scholarly journals Exploring seafood socialization in the kindergarten: an intervention’s influence on children’s attitudes

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siril Alm ◽  
Svein Ottar Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Preschool Teachers ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Other ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Children's Attitudes

Purpose – This paper aims to enhance the understanding of the influence of increased food availability and social learning in kindergartens on children’s attitudes toward food. In addition, it discusses questions regarding children and their parent’s attitudes and seafood consumption at home. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a qualitative approach that includes semi-structured interviews with 24 Norwegian children aged four to six years, interviewed in pairs. They represented two public kindergartens. One group attended a seafood intervention and the other did not. The intervention comprised seafood served as lunch twice per week, in addition to various educational activities designed to increase children’s knowledge of seafood. Findings – Children who attended the seafood intervention used more cognitive associations by describing seafood as being healthy. They also expressed more positive attitudes towards seafood compared with the other children. The findings indicate a stronger socialization effect from parents than preschool teachers. Research limitations/implications – The children proved to have limited cognitive and communicative abilities for participation in semi-structured interviews. Future studies should consider older samples and/or methods that are more adapted to their cognitive abilities. Results cannot be generalized due to the relative small sample size and the fact that the study was performed in one culture. Social implications – To promote a healthier diet, children’s care givers and school authorities should make seafood more available. Preschool teachers should be encouraged to eat meals with the children to function as positive role models. Originality/value – The study addresses a currently under-researched issue concerning the influence of kindergartens on children’s food attitudes toward a specific food category.

Individuals' waste separation practice in a relationship with social bonds: a case study of Hanoi, Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thi Kim Nhung Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Social Bonds ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Household Waste ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sociological Approach ◽  
Waste Separation

PurposeThe paper aims to ascertain whether residents in Nguyen Du ward still sort their waste at source following the end of the 3R project that ended in 2009. Additionally, this paper aims to explore the relationship between waste separation practices and social bonds.Design/methodology/approachThe Travis Hirschi theory of social control was applied, together with the mixed method research design which included a structured questionnaire survey. Twelve semi-structured interviews were also conducted with residents and the data processed by SPSS software, using Chi-Square test, Independent-Samples t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis.FindingsA proportion of respondents has continued practicing waste separation since the 3R project ended. The study also indicated that the greater the involvement in family and neighborhood activities the more the participants were likely to practice waste separation.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size limits the extent to which the most influential factors can be determined and therefore the degree to which the findings can be generalized.Practical implicationsThe study includes implications for rerunning the waste separation programs for households as together with community campaigns to improve individuals' attachment and commitment and thus their participation in pro-environmental behaviors.Originality/valueTo the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to take a sociological approach to investigate factors affecting household waste separation, which has attracted little attention in previous studies. Useful information is also provided to local authorities for a policy-making process to implement effective domestic waste policies.

Exploring digital servitization trajectories within product–service–software space

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Hsuan ◽  
Marin Jovanovic ◽  
Diego Honorato Clemente
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Software Systems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Ecosystem ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mapping Exercise

PurposeThis study shows various pathways manufacturers can take when embarking on digital servitization (DS) journeys. It builds on the DS and modularity literature to map the strategic trajectories of product–service–software (PSSw) configurations.Design/methodology/approachThe study is exploratory and based on the inductive theory building method. The empirical data were gathered through a workshop with focus groups of 15 servitization manufacturers (with 22 respondents), an on-site workshop (in-depth case study), semi-structured interviews, observations and document study of archival data.FindingsThe DS trajectories are idiosyncratic and dependent on design architectures of PSSw modules, balancing choices between standardization and innovation. The adoption of software systems depends on the maturity of the industry-specific digital ecosystem. Decomposition and integration of PSSw modules facilitate DS transition through business model modularity. Seven testable propositions are presented.Research limitations/implicationsWith the small sample size from different industries and one in-depth case study, generalizing the findings was not possible.Practical implicationsThe mapping exercise is powerful when top management from different functional departments can participate together to share their expertise and achieve consensus. It logs the “states” that the manufacturer undergoes over time.Originality/valueThe Digital Servitization Cube serves as a conceptual framework for manufacturers to systematically map and categorize their current and future PSSw strategies. It bridges the cross-disciplinary theoretical discussion in DS.

