Italian companies’ attitude towards GM crops

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 685-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Sarno ◽  
Rosa Malgeri Manzo
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Gm Crops ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logical Sequence

Purpose Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a consolidated reality. While consumers are opposed to the introduction of GMOs in Italy, little or nothing is known about the companies’ attitude. For this reason, this work is focused on companies. This research aims to understand the problems, the possible solutions and the opinions of farms on the role of GMOs to arrive at a judgement based on the representation of various positions. Design/methodology/approach This paper was made possible thanks to a direct survey on the field. In particular, the work provides a significant number of interviews directed to livestock farms; a logical sequence of questions that allow you to understand the attitude and the willingness of companies and if there is a future propensity to transgenic cultivation; and the creation of an ad hoc analysis on the behaviour of farmers. Findings Thematic analysis revealed that GMOs are the only valid research to the advancement of agriculture, able to guarantee our companies productivity improvements. This technique could solve many problems related to agriculture, such as the possibility of future saving on crops. Originality/value There is a lot of research on GMOs. The research behind this paper is different, because it is a research carried out throughout all the country, from the point of view of businesses.

GMOs and the issue of coexistence in Italy

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 659-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Covino
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
Italian Context ◽  
Traditional Crops

Purpose The aim of this paper is to analyze the use of genetically modified organisms in the agricultural sector, the way in which the issue of transgenic foods is regulated into European Union and the guidelines on coexistence between genetically modified (GM) and traditional crops. Nowadays the modern consumer supports above all the typical and healthy food products. Notwithstanding, there is a broad and complex legislative framework for sustainable and high quality products: the issue of GM foods is at odds with everything. Design/methodology/approach Wide literature review is done to base the discussion of the present viewpoint paper. Findings Thematic analysis revealed that increasing use of biotechnology worldwide opens many opportunities, but also some problems, due to the attitude of consumers toward the naturalness of food. It also revealed that coexistence is possible, but presents many obstacles, despite the positive observations of Italian scientific studies. Originality/value This paper addresses the issue of coexistence between GM and traditional crops in more depth, providing analysis not previously existing above all in the Italian context.

scholarly journals Pedagogical and learning theories and the improvement and development of lesson and learning studies

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulla Runesson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Learning Study ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts

Purpose – It has been suggested that, if pedagogical and learning theories are integrated into lesson and learning study, a systematic construction of pedagogical knowledge is possible (Elliott, 2012). In this Special Issue, it is reported how theory and theoretical concepts can add value to lesson and learning study. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Special Issue and explore the above concepts. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents the Special Issue papers thematically and the main issues are discussed. Findings – Together the papers suggest that pedagogical theories and theorizing practice may contribute to the improvement of teachers’ practical knowledge and knowledge about teachers’ professional tasks and objects. Furthermore, some theories and theoretical concepts hitherto under-exploited in lesson and learning study are presented and discussed from the point of view how these might improve the quality of the studies. Originality/value – As a total, this collection of papers bring out issues about the role of pedagogical and learning theories and how these could inform lesson and learning study.

A point of view: it’s time to stop neglecting community mental health teams

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-97
Author(s):  
Flippa Watkeys ◽  
Suzanne Morton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Wide Scope ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recent Attention ◽  
Personal Viewpoint

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that recent attention has been focused on inpatient services at the expense of community mental health teams and that it is time to redress the balance. Design/methodology/approach – This is a personal viewpoint. Findings – In writing this piece it has enabled us to focus on just how widespread the issues are regarding the lack of focus on community services, and that the view and paradigm needs to change on all levels/structures. Services need to recognise the wide scope of community services and the part they inevitably play in someone’s recovery journey. It also throws the spotlight on services working too often in silos deeply affecting people in receipt of the services. Originality/value – To stimulate debate about the role of community mental health teams.

Exploring public sector planning for transformational government

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tendani Mawela ◽  
Hossana Twinomurinzi ◽  
Nixon Muganda Ochara
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Electronic Government ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Plans ◽  
Transformational Government ◽  
Developmental Transformation

Purpose This paper aims to understand the conceptualisation of the notion of transformational government that is emerging within the electronic government domain. It reviewed how transformational government is manifest in the policy and strategic commitments of government departments in South Africa. The study focused on understanding the role of public sector planning towards the attainment of transformational government. Design/methodology/approach The study is interpretive and qualitative in nature. It provides the outcomes of a deductive thematic analysis conducted on strategic documents of government departments to explore their alignment and support for transformational government. Findings The paper argues for the need for public sector planning that is focused on citizen benefit realisation. The results highlight the significance of strategic plans for developmental transformation. However, the planning instruments were found to have an inconsistent orientation towards transformational government. Originality/value The study is significant in light of the implications of public policy and the associated strategic plans for citizens. This paper also contributes to research on the nascent area of transformational government.

