Showing papers by "University of Lincoln published in 2011"

Situating community enterprise: a theoretical exploration

Abstract: This paper argues that enterprises can be understood primarily in terms of their social bases and that the social base of community enterprise lies in community of some kind. It reviews current conceptualizations in this area such as ‘community-based enterprise’ (CBE) and ‘social enterprise’, and argues that CBE is only one form of community enterprise. Community entrepreneurs are understood in terms of their position on a continuum of community participation, as economic/social/political activists, and community enterprise is explained largely in terms of the balance of social capital functions served by its overall activity. The relationship between membership of a community enterprise and membership of a community is explored, and represented in terms of two criteria: the pool from which enterprise members are drawn and the rule by which such members are selected from the pool. This paper illustrates its arguments in relation to two English community enterprises, Coin Street Community Builders based in...

Practical, appropriate, empirically-validated guidelines for designing educational games

Abstract: There has recently been a great deal of interest in the potential of computer games to function as innovative educational tools. However, there is very little evidence of games fulfilling that potential. Indeed, the process of merging the disparate goals of education and games design appears problematic, and there are currently no practical guidelines for how to do so in a coherent manner. In this paper, we describe the successful, empirically validated teaching methods developed by behavioural psychologists and point out how they are uniquely suited to take advantage of the benefits that games offer to education. We conclude by proposing some practical steps for designing educational games, based on the techniques of Applied Behaviour Analysis. It is intended that this paper can both focus educational games designers on the features of games that are genuinely useful for education, and also introduce a successful form of teaching that this audience may not yet be familiar with.

Engaging customers on Facebook: Challenges for e-retailers

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to carry out an exploratory investigation into the emerging interactions between young consumers and consumer products/services on social networks. In particular, we examine the extent to which a small exploratory sample of participants are willing to incorporate social shopping behaviour, namely, product/service recommendations and retail purchase activities. We draw upon a qualitative study of four focus groups carried out with students at two UK-based universities. The results lead us to suggest specific avenues of enquiry that could be pursued in future larger scale work in this new area of consumer behaviour research. We note that for our participants, a 'nudge' in the form of recommendations from friends appears to be influential in changing online shopping behaviour and that a hierarchy of trust ordinal scale in recommenders/reviewers ranging from 'real' friends at the top down to reviews on retailers' websites may be positively associated with intention to purchase. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Enterprise Education in Schools and the role of Competency Frameworks

Abstract: Purpose – The period 2002-2010 has seen significant growth in enterprise education in schools in England, accompanied by the growth of guidelines and frameworks to provide educational and assessment structures. This paper intends to explore the questions: What does “enterprise” mean in the context of 14-19 education? What is the purpose and contribution of competence frameworks and related structures for the learning and assessment of enterprise education? How effective are they? and How might enterprise education frameworks evolve in response to changes in the post- recessionary economic, employment and educational landscape? Design/methodology/approach – The paper conducts a critical review of competency frameworks introduced in England to assist with enterprise education primarily for the 14-19 age group. These are compared on the basis of their educational purpose and rationale (“why?”), their content (“what skills and knowledge they include”), and the approaches to teaching, learning and assessment they recommend (“how?”). Findings – The analysis discusses the following questions to reflect on the progress and direction of enterprise education: How broadly or narrowly should enterprise be defined? How useful is the term? Are the skills and related knowledge and attributes too broad or too soft?; and Is there too much emphasis on assessable outcomes, rather than on how enterprising learning takes place? Practical implications – The paper contributes to the development of enterprise education for researchers, policymakers and practitioners in schools at an important point in the economic, educational and political cycle. Originality/value – Enterprise education in schools requires critique of and reflection on what has been achieved, together with consideration of its future purpose, value, orientation and nature. There is a concern that the “delivery” of enterprise education takes place in ways which are not “enterprising” forms of learning, and that assessment drives the curriculum. Changes to definitions, frameworks and pedagogy are needed to clarify its future educational role.