Extra care housing: exploring motivations, expectations and perceptions

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-26
Author(s):  
Michael James Buckland ◽  
Anthea Tinker
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Housing Association ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Extra Care Housing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and compare the motivations and expectations that older people have when choosing to move into either a private or housing association (HA) extra care housing (ECH) scheme, and any effects this had on its residents. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study is based on findings from four HA schemes in Tower Hamlets, London, and one private scheme in Warwickshire. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with five women and three men of varying backgrounds, from schemes managed by different associations and companies. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed thematically. Findings All residents moved into ECH in response to deteriorating health. However, almost all residents had felt obliged to move by others, generally their children. Few residents had any expectations of ECH on arrival, but many developed high expectations of an increased sense of independence and security and of an improved social life. ECH appeared to be beneficial for residents’ health and well-being. Research limitations/implications The inability to recruit an equal number of people from HA and private scheme, alongside the small sample size, may compromise the external validity of any conclusions drawn from any comparisons. Practical implications This research identifies a lack of knowledge about ECH among the general population and offers insight into areas of poor management within ECH schemes which could be improved. Social implications Inadequacies in the ECH model could be attributed to failures in the current health and social care system. Differences between expectations and perceptions of HA vs private schemes should be acknowledged and responded to. Originality/value This is a rare example of research exploring the relationships between ECH residents’ motivations and expectations (Hillcoat-Nallétamby and Sardani, 2019), and between those in HA vs private schemes.

scholarly journals Internship and Private Fellowship: Why is it Difficult for Companies to Find Suitable Candidates?

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-187
Author(s):  
Bogdan Rusu
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
A Company

AbstractThis exploratory study aims to identify the factors that prevent companies to find suitable candidates for private fellowships and internships: what students believe to be the causes, how would they explain these and which stakeholders should be involved to eliminate them. Data collection based on a sample of 18 engineering students that attended a company presentation inviting applications for private fellowship and student practice. Opinions were expressed in writing prior to structured interviews and group discussions. Limitations to this study are the relatively small sample size (n =18) and reliance on self-report measures. Information related causes were perceived by the students to lead their decisions, followed by lack of self-confidence of successful application for the grant. Respondents were classified in „Doers”, „Wishers “and „Lagers”. Universities must reinvent themselves in order to provide students with better knowledge and confidence on the job market, measured through a larger number of doers, which could become role models for wishers. Such process may generate a “critical mass” or tipping point in the transformation of a significant number of “wishers and lagers”. Whilst some of the students’ opinions are subjective, cooperation between universities and companies must continue to improve in order to enhance learning and better prepare students for their future careers.

Reluctant managers: Methodist ministers and management

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 680-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Guerrier ◽  
Christopher Bond
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Language And Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Size Limits ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a research from a study undertaken with Methodist circuit ministers in the UK and those that work closely with them. It considers in what way and to what extent ministers think of themselves as managers and to what extent and in what way they are expected to perform as managers by those they work with. Design/methodology/approach – The research that informs this paper was gathered through a qualitative study which involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 participants both Methodist ministers and those who worked closely with them. Findings – The study shows that, whilst those who work with ministers typically do not problematize management and expect managers to be able to perform management tasks, the ministers themselves are ambiguous about or rejecting of the discourse of management. Research limitations/implications – The relatively small sample size limits generalizability. Practical implications – The study challenges trainers in this context and in other contexts where the “language” of management is contested or rejected to find a discourse of management which is acceptable. Originality/value – The study contributes to the small body of literature on management and the development of managers within religious organizations. It contributes to the literature on managerial identity and the importance of management language in becoming a manager by presenting an example where this language and identity is contested or rejected.

Socially responsible investment sukuk (Islamic bond) development in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 599-619
Author(s):  
Mahfuzur Rahman ◽  
Che Ruhana Isa ◽  
Ginanjar Dewandaru ◽  
Mohamed Hisham Hanifa ◽  
Nazreen T. Chowdhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Socially Responsible Investment ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Responsible Investment

Purpose This study aims to explore the underlying issues related to the development of socially responsible investment (SRI) sukuk in Malaysia. It identifies factors attracting investors and issuers, as well as challenges for the development of SRI sukuk (Islamic bond) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data from the institutional investors, SRI sukuk issuers and arrangers, as well as researchers. A total of 19 experts were approached in which 10 participated in the interview. The thematic analysis technique is used to report the findings. Findings This study uncovers that social contribution through business activities (i.e. investment in the education sector) is the key motivational drivers for the investors and issuers. Besides, investment risks, lack of performance measurement standards, high transaction costs, risks of return, shortage of enough Islamic bonds, investors’ confidence and lack of awareness are the major challenges for the development of SRI sukuk instruments. Research limitations/implications Due to the challenges in finding experts on this subject matter, this study was able to manage only 10 interviews from the participants, which is a small sample size. However, the findings of this study cannot be ignored. Future research should carry out with a large sample size (i.e. at least 30 interviews) to validate the current findings. Originality/value This study is among the pioneer in Malaysia, which explores the influencing factors of selecting Islamic bonds as an investment option. This paper provides some valuable implications for investors through discovering the challenges for the growth of SRI sukuk in Malaysia, which can also be applicable in a global setting.

