Search

Purpose: This paper aims to show how financial services firms determine whether customer transactions or behaviours meet the threshold for suspicious activity reporting mandated by the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and how suspicious activity reporting is executed in practice. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews have been carried out among compliance professionals in UK financial services. Findings: Two issues related to suspicious activity reporting have been identified. Firstly, a widespread misunderstanding about the tipping-off offence under s. 333 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been identified, which appears to be a root cause for poor quality as well as over-reporting of suspicious activity. Secondly, issues related to the notice and moratorium periods used by the UK's National Crime Agency appear to deter reporting of suspicious activity related to live transactions. Practical implications: The paper makes suggestions for changes financial services firms and the UK's National Crime Agency can make to improve the effectiveness of suspicious activity reporting. Originality/value: The paper provides valuable insights which can be used to limit the flow of criminal funds, improve the quality of suspicious activity reporting and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The UK Mental Health Act (MHA) Reform (2021) on race and ethnicity promotes new governmental strategies to tackle inequalities faced by ethnically racialised communities detained under the MHA. However, there is a scarcity in personality disorder and ethnicity research. This study aims to investigate what is available in the UK in relation to prevalence, aetiology and treatment provisions of personality disorder for ethnically diverse patients, and to understand their interconnectedness with mental health and criminal justice service provisions. Three key areas of investigations were reviewed, (1) UK prevalence of personality disorder amongst ethnically diverse individuals; (2) aetiology of personality disorder and ethnicity; (3) treatment provisions for ethnically diverse individuals diagnosed with personality disorder. Design/methodology/approach: A scoping study review involved a comprehensive scanning of literature published between 2003 and 2022. Screening and data extraction tools were co-produced by an ethnically diverse research team, including people with lived experience of mental health and occupational expertise. Collaborative work was complete throughout the review, ensuring the research remained valid and reliable. Findings: Ten papers were included. Results demonstrated an evident gap in the literature. Of these, nine papers discussed their prevalence, three papers informed on treatment provisions and only one made reference to aetiology. This review further supports the notion that personality disorder is under-represented within ethnic minority populations, particularly of African, Caribbean and British heritage, however, the reasons for this are multi-facetted and complex, hence, requiring further investigation. The evidence collected relating to treatment provisions of personality disorder was limited and of low quality to reach a clear conclusion on effective treatments for ethnically diverse patients. Originality/value: The shortage of findings on prevalence, aetiology and treatment provisions, emphasises the need to prioritise further research in this area. Results provide valuable insights into this limited body of knowledge from a UK perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the association between negative tone in annual report narratives and future performance in the UK context. Under the principle-based approach in the UK, managers tend to bias the tone of narrative reports upward, as the reporting regime is more flexible than the rule-based approach in the USA. Consequently, any negative disclosure not mandated by regulators conveys credible information about a firm's prospects. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses a sample of UK FTSE all-share non-financial companies from 2010 to 2019. The authors use the textual-analysis approach based on Loughran and McDonald (2011)'s wordlist (LM) to measure the negative tone in UK annual reports. Findings: The results show a significant negative association between negative tone and future performance. Moreover, our further analyses suggest that only the negativity in the executive section of the annual disclosures correlates significantly with future performance. In summary, this study suggests that negativity does matter under the principle-based approach and can be used as an indicator of future performance. Originality/value: In contrast to the literature arguing that only positivity has the power to affect a firm's outcomes under the principle-based approach, the authors provide new empirical evidence suggesting that negativity also matters within the UK context and can be used as an indicator for future performance. Also, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to identify which section of the annual report is more informative about a firm's future performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to discuss the implications of the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) January 25, 2011 discussion paper, DP11/1 Product Intervention. Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses the FSA's previous regulatory approach; the limited usefulness of disclosure in consumer protection; the impact of trends toward a direct adviser fee structure and the phasing out of commission-based remuneration; the FSA's perceived need to become more directly involved in the product development process; various ways in which the FSA might intervene including product pre-approval, product banning, and price intervention; and possible limitations on the FSA's power to intervene. Findings – The key issues raised by the FSA discussion paper are a new interventionist stance taken by the FSA and prospectively by its successor the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); the increased focus on the product itself (in addition to disclosure and point of sale); and the possible extension in the scope of the FSA's existing powers. Originality/value – The paper provides practical insight from experienced financial services lawyers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to encourage re-reading and re-evaluation of a series of educational polemics published in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s, the Black Papers. These works proposed, for the most part, avowedly conservative views on education: condemning so-called "progressive" teaching methods and the re-organisation of secondary schools in the UK (especially England) into non-selective comprehensives. It is argued, however, that much said and written about the Black Papers since has concentrated only on selected "high profile" contributors, to the neglect of other contributors, often anonymous, whose comments were sometimes more measured/thoughtful. Design/methodology/approach - The work proceeds first by re-visiting the facts surrounding the writing of the Black Papers and their critical reception. It then analyses the nature of the contributors and describes selected essays not usually referred to when the Black Papers are discussed by historians and others. Findings - The work finds that the Black Papers are often infuriatingly and unhelpful polemical in nature but that much written about them since has concentrated only on selected contributors, ignoring others who were more measured. Originality/value - The work is perhaps the first critical re-reading of the Black Papers in any depth in several decades. It does not simply dismiss them as hysterical rants by ill-informed authors and suggests that they re-pay careful attention, despite their often polemical nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to follow up on a previous quantitative research project which established that outcome-focussed care appeared to be associated with an increase in the individuals' subjective well-being. The purpose of this paper is to establish why the intervention enabled this. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilised a qualitative approach to gather the subjective experience of the individual service users. The sample consisted of 20 service users, who were subject of two semi-structured interviews; one interview at the start of the intervention and one at the six month stage. The data were then analysed under core themes raised by the service user in these interviews. The sample was divided into two, with one group receiving the outcome-focussed model of care and the other group receiving the traditional time focussed care. Findings – The research established that service users' subjective well-being improved due to the ability of outcome-focussed care to provide consistency, flexibility and most importantly the ability of the service user to form a relationship with the homecare workers providing their care. Practical implications – This paper will assist professionals to understand why outcome-focus care has a profound impact upon service users' subjective well-being as opposed to the existing task focussed care. Originality/value – This and the previous paper provide an insight into how different processes and models of intervention impact upon the subjective well-being of socially isolated older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to examine the agile supply chain management practices adopted by UK clothing retailers in order to effectively manage the supply of innovative, high-margin, high-fashion content product offerings in a complex global environment. Design/methodology/approach — A case study approach was adopted examining the whole of the global retail fashion supply chain, from typical UK-based retailers through to their main production and logistics suppliers based in two low-cost locations, China and Romania. The cases of the UK retailers were followed by a study tour of China and Romania, where ten cases of fabric and finishing manufacturers, intermediaries and logistic providers were carried out. Findings — Many aspects of accepted risk management and agile practice, such as market sensitivity, postponement activities and collaborative information-sharing partnerships were apparent in the early product definition and the later product delivery stages of the supply chain. However, the responsibility for supply, including the key aspect of managing the complex supply network, was almost exclusively left to intermediaries located in low-cost countries. These intermediaries in the main could best achieve agile supply from a significantly underutilized low-cost country supply network through a traditional adversarial price and lead time auction sourcing process. Research limitations/implications — While the cases considered reflected what seemed to be a typical and widely adopted approach to managing such a supply chain, this may not, of course, be the only approach taken by organisations in the clothing industry. Originality/value — By examining a whole supply chain associated with agile supply in an important sector, the paper identifies the relative importance of some existing practices and brings into sharper focus those most relevant to this type of supply. The paper also identifies key elements of contemporary supply chain management practice, namely the growing use of global supply for innovative products and the essential and valuable role played by intermediaries in such supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the existing literature on the wide range of operations research (OR) studies applied to healthcare, and to classify studies based on application type and on the OR technique employed. The scope of the review is limited to studies which have been undertaken in the UK, and to papers published since the year 2000. