scholarly journals An evaluation of community-managed libraries in Liverpool

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 327-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlie Smith
Keyword(s):  
Local Authority ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Large City ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
City Council ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Authority Control ◽  
Community Organisation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Community libraries now constitute a significant proportion of library provision in the UK; however, there is relatively little research on how the transfer to this model has affected those libraries and the wider balance of provision. The purpose of this paper is to broaden the discourse and understanding about the impact of changing libraries to community models. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a qualitative evaluation of all the libraries transferred to community-managed models within a large city council region in the UK. Structured research visits were made to appraise each library. These are discussed in the context of published literature and data, both specific to the study area and nationally. Findings Transferring the management of libraries to community organisations is often reactive and perceived with negative associations. This study uncovers increases in use and diversification of services following transfer; however, support from the local authority and the previous experience of managing organisations are significant factors. The paper also reveals how the successful transfer of a library to a community organisation led to more being moved out of local authority control, but that the support they receive from the local authority can be inconsistent between them. Originality/value The paper provides a study of community-managed libraries across a large city council area, affording an in-depth understanding of their impact on overall provision over one region. It will be of value to those involved in library management and service provision at both local and strategic levels, including local authorities and community groups considering library transfer.

scholarly journals Exploring the barriers to upscaling the production capacity of the edible insect sector in the United Kingdom

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Yang ◽  
Christopher Cooke
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study aims to explore the barriers to upscaling the production capacity of the edible insect sector in the UK and to identify the impact of current regulation on the sector's development.Design/methodology/approachA significant proportion of edible insect-producing companies within the UK were identified through an online market research database and contacted via email to invite them to participate in this study. Phone interviews were conducted with ten companies. Thematic analysis was adopted for data analysis.FindingsThere were five themes identified as barriers to the upscaling of the production for the edible insect sector in the UK: insect feeding materials, production capacity, expertise and knowledge, new product development and regulatory uncertainty.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was based on a qualitative study. Further quantitative research is needed to test the extent of the impact of these five themes on upscaling production capacity. In addition to production capacity, marketing and consumers' acceptance, culture and behaviour can also be considered in future studies.Originality/valueThis study makes a significant contribution to the literature by providing insight on the barriers to upscaling production capacity in the edible insect sector.

scholarly journals Accommodating nomadism and mobility

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 324-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë James ◽  
Rebekah Southern
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
South West ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Socially Excluded ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how and why Gypsies and Travellers are socially excluded in England and how their experience may be reflected in other European contexts. Specifically, the paper explores the impact of planning policies on accommodation provision for Gypsies and Travellers in England and subsequently how their exclusion manifests due to the sedentarist binary definition of nomadism embedded within that policy. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on evidence from empirical research carried out by the authors in the South West of England in 2015 as part of an accommodation needs assessment of Gypsies and Travellers. The research was commissioned by a local authority but the analysis presented here was carried out in addition to the core report. The decision to comment further on the research findings in relation to policy and theory was agreed with the project funders. Findings The research findings show that there continues to be a lack of accommodation provided to Gypsies and Travellers in England, despite policy and legislative initiatives to the contrary. The paper identifies that current government policy in England is likely to diminish access to appropriate accommodation in the future for Gypsies and Travellers, particularly for the most vulnerable. Finally, the paper concludes that a sedentarist binary definition of nomadism has failed to recognise Gypsy and Traveller communities’ culture or mobility. Originality/value This paper sets out how an underpinning “sedentarist binary” definition of nomadism is used in England to determine policies of provision for Gypsies and Travellers. That definition is based on the sedentary notions of nomadism that are binary, distinguishing only between people who are mobile and people who are not, rather than acknowledging the cultural nomadism of Gypsies and Travellers. The findings are useful beyond the UK context as they help to explain why Gypsies, Travellers and Roma in wider Europe remain excluded within states despite extensive European initiatives for inclusion.

Market forces or institutional factors: what hinders housing development on brownfield land?