Financial support services for beekeepers: a case study of development interventions in Fiji's Northern Division

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordanna Hinton ◽  
Cooper Schouten ◽  
Kerrie Stimpson ◽  
David Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Pacific

PurposeThis paper analyses financial support services (loans and grants) from the perspective of beekeepers in Fiji's Northern Division.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method, case study approach was used with key informant interviews, focus groups, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.FindingsFinancial support was found to be an appropriate intervention. While beekeepers have access to loans, matching grants or small business grants to assist the establishment and growth of their activities, the appropriateness of these services varies based on the experience and skill of beekeepers. Capacity building was an important shortcoming in all financial services. It is recommended beekeeping clients undertake outcome-based, practical and/or mentorship-styled training to ensure beekeepers have the appropriate skills to maintain a viable enterprise.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited by a small sample size. Further research is needed to understand long-term impacts of financial support services and the availability and appropriateness of these within and between regions.Social implicationsRecommendations are provided to encourage effective financial support for beekeepers to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their activities. This can impact beekeepers' livelihoods by increasing household income and income security.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of literature on the effectiveness of financial interventions to support beekeeping enterprises. This is the first study to compare financial support services from the perspective of beekeepers in the Pacific region.

scholarly journals Women business owners’ start-up motivations and network content

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 590-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jalleh Sharafizad ◽  
Alan Coetzer
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women Business Owners ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Starting A Business

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how women small business owners’ (SBOs) business start-up motivations influence their network content. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 women SBOs who were recruited through purposeful sampling methods. Interview data on their start-up motivations were used to categorise them into three types: classic, forced and work-family. The interviews explored the network contents of the three categories of participants. Findings – There were many similarities between network contents of classic and forced SBOs, as both groups had started their business for financial reasons rather than family reasons. All the participants’ networks contained information and advice, economic transactions, intangible support and strong ties. However, the sources and types of network content were different for the classic and forced SBOs when compared to work-family SBOs. Research limitations/implications – This study has limitations that tend to be commonly found in exploratory studies, such as a small sample size. However, the findings lay the groundwork for future quantitative studies that examine associations between SBOs’ motivations for starting a business and their network contents. Originality/value – This research responds to calls for studies aimed at developing a more nuanced understanding of SBOs’ networking behaviour. The study provides empirical evidence of a relationship between the motivations for starting a business and the network content of SBOs. The findings can be used by businesswomen’s network organisations in their mentoring and training interventions.

scholarly journals Tacit knowledge sharing among library colleagues: a pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Burnette
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tacit Knowledge Sharing

Purpose This study aims to explore the nature of tacit knowledge (TK) sharing among library colleagues, with a focus on the characteristics of TK and contextual factors such as organizational culture or the mentor/mentee relationship. Design/methodology/approach Using a critical incident approach, participants self-selected based on pre-established criteria to report knowledge sharing incidents between colleagues at either an in-person or virtual reference desk. Subsequent semi-structured interviews were transcribed from recordings and coded for thematic elements. Findings Three thematic areas emerged. First are the influence of organizational culture and the importance of trust on knowledge sharing behavior. Second, the value of teamwork and the significance of mentor/mentee roles surface as significant drivers of TK exchange. Last but not least is a better understanding of the nature of TK, as it relates to types of knowledge and characterizations of experience and expertise. Research limitations/implications The relatively small sample size nevertheless revealed some important findings that contribute to the understanding of the role of TK sharing in libraries. Originality/value The value of knowledge sharing in libraries is not well understood. This study demonstrates the value on several levels, including the influence of culture and trust, and the power of mentoring to harness TK held by experts. The proposed Tacit Knowledge Alignment Framework contributes to the understanding of the nature of TK in libraries. These findings begin to fill a research gap by furthering our understanding of TK and informing future retention efforts that are lacking in many libraries.

Saudi women’s work challenges and barriers to career advancement

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Al-Asfour ◽  
Hayfaa A. Tlaiss ◽  
Sami A. Khan ◽  
James Rajasekar
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Gender Stereotypes ◽  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Career Advancement ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Career Barriers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Saudi Women

Purpose Few studies have explored the work challenges and career barriers faced by women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Drawing on Institutional Theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of employed Saudi women through in-depth interviews. Design/methodology/approach The paper employs a phenomenological qualitative approach drawing on 12 in-depth semi-structured interviews with Saudi women. Findings The findings reveal a significant number of prominent societal and organizational structural and attitudinal barriers to the advancement of Saudi women in paid employment. Among others, these barriers include a lack of mobility; the salience of gender stereotypes; gender discrimination in the workplace; limited opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement; excessive workload caused by a lack of family-work balance; and gender-based challenges related to dealing with pregnancy. Research limitations/implications Despite the contributions of this study, it also has limitations, particularly the convenience sampling approach and the focus on the KSA. The small sample size means that the findings cannot be generalized to all women employed in Saudi Arabia and should be generalized within Saudi Arabia and other Arab societies only with caution. Originality/value The paper contributes to the understanding of work challenges and barriers of Saudi women in the workforce. It provides fresh insights to the issues surrounding women in Saudi Arabia and the need to address them in order to provide support for their career advancement.

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