected by culture, history and tradition. As each city has its own characteristics, the freedom and control in each open space are distinctive. Balancing freedom and control requires an understanding of a city’s background and the era. While this paper does not attempt to achieve this understanding, further studies could devote more attention to dimensions of time and location. Practical implications – The findings provide recommendations for users, policymakers and construction and management companies that will allow the management of harmonious and high-quality open spaces. Social implications – Freedom and control are two main factors affecting quality of life. The balance between freedom and control may bring a harmony and stable society environment. It would benefit both the authority and the people a lot. Originality/value – This study provides a systematic analysis of freedom and control in public space and makes a valuable contribution to quality urban space policy, design and management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-217
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Vinicius Sartori ◽  
Dalcio Roberto dos Reis ◽  
Marcia Bronzeri ◽  
Adriana Queiroz Silva

Purpose This paper aims to describe how the technology forecast process occurs at a technology-based company named Daiken, a Brazilian electronics industry, located in the state of Parana. The study helps to clarify the context that tech-companies in Brazil face when trying to forecast new technologies. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for a case study, in a qualitative and descriptive approach. Primary data were collected through a semi-structured interview and non-participant observation. Secondary data were generated through documentary research. Findings Outcomes indicate that, for the studied case, technology forecast practices are adopted in an informal and unsystematic way, best aligned to the nature of competitive intelligence. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the propositions further. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the adjustment of technology forecast tools to the reality seen in emergent nations like Brazil. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to study how to conduct the technology forecast processes in small and mid-tech-companies in Brazil.


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