Towards a new narrative on successful ageing

The major task of this closing chapter is to strive for reconciliation between the very divergent positions and perspectives on successful ageing that have been outlined in this book. The building blocks enabling at least partial reconciliation are the emphasis of the need for pluralism in conceptual reasoning on the notion of successful ageing; the insistence that one must be aware of the full implications of choosing any particular model of successful ageing; and the claim that the discourse on successful ageing can only, to a limited extent, be driven by empirical data. Instead, illuminating the underlying normative conceptions of what it means to enjoy a good life in old age is key to arrive at a more holistic picture of successful ageing that comes with heuristic utility. At the same time, visions of the good life in old age need further elaboration, but remaining ambivalences seem unavoidable.

Sustainable value creation through information technology-enabled supply chains in emerging markets

PurposeWhile the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on logistics and supply chain management (SCM) is recently much discussed, this is hardly linked to emerging economies and base of the pyramid (BoP) settings. The paper aims as offering a framework linking different conceptual elements to each other for explaining how ICT enables sustainable value creation in emerging economy supply chains (SCs).Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds on conceptual reasoning linking constructs from the different fields to each other.FindingsUsing conceptual reasoning linking constructs, six elements are identified: (1) SC flows, (2) BoP challenges and (3) ICT services as starting points, and environmental conditions driving sustainable value creation. The application of ICT within BoP SC operations drives the process of sustainable value creation by enabling new ways of (4) electronic business (e-business) transactions and (5) SSCM behaviors. This leads to (6) sustainable value for businesses using ICT applications and their respective stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirical testing by collecting field data in emerging economy contexts would be demanded to address the limitation of building on conceptual reasonings.Practical implicationsThe framework provides various SC-related measures driving e-business value creation for managers of businesses, charity organizations and policymakers in emerging communities.Social implicationsUnderstanding the use of smartphones and other mobile devices for businesses and their supply chains in emerging markets would have wide ranging social implication addressed in the sustainable value creation of the framework offered.Originality/valueThe conceptual framework brings different elements together offering insights into ICT applications in BoP SCs. Linking SCM, ICT and BoP to each other is a novel contribution having wider implications for the future development of emerging economies.

Qualitative Comparative Analysis

This chapter examines qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), which strives to bridge the methodological rift between case study-based research and quantitative studies. QCA belongs to the broader family of configurational comparative methods (CCMs). From an analytical perspective, QCA can be distinguished from quantitative approaches. The emphasis shifts from covariance to the analysis of set relations. Being strongly tied to a profound theoretical and conceptual reasoning which is typical for comparison in general, the analysis of set relations is based on three steps: first, a score is attributed to a social phenomenon (representing either a dichotomous or a graded set membership), usually in relation to other phenomena. Second, necessary conditions are defined. Third, through the help of a truth table analysis, (combinations of) sufficient conditions are analysed.

How do our Students Understand Newton’s Third Law of Motion? A study in a Ghanaian University Context

Newton’s third law of motion is probably one of the easiest and simplest laws in physics for students to recite. However, when they are given questions where they must apply the understanding of the law to solve a problem, it often becomes a challenge. They seem to forget about the fact that action and reaction are opposite and equal. In this study, five sequential activities were used in the teaching of Newton’s third law of motion: Concept quiz, conceptual reasoning questions, interactive teaching, reflection, and application and problem-solving questions. Twenty 1st year University Physics students at the University of Education, Winneba, were introduced to the Newton’s third law of motion using real-life examples in an interactive engagement approach. The results indicated that students could give better qualitative reasoning and verbal explanations to most of the qualitative reasoning questions that were put as an effective strategy to assess students’ learning after the interactive engagement approach. It was also revealed that students were intellectually active in understanding the concept of Newton’s third law of motion. Keywords: Newton’s third law of motion, understand, concept, interactive engagement.

Music Affinity and Emotion in Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder. Of interest to cognitive scientists is the uneven cognitive profile that is characteristic of the syndrome. In spite of mild to moderate intellectual disability, a complex pattern of strengths and weaknesses is found in their cognitive abilities. Strengths are seen in linguistic abilities and facial processing whereas weaknesses include visuo-spatial skills and conceptual reasoning abilities. Numerous anecdotes exist regarding musical abilities in individuals with WS. To elaborate on the neuropsychological profile of WS and particularly to better understand the affinity to music in individuals with WS, the present study examined the perception and production of music in this population. Results revealed that overall, individuals with WS were more expressive than typically developing individuals when they were involved with music. This study serves to further characterize this unique social and cognitive profile of individuals with WS, adding an affinity to music as a characteristic of their phenotype.

Jus in Bello and the Acts of Terrorism

Terrorism is a big threat to international peace and security. The rapid and substantial development of terrorist groups across the globe has highly complicated the application and implementation of the international humanitarian law. People have been facing this heinous violent act from time immemorial, but recently it has increased enormously. This study presents the legal and conceptual reasoning and justifications of the act of terrorism as an armed conflict. It also examines whether it is an international armed conflict or non-international armed conflict where the international humanitarian law can be applied.