Showing papers in "The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences: Annual Review in 2008"

Consumer Perception of Local and Organic Products: Substitution or Complementary Goods?

Abstract: Many consumers are interested in local products because of the perceived benefits of freshness, stronger taste and higher quality. To consumers the origin attribute represents a strong purchasing criterion. With respect to organic produce, local food products may be perceived either as substitutes or as complementary. A qualitative approach to data collection (focus groups) and to data processing (content analysis) has been used to analyse Italian consumers’ perception with respect to local and organic food products. In the framework of the EU project QLIF (FP6-506358) a discussion guide to focus group interview was used in order to identify important purchase criteria, the willingness to pay, as well as the role of organic food products in purchasing criteria. Two animal – yogurt and eggs – and two non animal products – bread and tomatoes – were taken into account. Focus groups interviews indicate that Italian consumers place much importance on the local origin of food products, especially if fresh consumed. The origin with its implication of seasonality, territoriality and localness are among the major motivating and trust factors, however not always linked to organic food products. The lack of availability of local and organic food products together with retailing issues are taken into consideration. Differentiation throughout animal and non-animal products and between processed food products and commodities is analysed. Organic seems to suffer in global markets, localness may suggest a solution. The research provides insights on substitution and complementary marketing strategies.

Autoethnography as ‘valid’ methodology? A study of disrupted identity narratives

Abstract: Despite its burgeoning popularity in recent years, autoethnography is still considered a contentious, even a ‘self-indulgent’ genre, at least within some quarters of the social sciences, where it is viewed as more akin to ‘navel-gazing’ autobiography than to rigorous social scientific research This article considers some of the advantages and challenges of working with a variation of the genre – a collaborative autoethnography Our research project examined from a sociological perspective disrupted athletic identities occasioned by long-term sporting injuries Whilst not a narrative analysis per se, we examine here some of the narratives (spoken and written) co-produced during the process of injury and rehabilitation Such narrative activity facilitated sense-making at the phenomenological, interactional and analytic levels, and helped counteract the threat of identity disruption caused by long-term, serious injury The article considers the potential of the autoethnograhic approach for providing unique insights into lived-body experiences, and concludes with a discussion of just some of the ethical issues arising from this methodological approach Keywords: Autoethnography, Ethics, Narratives, Sporting Injuries

Social, economic and community impacts of water markets in Australia's Murray Darling Basin Region

Abstract: In the last quarter of the 20th century, it became obvious that water resources within Australia's Murray–Darling Basin were significantly overcommitted. Existing patterns of water use were unsustainable and would have serious environmental, economic, and social repercussions throughout the region and beyond. Consequently, in 1994 a new National Water Reform Framework was introduced aimed at balancing the opposing demands of certainty for consumptive users with the need to allocate more water to the environment. This framework presented sweeping reforms of the water industry, including the introduction of water markets. Water markets operate through trading water entitlements on the assumption that water would be redirected towards the most efficient and productive users. Earlier research indicated that water markets can lead to (1) a few producers accumulating water entitlements at the expense of smaller producers in a particular locality, and (2) significant export of water out of a locality. Both processes can have serious economic, social, and community repercussions for individuals, families, and entire communities. These include, for example, increased unemployment and out-migration, and reduced incomes, infrastructure investment resources, social capital, and community capacity in affected communities. Aims of this study were to investigate the social and economic community impacts of (1) major new corporate irrigation entities created by water markets and (2) exporting a large proportion of water entitlement out of a locality. Methodology involved interviews, focus groups, and secondary data analysis in communities in Australia's Murray-Darling Basin region. Results confirm that water entitlement accumulation and export are having significant economic and social impacts for individuals, families, business, and entire communities.

Healing the hand that feeds you: exploring solutions for dog and community health and welfare in Australian Indigenous cultures

Abstract: The overpopulation and poor state of dog health in many rural and remote Australian Indigenous communities (RRAIC) affects not only animal welfare but human social welfare. Dogs are an integral part of Australian Indigenous cultures and impact on human health and welfare through zoonotic diseases, and mental health concerns such as worry and shame about pet health, and sleep deprivation from incessant dog fights. This study investigates the factors that contribute to poor animal and...