The impact of engagement with extracurricular activities on the student experience and graduate outcomes for widening participation populations

Abstract: This research examined extracurricular activity (ECA) effects on students’ experiences, outcomes and future job prospects. A survey of diverse undergraduate students, along with alumni and potential employer interviews, revealed differences in students’ engagement with ECAs beyond the classroom. Variations between ‘traditional’ and ‘widening participation’ student groups emerged, with older and ethnic minority students spending more time with non-university ECAs, engaged in family, religious and solitary activities. Lower socio-economic status (SES) students spent more time working, and less time engaging in ECAs. Alumni reflected ECAs as key to developing self-identity, social networks and career prospects/pathways. Employers stressed the value of ECAs for ‘distinguishing’ candidates, providing evidence of cultural fit, leadership, commitment, and ‘selling’ original activities. As (university-linked) ECAs were key for undergraduate outcomes and graduate employment prospects, emerging ethnic, age and SES patterns of engagement have implications for persistent inequalities in employment (despite widening participation agendas).

Using fourth‐party logistics management to improve horizontal collaboration among grocery retailers

Abstract: Purpose – There is a paucity of literature considering horizontal collaboration among grocery retailers, suppliers, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers. This paper seeks to investigate benefits of and barriers to the use of fourth-party logistics (4PL) management as a catalyst for horizontal collaboration. Design/methodology/approach – Three suppliers, three logistics service providers (LSPs), and one grocery retailer participated in semi-structured interviews for this exploratory qualitative study. Findings – Large LSPs can establish 4PL management but the significant investment required to do so is a deterrent. Interviewees believed 4PL would negatively influence the grocery retailer-supplier dynamic but simultaneously would provide key potential benefits. Retaining supply chain control means more to grocery retailers than cost efficiencies realised through horizontal collaboration. Research limitations/implications – Fierce competition among major grocery chains means that most are unwilling to participate in studies of their systems, which restricts the research scope. Practical implications – Some stakeholders want deeper integration into grocery supply networks, and the 4PL model could apply to diverse sectors and circumstances. This study shows that barriers to such integration are created by power plays among lead stakeholders in grocery retailing that inhibit horizontal collaboration regardless of cost or other benefits. Originality/value – The study investigates an under-researched aspect of horizontal supply chain collaboration in the highly relevant retail grocery sector: a high volume, mass market industry that requires an enormous logistics infrastructure and highly embedded networks of relationships.

First‐egg date and air temperature affect nest construction in Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus, but not in Great Tits Parus major

Abstract: Capsule For nest construction by Blue Tits, but not Great Tits, first‐egg date (FED) and air temperature significantly affected the mass of the nest as a whole and some of its component parts. Aims To test the hypothesis that use of nest materials is influenced by prevailing climatic conditions during nest construction. Methods Nests used in the study were built by Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus and Great Tits Parus major in nestboxes at a site in Lincolnshire, England during the 2008 and 2009 breeding seasons. Nests were dissected into their component parts and then weighed. Results Stepwise discriminant analysis showed that the masses of grasses, feathers and bark were significantly affected by species (all higher in Blue Tits) and year significantly affected the mass of wool and dust in the nests. anova showed that total mass of the nest was not significantly affected by year of construction or species. By contrast, species, but not year, did significantly influence the masses of animal‐ and plant‐deriv...

Developing Mental Toughness: From Research to Practice

Abstract: This article reviews recent evidence concerning the development of mental toughness in young athletes, from first involvement in sport through to early adulthood. The role and importance of genetics, environmental factors, and psychological-skills training in the development of mental toughness is discussed. In particular, environmental factors that can be manipulated and influenced by coaches and parents are emphasized to aid the transfer of knowledge from scientific research into applied practice. Of central importance is the development of independent problem-solving and personal responsibility through a challenging yet supportive learning environment. We argue that to develop mental toughness, young athletes must be gradually exposed to, rather than shielded from, demanding situations in training and competition in order to learn how to cope. Also, as athletes become more emotionally mature, they should become increasingly involved in making decisions regarding their own development. Athletes should b...