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman Hutchison ◽  
Alan Disberry
Keyword(s):  
Local Authority ◽  
Residential Development ◽  
City Council ◽  
Housing Development ◽  
Institutional Factors ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Market Forces ◽  
Market Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the barriers to housing development on brownfield land in the UK, making clear the distinction between market and institutional factors and identify appropriate public and private sector solutions to encourage more residential development. Design/methodology/approach – In this research, the city of Nottingham in the East Midlands of England was chosen as the case study city. The research was based on secondary literature review of relevant local authority reports, Internet searches, consultancy documents and policy literature. Detailed case studies were undertaken of 30 sites in Nottingham which included a questionnaire survey of developers. Officials from Nottingham City Council assisted with the gathering of planning histories of the sites. The investigation took place in 2014. Findings – Based on the evidence from Nottingham, the most frequently occurring significant constraint was poor market conditions. At the local level, it is clear that there are options that can be promoted to help reduce the level of friction in the market, to reduce delay and cost and, thus, to encourage developers to bring forward schemes when the market allows. Securing planning permission and agreeing the terms of a S106 agreement is recognised as a major development hurdle which requires time to achieve. Practical implications – Market forces were clearly the dominant factor in hindering development on brownfield sites in Nottingham. The local authority should be more circumspect in the use of S106 agreements in market conditions where brownfield development is highly marginal. Imposing additional taxation on specific developments in weak markets discourages development and is counterproductive. Originality/value – This detailed study of 30 development sites is significant in that it provides a better understanding of the barriers to residential development on brownfield land in the UK.

scholarly journals Signs and wonders

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 298-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Smith ◽  
Peter Stokes
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Frontline Employees ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to examine and assess the reputational impact of the logo and symbols of the UK Standard Investors in People (IiP). The extant literature highlights differing opinions in terms of the likely benefits that IiP generates following achievement of the Standard. This paper focuses specifically on the perceptions of reputational claims made regarding existing employees, potential employees and customers. Design/methodology/approach – The debate is explored through 38 interviews using the perceptions of managers and frontline employees within six IiP-accredited firms and one non-accredited firm. Findings – The study indicates that the logo and symbols of the Standard have minimal meaning and significance for the interviewees and their outlook on potential employees and customers. There were some indications, however, that the wider reputational implications of carrying the logo may have some potentially beneficial effects. Originality/value – The paper concludes that the overarching findings present a potentially serious issue for IiP, and that there is a need to understand further the impact and value of the logo and symbols.

Greater acceptability, lower compensations required? The impact of perceived net benefits on willingness to accept nuclear energy projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Contu ◽  
Elgilani Eltahir Elshareif
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Willingness To Accept ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nuclear Plants ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Support Cost

Purpose This paper aims to estimate willingness to accept (WTA) hypothetical nuclear energy projects and the impact of net perceived benefits across three countries: Italy, a country without nuclear plants in operation; the UK, a country with nuclear plants in operation and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has more recently opted for the inclusion of nuclear energy in its energy mix. These valuations can support cost-benefit analyses by allowing policymakers to account for additional benefits and costs which would be otherwise neglected. Design/methodology/approach Data collection was conducted through online nationwide surveys, for a total of over 4,000 individuals sampled from Italy, the UK and the UAE. The surveys included choice experiments designed to elicit preferences towards nuclear energy in the form of WTA, indicating estimated compensations for welfare worsening changes and questions to measure perceived risks and benefits. Findings The average WTA/Km is the lowest for the case of the UAE. What is more, perceived net positive benefits tend to decrease the WTA required by the UAE respondents? Moreover, across the cases, albeit to a lesser extent with regard to Italy’s case, there is evidence that a more positive benefit perception seems to increase the valuation of environmental and public benefits offered as part of the experiment. Originality/value The contribution of this study is primarily twofold: first, it provides a comparison of WTA values in a context where the availability of choice experiment data is scant; second, it assesses whether and to what extent perceived net positive benefits of nuclear energy impact WTA of nuclear energy projects.

