University of Westminster

About: University of Westminster is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Politics. The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8426 publications receiving 200236 citations. The organization is also known as: Westminster University & Royal Polytechnic Institution.

Franchising as a Small Business Growth Strategy A Resource-Based View of Organizational Development

Abstract: Not only are most franchisees themselves small businesses, but so are many franchisors, particularly in the formative years of their franchise businesses. High turbulence and attrition rates in the formative years of franchise businesses result in an industry profile whereby, at any one time, around half of all franchise systems are less than five years old with less than 10 outlets. The question arises: how do successful franchise organizations plan their human capital development in order to accomplish successful growth? An adjunct to this question is the role of franchisees who, while not totally independent in the sense of the conventional small business person, certainly do not see themselves as conventional employees either, and have certain expectations of participation in the process of which they are an integral part. This exploratory article uses case study material from a number of 'exemplar' franchise companies in the development of a resource-based view of organizational development. The article should hold considerable interest, not only for academics interested in franchising, but also for those examining fields such as small business strategic management, innovation and intangible asset growth. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications Ltd from Stanworth, John and Stanworth, Cecelia and Watson, Anna and Purdy, David and Healeas, Simon (2004), International Small Business Journal, 22(6). pp.539-559. © 2004 SAGE Publications. All rights reserved. Not for commercial use or unauthorized distribution.

A critique of European Standard EN 15251: strengths, weaknesses and lessons for future standards

Abstract: European Standard EN 15251 has broken new ground. Firstly, it assembles existing information about optimizing thermal, air quality, acoustic and visual comfort so that designers can make energy calculations which embody all the best information about aspects of the environment that impinge on energy use. Secondly, it follows other standards in recognizing the different expectations occupants have of the thermal environment in mechanically and naturally ventilated buildings. Potentially this makes EN 15251 an important standard in the design and the evaluation of new and existing buildings. Therefore, it is essential to be clear about its strengths and weaknesses and to indicate ways in which future updates might improve on it. This paper considers the way in which the Standard is written, its underlying philosophy and purpose, and the ways in which it defines unacceptable thermal conditions and how they might be misunderstood. Questions are raised regarding the use of outdoor temperature to define indoor comfort as the basis for providing a comfortable indoor thermal environment. Suggestions are made for improving the Standard.

Motion sickness susceptibility fluctuates through the menstrual cycle.

Abstract: Background: Motion sickness is a common and potentially debilitating condition that characteristically occurs in situations of conflicting sensory input. While the precise stimuli that give rise to this trait are increasingly well characterized, the underlying determinants of individual susceptibility to motion sickness remain unclear. This study uses a classical twin design to assess the influence of genetic and environmental factors. Methods: A postal survey was conducted in an age-matched sample of 3652 monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) adult female twins selected from the TwinsUK Registry. Study participants were asked to complete items from a validated questionnaire relating to their lifetime susceptibility to motion sickness. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to motion sickness susceptibility was assessed using variance components analysis. Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 78%. Approximately 40% of respondents reported at least moderate susceptibility to motion sickness. The pattern of responses among twins indicated a significant genetic contribution with heritability for a motion sickness factor score estimated as 57% (95% CI: 51%, 63%). The heritability of recalled motion sickness was at its highest in childhood (70% [59%, 80%]) and declined through puberty and the early adult years. Discussion and Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of genetic factors in determining an individual's underlying propensity to motion sickness and should stimulate the search for specific susceptibility genes.

Making Space, Making Place: Digital Togetherness and the Redefinition of Migrant Identities Online

Abstract: Immigrants have played a fundamental role in shaping the life and form of urban public spaces for generations. Their efforts, as many scholars have observed, mostly aimed at creating places of comfort in new and sometimes hostile receiving countries. In recent years, the combined contribution of the built environment and screen-based experiences have shaped migrants’ sense of community and belonging, thus making the concept of online community central to ideas about space and public life. Drawing upon a 3-year online ethnography, the article discusses to what extent new media constitute spaces of digital togetherness, where diasporic experiences and transnational identities are constructed and negotiated. It presents a transnational model of creative media consumption, which helps give insight as to how diasporas and ethnic minorities contribute to the transformation of public space in the Digital Age.