Tricyclic antidepressants and the incidence of certain cancers: a study using the GPRD

Abstract: Background: Several studies suggest links between cancer and tricyclic antidepressant use. Methods: A case–control study using the General Practice Research Database examined whether previous tricyclic usage was associated with reduced incidence of brain (with glioma as a sub-category), breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers. Conditional logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, general practice, depression, smoking, body mass index, alcohol use and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Results: A total of 31 953 cancers were identified, each matched with up to two controls. We found a statistically significant reduction in tricyclic prescriptions compared with controls in glioma (odds ratio (OR) =0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.42–0.81) and colorectal cancer patients (OR=0.84, CI=0.75–0.94). These effects were dose-dependent (P-values for trend, glioma=0.0005, colorectal=0.001) and time-dependant (P-values for trend glioma=0.0005, colorectal=0.0086). The effects were cancer-type specific, with lung, breast and prostate cancers largely unaffected by antidepressant use. Conclusion: The biologically plausible, specific and dose- and time-dependant inverse association that we have found suggests that tricyclics may have potential for prevention of both colorectal cancer and glioma.

An egg-adult association, gender, and reproduction in pterosaurs.

Abstract: A sexually mature individual of Darwinopterus preserved together with an egg from the Jurassic of China provides direct evidence of gender in pterosaurs and insights into the reproductive biology of these extinct fliers. This new find and several other examples of Darwinopterus demonstrate that males of this pterosaur had a relatively small pelvis and a large cranial crest, whereas females had a relatively large pelvis and no crest. The ratio of egg mass to adult mass is relatively low, as in extant reptiles, and is comparable to values for squamates. A parchment-like eggshell points to burial and significant uptake of water after oviposition. This evidence for low parental investment contradicts the widespread assumption that reproduction in pterosaurs was like that of birds and shows that it was essentially like that of reptiles.

An analysis of legal highs—do they contain what it says on the tin?

Abstract: In recent years the availability of so called legal highs over the internet has hugely increased Numerous online legal high retailers market a broad variety of products which are advertised as research chemicals, bath salts or plant food although clearly intended for human consumption as recreational drug replacements No guidelines exist as to what is sold and in what purity Consumers are led to believe that purchased goods are entirely legal In this study several legal high products were purchased and analysed for their content The powdered products were screened with ATR-FTIR followed by GC-MS analysis of methanol extracts Spectra were compared to reference standards and the NIST library Results showed that 6 out of 7 products did not contain the advertised active ingredient Moreover, five samples contained the controlled substances benzylpiperazine and 1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine combined with caffeine

Differential gaze behavior towards sexually preferred and non-preferred human figures.

Abstract: The gaze pattern associated with image exploration is a sensitive index of our attention, motivation, and preference. To examine whether an individual's gaze behavior can reflect his or her sexual interest, this study compared gaze patterns of young heterosexual men and women (M = 19.94 years, SD = 1.05) while they viewed photographs of plain-clothed male and female figures aged from birth to 60 years old. The analysis revealed a clear gender difference in viewing sexually preferred figure images. Men displayed a distinctive gaze pattern only when viewing 20-year-old female images, with more fixations and longer viewing times dedicated to the upper body and waist–hip regions. Women also directed more attention at the upper body on female images in comparison to male images, but this difference was not age-specific. Analysis of local image salience revealed that observers' eye-scanning strategies could not be accounted for by low-level processes, such as analyzing local image contrast and structure, but we...

The sound of ‘silence’: A framework for researching sensitive issues or marginalised perspectives in health

Abstract: This paper arises from the conceptual framework underpinning a research study focusing on black Caribbean men’s sexual decisions and health behaviour. In investigating these issues the notion of ‘screaming silences’ was developed to unite the theoretical and philosophical approaches that underpinned the research, the experiences of the researcher and participants involved. While ‘screaming silences’ was initially applied to a sexual health and ethnicity context it provides a useful basis for a theoretical framework for researching sensitive issues or the health care needs of marginalised populations. ‘Screaming silences’ (or ‘silences’) define areas of research and experience which are little researched, understood or silenced. ‘Silences’ reflect the unsaid or unshared aspects of how beliefs, values and experiences of (or about) some groups affect their health and life chances. They exposed issues which shape, influence and inform both individual and group understandings of health and health behaviour. Th...