Multi-brand loyalty: when one brand is not enough

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 464-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reto Felix
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Tradition ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to provide a deeper, constructivist account of multi-brand loyalty. Previous literature has acknowledged the existence of multi-brand loyalty, but described it from a narrow, rational and primarily utilitarian point of view. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on open-ended, depth interviews. Data were labeled, coded and classified into different topics, and thematic analysis was used to identify three dominant themes. Findings – Multi-brand loyalty emerged in three forms: biased, specialized and perfect substitutes. These relationships may undergo dynamic transformations over time. Further, family tradition and perceived freedom were identified as two important motivations for consumers to be loyal to more than one brand. The managerial implications address suggestions on how companies can avoid that consumers become loyal to several brands instead of maintaining single-brand loyalty. Originality/value – The study is the first to address multi-brand loyalty based on a qualitative research approach and provides preliminary insights into occurrences and motivations related to the construct.

scholarly journals Viral misinformation and echo chambers: the diffusion of rumors about genetically modified organisms on social media

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 1547-1564
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Wang ◽  
Yunya Song
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Attitudes ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Echo Chamber ◽  
Fact Checking ◽  
Chamber Effect

PurposeThe spread of rumors on social media has caused increasing concerns about an under-informed or even misinformed public when it comes to scientific issues. However, researchers have rarely investigated their diffusion in non-western contexts. This study aims to systematically examine the content and network structure of rumor-related discussions around genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on Chinese social media.Design/methodology/approachThis study identified 21,837 rumor-related posts of GMOs on Weibo, one of China's most popular social media platforms. An approach combining social network analysis and content analysis was employed to classify user attitudes toward rumors, measure the level of homophily of their attitudes and examine the nature of their interactions.FindingsThough a certain level of homophily existed in the interaction networks, referring to the observed echo chamber effect, Weibo also served as a public forum for GMO discussions in which cross-cutting ties between communities existed. A considerable amount of interactions emerged between the pro- and anti-GMO camps, and most of them involved providing or requesting information, which could mitigate the likelihood of opinion polarization. Moreover, this study revealed the declining role of traditional opinion leaders and pointed toward the need for alternative strategies for efficient fact-checking.Originality/valueIn general, the findings of this study suggested that microblogging platforms such as Weibo can function as public forums for discussing GMOs that expose users to ideologically cross-cutting viewpoints. This study stands to provide important insights into the viral processes of scientific rumors on social media.

Embodied “inter-practice” in organizations – the contribution of Merleau-Ponty to carnal organizational practices and studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1449-1469
Author(s):  
Wendelin Küpers
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Lived Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relational Approach ◽  
Organizational Contexts ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Phenomenological Point

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to develop a critical and extended understanding of practices in organizations from a phenomenological point of view. It explores the relevance of Merleau-Ponty's advanced phenomenology and ontology for understanding the role of the lived body and the embodiment of practices and change in organizational lifeworlds.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review and phenomenology, the role of embodied and relational dimension, the concept of an emergent and responsive “inter-practice” in organizations is developed systematically.FindingsBased on the phenomenological and relational approach, the concept of (inter-)practice allows an extended more integral and processual understanding of the role of bodily and embodied practices in organizational lifeworlds as emerging events. The concept of inter-practice(ing) contributes to conceiving of new ways of approaching how responsive and improvisational practicing, related to change, coevolves within a multidimensional nexus of organizations.Research limitations/implicationsSpecific theoretical and methodological implications for exploring and enacting relational practices as well as limitations are offered.Practical implicationsSome specific practical implications are provided that facilitate and enable embodied practices in organizational contexts.Social implicationsThe responsive inter-practice is seen as embedded in sociality and social interactions and links to sociocultural and political as well as ethical dimensions are discussed.Originality/valueBy extending the existing discourse and using an embodied approach, the paper proposes a novel orientation for reinterpreting practice that allows explorations of the emergence and realization of alternative, ingenious and more suitable forms of practicing and change in organizations.