Trust, efficacy and ethicacy when testing prisoners for COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Lambert ◽  
Dean Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Current System ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Large Scale Testing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus and subsequent COVID-19 illness has had a major impact on all levels of society internationally. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on prison staff and prisoners in England and Wales is unknown. Testing for COVID-19 both asymptomatic and symptomatic, as well as for antibodies, to date, has been minimal. The purpose of this paper is to explore the widespread testing of COVID-19 in prisons poses philosophical and ethical questions around trust, efficacy and ethicacy. Design/methodology/approach This paper is both descriptive, providing an overview of the widespread testing of COVID-19 in prisoners in England and Wales, and conceptual in that it discusses and argues the issues associated with large-scale testing. This paper provides a discussion, using comparative studies, of the issues associated with large-scale testing of prisoners across the prison estate in England and Wales (120 prisons). The issues identified in this paper are contextualised through the lens of COVID-19, but they are equally transferrable to epidemiological studies of any pandemic. Given the prevalence of COVID-19 globally and the lack of information about its spread in prisons, at the time of writing this paper, there is a programme of asymptomatic testing of prisoners. However, there remains a paucity of data on the spread of COVID-19 in prisons because of the progress with the ongoing testing programme. Findings The authors argue that the widespread testing of prisoners requires careful consideration of the details regarding who is included in testing, how consent is gained and how tests are administered. This paper outlines and argues the importance of considering the complex nuance of power relationships within the prison system, among prisoner officers, medical staff and prisoners and the detrimental consequences. Practical implications The widespread testing of COVID-19 presents ethical and practical challenges. Careful planning is required when considering the ethics of who should be included in COVID-19 testing, how consent will be gained, who and how tests will be administered and very practical challenges around the recording and assigning of COVID-19 test kits inside the prison. The current system for the general population requires scanning of barcodes and registration using a mobile number; these facilities are not permitted inside a prison. Originality/value This paper looks at the issues associated with mass testing of prisoners for COVID-19. According to the authors’ knowledge, there has not been any research that looks at the issues of testing either in the UK or internationally. The literature available details countries’ responses to the pandemic rather and scientific papers on the development of vaccines. Therefore, this paper is an original review of some of the practicalities that need to be addressed to ensure that testing can be as successful as possible.

scholarly journals Plan for the worst, hope for the best? Exploring major events related terrorism and future challenges for UK event professionals

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 513-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Baxter ◽  
Jenny Flinn ◽  
Lucrezia Flurina Picco
Keyword(s):  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Destination Marketing ◽  
Major Event ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate major event related terrorism and the resulting challenges that event professionals may face when hosting major events in cities as part of a destination marketing strategy. Design/methodology/approach The research was based in the UK due to the significant rise in terrorist activities that have taken place in its urban cities in recent years. The exploratory nature of this study utilised semi-structured interviews with UK event professionals, enabling a preliminary, in-depth investigation of the challenges that events professionals face as a result of major event related terrorism. Findings The research findings identify three challenges faced by event professionals when organising major events: knowledge and understanding in relation to major event related terrorism; the impact of major event related terrorism in terms of responsibility and accountability; and managing for major event related terrorism in budgetary terms. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to the UK, other destinations will pose their own unique challenges when hosting and managing events. It is suggested that this research be evaluated against similar studies in other destinations. This is a preliminary study and each of the topics identified within the findings warrant further exploration in their own right. Originality/value The paper offers an insight into the challenges faced by event professionals in the UK when delivering major events as part of a destination marketing strategy. With the increase in major event related terrorism in cities the findings of this research are of relevance not only to event professionals but anyone with a role in destination and tourism development.

The future of the management of projects in the 2030s

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Walker ◽  
Beverley Lloyd-Walker
Keyword(s):  
Project Managers ◽  
Bad News ◽  
Good News ◽  
Workplace Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Routine Work ◽  
The Future ◽  
Management Project ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore recent literature on the impact of changes in the workplace environment and projected trends through to the year 2030. This allows the authors to identify and discuss what key trends are changing the nature of project organising work. The authors aim to identify what knowledge and which skills, attributes and experiences will be most likely valued and needed in 2030. Design/methodology/approach This paper is essentially a reflective review and is explorative in nature. The authors focus on several recent reports published in the UK and Australia that discuss the way that the future workforce will adapt and prepare for radical changes in the workplace environment. The authors focus on project organising work and the changing workplace knowledge, skills, attributes and experience (KSAE) needs of those working in project teams in 2030 and beyond. The authors draw upon existing KSAE literature including findings from a study undertaken into the KSAEs of project alliance managers working in a highly collaborative form of project delivery. Findings The analysis suggests that there is good and bad news about project workers prospects in 2030. The good news is that for those working in non-routine roles their work will be more interesting and rewarding than is the case for today. The bad news is that for workers in routine work roles, they will be replaced by advanced digital technology. Research limitations/implications Few, if any, papers published in the project organising literature speculate about what this discipline may look like or what KSAEs will be valued and needed. Practical implications This paper opens up a debate about how project management/project organising work will be undertaken in future and what skills and expertise will be required. It also prompts project managers to think about how they will craft their careers in 2030 in response to expected work environment demands. This will have professional and learning implications. Social implications The issue of the future workplace environment is highly relevant to the social context. Originality/value This paper is about a projected future some 12 years onward from today. It bridges a gap in any future debate about how project organising jobs may change and how they will be delivered in the 2030s.

scholarly journals Are entrepreneurs becoming more risk averse?