Legislating Gender Inequalities The Nature and Patterns of Domestic Violence Experienced by South Asian Women With Insecure Immigration Status in the United Kingdom

Abstract: Research on domestic violence documents the particular vulnerability of immigrant women due to reasons including social isolation, language barriers, lack of awareness about services, and racism on the part of services. Based on qualitative interviews with 30 South Asian women with insecure immigration status residing in Yorkshire and Northwest England, this article explores how inequalities created by culture, gender, class, and race intersect with state immigration and welfare policies in the United Kingdom, thereby exacerbating structures of patriarchy within minority communities. It is within these contexts that South Asian women with insecure immigration status experience intensified forms and specific patterns of abuse.

Room for improvement? Leadership, innovation culture and uptake of quality improvement methods in general practice

Abstract: Background: Leadership and innovation are currently seen as essential elements for the development and maintenance of high-quality care Little is known about the relationship between leadership and culture of innovation and the extent to which quality improvement methods are used in general practice This study aimed to assess the relationship between leadership behaviour, culture of innovation and adoption of quality improvement methods in general practice Method: Self-administered postal questionnaires were sent to general practitioner quality improvement leads in one county in the UK between June and December 2007 The questionnaire consisted of background information, a 12-item scale to assess leadership behaviour, a seven-dimension self-rating scale for culture of innovation and questions on current use of quality improvement tools and techniques Results: Sixty-three completed questionnaires (62%) were returned Leadership behaviours were not commonly reported Most practices reported a positive culture of innovation, featuring relationship most strongly, followed by targets and information but rated lower on other dimensions of rewards, risk and resources There was a significant positive correlation between leadership behaviour and the culture of innovation (r = 057; P < 0001) Apart from clinical audit and significant event analysis, quality improvement methods were not adopted by most participating practices Conclusions: Leadership behaviours were infrequently reported and this was associated with a limited culture of innovation in participating general practices There was little use of quality improvement methods beyond clinical and significant event audit Practices need support to enhance leadership skills, encourage innovation and develop quality improvement skills if improvements in health care are to accelerate

The changing nature of communication and regulation of risk in Europe

Abstract: The regulation and communication of risk have changed significantly over the past 20 years or so, partially as a result of a number of regulatory scandals in Europe and elsewhere, which have led to greater public distrust of regulators and policy‐makers. This increase in public distrust has resulted in a phasing‐out of consensual‐style regulation, and the emergence of a newer model of regulation based on variables including public participation, transparency and increasingly powerful non‐governmental organisations (NGOs). This paper discusses some of the consequences of adopting this new model of regulation through a series of case studies.

Automics: souvenir generating photoware for theme parks

Abstract: Automics is a photo-souvenir service which utilises mobile devices to support the capture, sharing and annotation of digital images amongst groups of visitors to theme parks. The prototype service mixes individual and group photo-capture with existing in-park, on-ride photo services, to allow users to create printed photo-stories. Herein we discuss initial fieldwork in theme parks that grounded the design of Automics, our development of the service prototype, and its real-world evaluation with theme park visitors. We relate our findings on user experience of the service to a literature on mobile photoware, finding implications for the design of souvenir services.

Embeddedness or Escapism? Rural Perceptions and Economic Development in Cornwall and Northumberland

Abstract: This article explores the effect of perceptions of rural life upon the subsequent actions of counterurbanisers and the resulting impact for rural economic development in the contrasting counties of Cornwall and Northumberland. Perceptions of a high quality of life attract migrants to remote rural areas yet these areas also have high rates of economic deprivation. In-migration can stimulate rural development but in this article we hypothesise that the effectiveness of counterurbanisers as catalysts for economic development depends upon their attitudes towards the receiving community. If rural represents a slow pace of life and a step away from the pressures of modern, urban, lifestyles, counterurbanisers are unlikely to bring the dynamism to rural communities. By contrast, counterurbanisers that understand and engage with the local community are better placed to introduce new forms of human and social capital and provide valuable connections beyond the local area. Building on more endogenous development approaches, a greater understanding of the integration and economic activity of counterurbanisers can guide rural policies and highlight the significance of external representations for peripheral rural areas.