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 142 high-quality journal and conference papers have been identified from ISI Web of Knowledge data base for review and analysis. Findings – The findings categorise the OR techniques employed, and analyse the application type, publication trends, funding, and software packages used in the twenty-first century in UK healthcare. Publication trends indicate an increasing use of OR techniques in UK healthcare. The findings show that, interestingly, the distribution of the OR techniques employed is not uniform; the majority of studies focus on simulation, either as the only technique employed or as one element of a multi-method approach. Originality/value – Several studies have focused on the use of simulation in healthcare modelling, but none has methodologically reviewed the use of the full range of OR techniques. This research is likely to benefit healthcare decision makers since it will provide them with an overview of the different studies that have utilised multiple OR techniques for investigating problems in the stated domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Persistent critical issues in built environment higher education (BEHE) curricula may need to be addressed by improving course organisation and management. In addition to the implications of the COVID pandemic, issues such as inadequate communication and lack of contemporary and innovative practices integrated with course delivery have resulted in a gap for Course organisation and management. The purpose of this study is to recommend a set of drivers that can assist academics and academic institutions in improving course development, organisation and management in the BEHE context. Thus, the study focused on three themes: course organisation and administration, timetabling and course communication. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic approach was taken to obtain data, where a documental analysis and a close-ended questionnaire were adopted as data collection instruments. The documental analysis considered 334 mid module reviews (MMRs) generating data from architecture, construction management, civil engineering, surveying and real estate students. Content analysis was used to identify critical themes within the MMRs and develop a closed-ended questionnaire. Twenty academics from each discipline completed the questionnaire. Eight drivers were developed from the data obtained from both MMRs and questionnaires. Content analysis and interpretive structural modelling were applied to identify the relationship between the drivers. Finally, these drivers were categorised by their level of influence and reliance to highlight how they contributed to improving course organisation and management. Findings: The study revealed eight drivers that can improve course organisation and management in the BEHE context. The study found that using virtual learning environments and communication are fundamental in course organisation and management. Practical implications: This research paper suggests drivers to improve how academics and academic institutions organise and manage courses. The study recommends eight drivers that could be used as a guideline and a best practice as per the level partitioning diagram developed to enhance the course organisation and management in BEHE. Originality/value: The study proposes a set of drivers to improve course organisation and management in BEHE curricula. Furthermore, insight into how these drivers influence and rely on each driver and their relation with the national student survey theme are novel contributions to the current body of knowledge. The paper further clarifies how they should be implemented for successful course organisation and management, thus, improving the quality of courses in higher education curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Loneliness' impact on health and wellbeing has emerged as a public health issue in several countries. Young people are increasingly understood as a 'risk group' and intervention target for loneliness-reduction. This research paper aims to present a discourse analysis of policies and political speech about young people and loneliness. Design/methodology/approach: Using discourse analysis inspired by Carol Bacchi's "What is the Problem Represented to Be" (WPR) approach, this cross-cultural analysis studies loneliness policy in the United Kingdom (UK) and Norway. In doing so, the authors ask: What is the problem of loneliness among young people represented to be in UK and Norwegian welfare policy? Findings: The findings indicate paradoxical problematizations of the role technology plays among lonely young people, who, in this context, are divided in two categories: able normative and disabled youth. We reveal fundamental differences in beliefs about the impact of technology on these groups, and corresponding differences in the proposed solutions. The problem of young peoples' loneliness is represented as uncertainty about potential harms of digital connectedness and reduced face-to-face interactions. In contrast, the problem of loneliness among disabled youth is represented as impeded access to social realms, with technology serving a benign role as equalizer. Originality/value: Little research has examined this new policy field. The article contributes to filling this gap and encourages policymakers to consider how political discourses