Reporting social outcomes of development: An analysis of diverse approaches

Abstract: Over the past 40 years there has been widespread and ongoing international interest in reporting the social outcomes of development. A range of approaches have been developed emanating from diverse disciplinary perspectives to serve a varied range of operational purposes. Research reported in this paper builds from a systematic review of literature relating to these diverse disciplinary and/or operational approaches, including for example, literature focusing on reporting of social outcomes relating to 'quality of life', 'community well-being', 'state of the environment', 'national census', 'sustainable communities' and 'social determinants of health'. A set of diverse and representative approaches was then selected for analysis. This analysis provided the foundation for development of a conceptual framework for regional monitoring and reporting of social resilience. Application of this framework to social resilience reporting requirements in the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas, North Queensland Australia, is discussed.

Area Studies versus Disciplines: Towards an Interdisciplinary, Systemic Country Approach

Abstract: The paper argues for a truly interdisciplinary, synergistic area approach, for applying cybersystemic and holistic thinking in the study of countries (regions of the world), for awakening to the interdependence and complementarity of different disciplines, concerned with the study of aspects of the world. At their very best, area studies are no more than multidisciplinary in character. Consisting of juxtaposed, not yet integrated partial studies, they are essentially disjointed. Providing the reader with a Humpty-Dumpty broken into bits, they are not compositions. Since unity-in-variety and variety-in-unity are universally recognized as criteria of excellence, area studies should be gobelins, or banquets, not patchworks, or buffets. Having established that scientific collaboration is not only necessary but also valuable, the author proceeds with an examination of the impediments to interdisciplinarity occasionally brought forward, and then elaborates (probably for the first time) on the contributions that systems theory, (socio)cybernetics, complexity theory and the accelerating developments in computer science and information technology could make to area studies. Thinking through the teaming up of students who use to focus their attention on one or other aspect of a country, he also touches on the importance of comparative research. In ‘summary and conclusion’ area students are exhaustively categorized. The provocative article, which is an exercise in second-order research, winds up with a call, not to ameliorate or innovate but to transform area (and era!) studies, radically.

Exploring real-world scenarios as vehicles for authentic learning

Abstract: Arguments have been advanced over the past two decades about the need to embed authentic learning opportunities within higher education curricula. This paper posits the idea that real-world scenarios, explored via simulation, discussion and/or debate can provide excellent vehicles for helping students as would-be professionals bridge the gap between subject/discipline-based theory and professional practice. Such authenticity is advanced through scenarios which include emotional as well as cognitive learning dimensions, simulate complex workplace relationships, and invite students to participate in deep level learning tasks. The author discusses four kinds of scenario that may be used to achieve specific authentic learning intentions. He demonstrates, by example, how students can singularly, or in groups/teams, explore real-world problems, investigate a range of human issues, and speculate on both past and present events. The author reports that through direct exploration of scenarios, students come to realize that all human knowledge is interrelated, it is important to take an informed stand on significant issues, and the quality and direction of speculations on future events are invariably governed by who and what they are now. He concludes that singularly, and in combination, real-life scenarios can be used to render a true sense of authentic, relevant learning.

Observing Collectivities: The Combinatory Systems Approach in Social Sciences

Abstract: Since Thomas Schelling’s attempt, in Micromotives and Macrobehavior, to offer a logical explanation of why collective macro behaviour derives from the micro behaviours of intelligent agents and Conway’s discovery of the fantastic world of Life, the study of the behaviour of collectivities has been a very complex subject of study, and for this reason a fascinating and interesting one as well. If observed from a certain distance collectivities appear distinct with respect to the individuals that compose them and, due to the interactions of the micro behaviours, seem capable of producing interesting macro behaviours to whichmany relevant collective phenomena of self-organizationmay be associated; four of these processes are: the accumulation of objects, the spread of features or information, the pursuit or exceeding of a limit, and the attainment and maintenance of an order among the micro behaviours. To understand, explain and, to a certain extent, control these collective phenomena I have formalized the simple Theory of Combinatory Systems. In plain words, by Combinatory System I mean any unorganized collectivity made up of a plurality of similar agents producing analogous micro behaviours; the macro behaviour of the system, as a whole, derives from the combination of the analogous micro behaviours (hence the name Combinatory System); but, on the other hand, the macro behaviour directs the subsequent micro behaviours according to a feedback relation. The action of a set of recombining and necessitating factors guarantees the maintenance over time of the dynamics of the system, so that when the system starts up “by chance” it then maintains its behaviour “by necessity”, as if an invisible hand regulated its time path and produced the observable effects and patterns. This paper presents the fundamental ideas and mechanisms that underlie these systems, along with some models that illustrate the self-organization activity in collectivities.