The future of the draft UN Convention on international terrorism

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-247
Author(s):  
Sara De Vido
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
International Terrorism ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Common Definition ◽  
Draft Convention ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose The paper is meant to analyse the debate over the revival of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that a United Nations (UN) Convention on international terrorism is still necessary – provided that it is updated considering the new challenges that have recently emerged – and could be complemented by an annex containing the list of terrorist organisations, the determination of which is of common concern of the entire international community. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is conducted from an international law perspective. The paper uses a comparative perspective – counter-terrorism, Antarctic and ICAO system - to support the main argument. Findings The paper proposes an annex to the convention including a list of terrorist organisations. Some terrorist organisations are unanimously labelled as terrorist and therefore this list will be useful in developing cooperation among States. A system of revision is also presented; a system which emphasises the role of the UN Ombudsperson. Research limitations/implications The proposal presented does not delve into the content of the convention which should be based on the draft prepared by the UN General Assembly ad hoc Committee and should take into account the most recent forms of terrorism. The paper does not provide an answer to all the questions, and it does not linger over the tragedy of civilians living in Syria and Iraq who have been deprived – starting long before the rise of the Islamic State – of their land and lives. Practical implications Revival of the debate on the draft convention – proposal for a renewed role of the Ombudsperson – legal implications of a list annexed to a convention on international terrorism – importance of multilateral cooperation in the field. Originality/value The paper is innovative in changing the perspective of the problem. The point of view regarding the definition of international terrorism has usually been the following: to find a common definition of international terrorism trying to overcome all the differences regarding general exceptions. The proposed perspective is to find the lowest common denominator for the definition and to identify organisations on which States cannot but agree on their condemnation.

Students as change agents for campus sustainability in Malaysian universities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeeda Fatimah Mohamad ◽  
Mohd Zufri Mamat ◽  
Muhamad Faisal Muhamad Noor
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Change Agent ◽  
Change Agents ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campus Sustainability ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The notion of students as change agents have widely been used in the campus sustainability literature, but very little has been done to unpack what it really means in practice. This paper aims to critically investigate university students’ perspectives on their role as a change agent for campus sustainability in the context of Malaysian universities. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were carried out with 21 students that have been categorized as change agents through selection criteria at three leading universities in the area of campus sustainability in Malaysia. The data collected from the interviews were analysed through content-based and thematic analysis. Findings Findings demonstrate that students are the backbone behind the implementation of campus sustainability activities. They play the multi-faceted role of leaders, supporters and ambassadors in initiating and driving campus sustainability. The results further suggest that support and freedom to act are the empowering factors that have driven these change agents in carrying out their initiatives. However, without a position, the students’ voices are not significant. Originality/value This study provides deeper evidence-based insights on the notion of students as change agents and how it can be operationalized in the context of campus sustainability.

Microaggression experiences of different marginalized identities

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 870-883
Author(s):  
Nisha Nair ◽  
Deborah Cain Good ◽  
Audrey J. Murrell
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Minority Group ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Identity Group ◽  
Midwestern University

Purpose Given the nascent stage of research on microaggressions, the study is an attempt to better understand the experience of microaggressions and examine it from the point of view of different marginalized minority identities. The purpose of this paper is to report on the subjective experience of microaggressions from the lenses of gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. Design/methodology/approach To explore how microaggressions are experienced by different identities, the authors conducted four focus group studies with university students at a prominent Midwestern university. Each focus group focused on the experience of microaggressions for a particular identity group. Findings The authors discuss the nature and forms of exclusion that occur through microaggressions, and offer six microaggression themes that emerged as common across the marginalized identities studied. The authors add to the microaggression taxonomy and highlight the role of repetition in how microaggressions are perceived. The authors also discuss intersectional microaggressions. Originality/value While various studies have focused on reporting microaggression themes with regard to singular identities, this study is potentially the first that explores microaggression themes across different marginalized identities. The findings highlight novel forms of microaggressions such as the revealing or making visible of marginalized identities, and microaggressions emanating from within a minority group directed at other members within the same identity group, what the authors call as in-group microaggressions. The authors highlight and point to the need for more work on intersectional microaggressions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document