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Oliver ◽  
Newton Velji
Keyword(s):  
Risk Averse ◽  
Corporate Acquisitions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Consolidation ◽  
Degree Of Consolidation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Startup Firms ◽  
Production Industry ◽  
Tv Production

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the emerging theme of risk aversion in entrepreneurs following high levels of industry consolidation. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint on the authors’ opinion and interpretation of industry consolidation. Findings The UK Independent TV Production Industry has experienced a remarkable degree of consolidation with corporate acquisitions and mergers changing the size, shape and revenue distribution among firms in the industry. In addition, entrepreneurs appear to be more risk averse in terms of entering the industry. Practical implications If the trend in entrepreneurs in the UK TV Production Industry being more risk averse continues, then the number of new startup firms will fall and that could put the future of the industry at jeopardy. Originality/value This paper presents an interesting observation on the impact of consolidation of the UK Independent TV Production Industry, in so far as, entrepreneurs appear to be becoming more risk averse.

scholarly journals P055 Worry about COVID-19 amongst adult rheumatology patients in the UK is associated with the number of cases, and drives risk-reducing behaviours

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard P Beesley ◽  
Wendy Costello ◽  
Saskya P Angevare ◽  
Yosef Uziel ◽  
Carine Wouters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Government Response ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Immunosuppressive Medications ◽  
Specific Analysis ◽  
Autoimmune Conditions ◽  
Rheumatic Conditions ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background/Aims  In March 2020, the WHO characterised COVID-19 as a pandemic. Whilst many people with COVID-19 infection appeared to have mild or no symptoms, a significant proportion became seriously ill. At the time, little was known about how patients with rheumatic or autoimmune conditions, many of whom use immunosuppressive medications, are affected by the virus. The aim of the patient-led longitudinal survey (the COVID-19 European Patient Registry, EPR) is to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on these patients. This specific analysis aims to understand how the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases affects the self-reported level of worry experienced by participants. Methods  The EPR comprises an online health questionnaire. Each week participants are sent a short follow-up survey concerning exposure to COVID-19, symptoms, diagnosis, how worried they feel (scale, 0-10), and a range of behaviours. The weekly mean worry score from participants was calculated by country, and compared to the weekly total number of cases of COVID-19 reported within each country. The association between worry score and a range of behaviours was also calculated. Results  To 27 September 2020, a total of 3,619 adults and 639 children were included in the EPR. There is a correlation between the total number of weekly cases and the mean worry score amongst UK-based adult participants in the EPR (linear regression, R2=0.779,P<0.001). Interestingly, there is no such correlation in any other country with participants in the EPR, nor amongst parents of children with rheumatic conditions. Additionally, the level of worry is associated with specific behaviours that affect exposure to the coronavirus for all adult participants. P055 Table 1:BehaviourEffect of worrySocial distancing*Mean worry correlated with proportion of participants social distancingSelf-isolation (staying at home despite no symptoms or known exposure to cases)*Mean worry correlated with proportion of participants self-isolatingNo action to protect against coronavirus*Mean worry negatively correlated with proportion of participants not social distancing or self-isolatingMask wearing or remaining home**Participants with higher worry score more likely to not leave home at all during the weekParticipants with higher worry score more likely to remain outside and not enter buildings during the weekParticipants with higher worry score more likely to wear a mask every time they leave homeParticipants with lower worry score more likely to not wear a maskParticipants with lower worry score more likely to wear a mask only ‘sometimes’Level of self-reported worry, associated with a range of behaviours.*Pearson’s correlation, P < 0.001.**ANOVA, P < 0.05. Conclusion  The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is associated with the level of worry, and consequent behaviour change, amongst UK adults with rheumatic conditions. This suggests that the number of cases, government response, and media portrayal affect how worried participants feel. This in turn drives behavioural change towards COVID-avoiding behaviours. This phenomenon appears exclusive to UK-based adults, suggesting differences in the perception of the threat posed by COVID varies between countries. Disclosure  R.P. Beesley: None. W. Costello: None. S.P. Angevare: None. Y. Uziel: None. C. Wouters: None. N. Wulffraat: Grants/research support; NW has received funding for research by AbbVie, speakers honorarium by Sobi (not related to this study).

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