Education and training as a social science : some empirical evidence in the Rosebank Business Precinct of Auckland New Zealand

Abstract: Tertiary institutions should seek continuous feedback from industries to keep track of the needs of businesses to provide education and training. Academics should stay in touch with businesses by networking and consulting. Holland and De Cieri (2006) refer to theories of child learning (pedagogy) to inform their understanding of andragogy, the study of adult learning. Adult learners would be continuous learners and would move in and out of formal education according to individual needs or life circumstances, job requirements or career development. In designing programmes and up-grading curricula, these are important factors to bear in mind so that programmes “cater” for these learners as well. This study was financed by Auckland City Council focussing on Auckland’s Rosebank Business Precinct (ARBP). The surrounding communities, particularly Maori, Pacific peoples and recent migrants, experience disparities in employment. Our research questions were: • Is there a skills match between the present-day workforce and actual business needs over the medium term? • What can these data tell us about Rosebank’s trajectory as a skilled business cluster and about its future workforce requirements? • What education and training will be necessary for these organisations to maintain their competitive advantage and profit margins? The target population were the 500-600 businesses operating on Rosebank Road. A total of 529 businesses were identified. Interviews with 102 companies with a 36-question questionnaire were conducted. The sampling frame was owner-managers (senior, non-shareholding managers). Of the respondent firms, 68.75% had vacancies for up to 3 months and 31.24% vacancies for 6 months. This paper highlights areas identified in the ARBP for developing programmes and curricula for tertiary institutions to provide employable students with the right knowledge, skills and attributes (KSAs) to grow existing ventures. A fine balance must be struck between human and organisational needs. In the analysis and discussion we point out what education or training is necessary for the ARBP to provide greater efficiencies and subsequent improvement to their profit levels by current and future employees entering the workforce; well “equipped” employees with knowledge and skills to add value in their organisations. Recommendations, future perspectives and conclusions form the last part of this paper

Measuring Sustainability: An Application using the Index of Sustainable Functionality in South East Queensland, Australia

Abstract: Over a 25 year span, using five year increments, the index of sustainable functionality (ISF) was applied to measure sustainability within the region of South East Queensland (SEQ), Australia. This study uses functionality by relating it to the level of sustainability within the measured geographical region and utilising methodologies that expand upon the concepts of a dual weightings approach. The dual weightings approach integrates an expert panel and a community-based viewpoint that operate independently of each other to calculate the weightings component of the application. The ISF of SEQ is formulated using novel equations that show higher precision of changes in sustainability via functionality trends. The results of the overall trend for the geographical region of SEQ indicate an intermediate level of functionality which is mostly amounted to related concerns of economic progress and lack of social awareness; while, the natural state of the region is not in severe threat of dysfunctionality which suggests a promising attentiveness to environmental concerns and the like. The use of the ISF in this manner aids in providing a solid basis for achievements and concerns at the community level, offers a historical record as a point of reference as a management tool and presents personal with a view forward on present and future sustainability practices at all levels of government, private enterprise and public institutions. This field of research emphasis' quantitative sustainability, integrated within various levels of qualitative means, can be an important and highlyinfluential piece of the sustainability puzzle.

The relationship between perceived coaching behaviours and team cohesion among Malaysian National Junior Athletes

Abstract: Based on Carron’s (1982) model of cohesion, this study examined the relationship between perceived coaching behaviours and group cohesion in interacting sports teams among national junior athletes in Malaysia. The subjects, which were comprised of 150 athletes, were asked to respond to survey questions based on the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) and the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ). The results suggest a significant relationship between coaching behaviours and team cohesion. Coaches who were perceived as engaging in democratic behaviours, higher levels of training and instruction, social support and positive feedback, tend to have athletes with higher levels of task and social cohesion within their teams.

Researching Tourism to the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, or how the Social Sciences can Collaborate in Researching Complex Problems

Abstract: There is an increasing recognition that development can bring with it complex problems, particularly when social and natural systems interact. This paper explores research methodologies that address such problems by utilising and integrating expertise from a number of different disciplines, and discusses how the social sciences can contribute. It does this by firstly analysing existing research methodologies and then through a detailed discussion of a research project that addresses sustainable tourism planning to the Ningaloo Coast, a remote tourist destination inWestern Australia whose major attraction is a 300 kilometre long fringing coral reef. The paper identifies four features that are likely to become widespread within research projects that address issues of sustainable development: a common understanding of the dynamics of systems aimed at addressing complexity; an encouragement of group learning through collaboration; a pragmatic approach that aims to address problems facing managers and affected groups; and the incorporation of different disciplines as needed to address problems. The paper concludes by identifying how the social sciences can both be equipped to engage with large research projects that integrate a number of disciplines and strengthen such research approaches.