Self-reported handling of bullying among junior high school teachers in Finland

Abstract: Teachers play an important role in bullying prevention. This study examines teachers' views on the extent and ways in which they would intervene in bullying situations. The sample comprised 136 teachers from junior high schools in Finland (107 females and 29 males). Years of service ranged from newly qualified to over 20 years of experience. Seventy teachers reported they had previously received training for school bullying situations. Participants completed the Handling Bullying Questionnaire which measures teachers' responses to five key aspects of intervention: working with bullies, working with victims, disciplining the bully, enlisting other adults and the extent of ignoring the incident. Results indicated that, overall, teachers were most inclined to discipline the bullies, followed by enlisting other adults, working with bullies, working with victims, and finally ignoring the incident. Anti-bullying training was found to be a significant factor in explaining teachers' handling of bullying. Teachers with over 20 years of experience were more likely to report that they would work with the bully than teachers with less than ten years service. Implications of the findings were discussed with regards to the provision of anti-bullying training.

The carbon-reduction potential of straw-bale housing

Abstract: The role of straw bale as a construction material for reducing the whole-life impacts of housing is examined. The embodied and operational CO2 emissions in a recently completed UK social housing project are compared using alternative domestic external wall constructions and the effects on the resulting CO2 emissions. It is estimated that over 15 tonnes of CO2 may be stored in biotic materials of each of the semi-detached houses, of which around 6 tonnes are sequestered by straw and the remaining by wood and wood products. This suggests the carbon lock-up potential of renewable construction materials is capable of reducing the case study house's whole-life CO2 emissions of the house over its 60-year design life by 61% when compared with the case without sequestration. The practical implications of construction, detailing, maintenance, cost and self-build potentials of straw-bale construction are also considered. The potential for load-bearing straw-bale walls is examined through the whole-life performance ...

Digital exclusion: coming out from behind closed doors

Abstract: Government visions of a digital future show little indication of how disabled people, reliant on access technology, will participate. Access technology has the potential to offer independent use of the Internet but many disabled people already face barriers that prevent them having equitable digital experiences. Multiple obstacles include high set‐up costs, inadequate technical support and exclusive design practices. Due to the high levels of personalisation required, many disabled people are restricted to using computers at home. As a result their problems with access often remain unacknowledged and hidden behind closed doors. As online governance of welfare gathers pace, so greater awareness of the diversity of ways in which disabled people interact with digital environments is called for. Without this, government expansion into digital‐only welfare risks isolating even further those who have the most to gain.

Transactional and Transformational Leadership in Schools in Challenging Circumstances: A Policy Paradox.

Abstract: This article reports on a research project that studied the approaches to leadership adopted by head teachers in one local authority in an area of extreme social deprivation in northern England. Using data from semi-structured interviews which was analysed using three software packages, it examines how far the heads use either transactional or transformational leadership and identifies the factors that lead heads to make leadership choices. It concludes that while heads use both approaches to leadership, they believe that transformational leadership is far more effective in bringing about change which produces successful school development. However, external pressures cause the heads to concentrate far more than they would wish on transactional leadership in spite of the espoused national policy to facilitate school improvement. © 2011 British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society (BELMAS).

Development and validation of a psychometric tool for assessing impulsivity in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris)

Abstract: Impulsivity is a trait that has received much attention in humans, but in dogs impulsivity is illdefined,and previous studies have tended to focus on aggression, rather than its more pervasive effect on behavior The objective of this study was to develop a valid psychometric assessment tool of impulsivity in dogs An owner report questionnaire was constructed using items generated by a survey of experts Five hundred and seventy one dog owners returned the questionnaire and data were subjected to principal components analysis, revealing a three-factor structure: Factor 1: Behavioral Regulation, Factor 2: Aggression & Response to Novelty, and Factor 3: Responsiveness The resulting Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale comprised of 18 items demonstrated evidence of reliability and validity