on loneliness may lead them to overlook digital interventions young people could find beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tourism Review is the property of Emerald Publishing Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose – This is a polemical paper challenging both the principle and practice of journal ranking. In recent years academics and their institutions have become obsessive about the star-ratings of the journals in which they publish. In the UK this is partly attributed to quinquennial reviews of university research performance though preoccupation with journal ratings has become an international phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to examine the arguments for and against these ratings and argue that, on balance, they are having a damaging effect on the development of logistics as an academic discipline. Design/methodology/approach – The arguments advanced in the paper are partly substantiated by references to the literature on the ranking of journals and development of scientific research. A comparison is made of the rating of logistics publications in different journal ranking systems. The views expressed in the paper are also based on informal discussions with numerous academics in logistics and other fields, and long experience as a researcher, reviewer and journal editor. Findings – The ranking of journals gives university management a convenient method of assessing research performance across disciplines, though has several disadvantages. Among other things, it can skew the choice of research methodology, lengthen publication lead times, cause academics to be disloyal to the specialist journals in their field, favour theory over practical relevance and unfairly discriminate against relatively young disciplines such as logistics. Research evidence suggests that journal ratings are not a good proxy for the value and impact of an article. The paper aims to stimulate a debate on the pros and cons of journal rankings and encourage logistics academics to reflect on the impact of these rankings on their personal research plans and the wider development of the field. Research limitations/implications – The review of journal ranking systems is confined to three countries, the UK, Germany and Australia. The analysis of journal ranking was also limited to 11 publications with the word logistics or supply chain management. The results of this review and analysis, however, provide sufficient evidence to support the main arguments advanced in the paper. Practical implications – The paper asserts that the journal ranking system is encouraging a retreat into ivory towers where academics become more interested in impressing each other with their intellectual brilliance than in doing research that is of real value to the outside world. Originality/value – Many logistics academics are concerned about the situation and trends outlined in this paper, but find it very difficult to challenge the prevailing journal ranking orthodoxy. This paper may give them greater confidence to question the value of the journal ranking systems that are increasing dominating academic life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss some caveats about the findings of Part 1 of the Royal Society's report from the perspective of the choice and reliability of the source base, and the bibliometric and scientometric indicators. Design/methodology/approach – The paper argues that the Royal Society's report gives too much emphasis to the growth rate of the publications of Chinese researchers when interpolating those data and forecasting that, within the decade and possibly as early as 2013, China will be ahead of even the USA in terms of the number of publications. Findings – In an era when the "publish or perish" slogan is replaced by the "get cited or perish" mantra, the report barely discusses how much China is behind the world average and especially the above countries in terms of the most important scientometric indicators that take into account the productivity/quantity aspect and the citedness of publications as a proxy for quality. Originality/value – The paper illustrates that there are much better measures for the assessment of research activity than the one-dimensional productivity numbers, such as the h-index or the uncitedness rate, and the citations/publication rate where China is far below and the USA is far above the world average scores, and uses some charts to paint a more realistic picture of the scientific landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the application of the fraud exception rule and try to analyze the different approaches in regard to the implication of fraud rule in letters of credit. Further, this paper tries to explore if there is an obstacle when applying such exception rule in common law and whether there is an overlap with interpreting the said rule. The same fact appears in civil law courts as well. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is a comparative study which uses analytical approach and critical legal thinking. Findings: The scope of the fraud defence, the US legal systems demonstrate that the scope of the fraud rule is extended and covers both fraud in documents and fraud in the underlying contract, while in contrast, in UK the rule's scope is restricted to fraud in documents only. Such an approach is reasonable, as it is justified by applying the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP) rules strictly. That is to say, English courts apply the rules literally, even if it does not lead to fair judgements, while in contrast, American courts seek to enforce justice even if it goes beyond the rules. In any case, restricting the fraud exception to fraud in the documents is the proper approach. The reason for such restriction, on the one hand, is to maintain the integrity of letters of credit and, on the other hand, to affirm the autonomy principle. Originality/value: Extending the scope of the fraud defence will require banks to go beyond the documents, which is not logical. Banks are neither expert in such transactions nor required to do so. Most importantly, banks are concerned with documents only; it is for the court to go beyond the documents. Although this approach could be criticized, it is important to ensure that the validity of the documentary credit instrument is not compromised. As established by academics, any argument need not engage the bank unless it is in respect of the presented documents. In short, "pay now, argue later" is paramount to distinguish parties' litigations from banks vs parties' litigations. In any case, it can be suggested that extending the fraud rule exception to include fraud in the underlying contract from Jordan perspective is not the proper one because it is necessary to maintain the integrity of letters of credit and to affirm the autonomy principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to examine the influence of the following on the quality of externally facilitated board evaluation, namely, the timing of adoption of external board evaluation, type of evaluators and the independence of external facilitators. Design/methodology/approach: The statements on board evaluation in annual reports of a sample of FTSE 350 companies were content analysed to measure the quality of externally facilitated board evaluation. This paper then used descriptive analysis and inferential statistics to demonstrate the possible association between the timing of adoption, as well as the type and independence of external facilitators and the quality of externally facilitated board evaluation. Findings: Results reveal some effects of the timing of adoption, as well as the type and independence of external facilitators on the quality of externally facilitated board evaluation. Practical implications: Shareholders should be aware of the timing of adoption, as well as consider the types and independence of external facilitators, given their influence on the quality of externally facilitated board evaluation. Regulatory authorities should provide more specific guidance on what types of professional organisations can be engaged as external facilitators and on the implementation of externally facilitated board evaluation, to promote its quality. Originality/value: Several studies have provided theoretical accounts on how board evaluation should be conducted to ensure its effectiveness. However, there is a dearth of empirical literature, which examines the quality of externally facilitated board evaluation. This study develops a quality measure for externally facilitated board evaluation and shows the effect of the timing of adoption, types and independence of external facilitators on its quality. The study forges ahead institutional theorising of external board evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The influx of refugees and asylum-seekers over the past decade into the European Union creates challenges to the health systems of receiving countries in the preparedness and requisite adjustments to policy addressing the new needs of the migrant population. This study aims to examine and compare policies for access to health care and the related health outcomes for refugees and asylum-seekers settling both in the UK and Germany as host countries. Design/methodology/approach: The paper conducted a scoping review of academic databases and grey literature for studies within the period 2010-2017, seeking to identify evidence from current policies and service provision for refugees and asylum-seekers in Germany and the UK, distilling the best practice and clarifying gaps in knowledge, to determine implications for policy. Findings: Analysis reveals that legal entitlements for refugees and asylum-seekers allow access to primary and secondary health care free of charge in the UK versus a more restrictive policy of access limited to acute and emergency care during the first 15 months of resettlements in Germany. In both countries, many factors hinder the access of this group to normal health care from legal status, procedural hurdles and lingual and cultural barriers. Refugees and asylum-seeker populations were reported with poor general health condition, lower rates of utilization of health services and noticeable reliance on non-governmental organizations. Originality/value: This paper helps to fulfill the need for an extensive research required to help decision makers in host countries to adjust health systems towards reducing health disparities and inequalities among refugees and asylum-seekers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, it highlights areas of disconnect between how the financial services sector in the UK approaches the management of politically exposed persons (PEPs) risk; the requirements of the UK's laws and regulations in relation to PEPs; and the expectations of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in this regard. It then proposes an alternative approach to the risk-management of PEPs. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews have been carried out among compliance professionals in UK financial services. Findings: This paper provides rare insight into the anti-money laundering (AML) arrangements of UK banks, an area that has not yet been widely researched in the academic literature. It argues that the expectations of the FCA exceed both the letter and the spirit of the UK's laws and regulation around AML by emphasising an administrative approach over a qualitative/analytical approach to risk-management. It further suggests that mixed messages disseminated by the FCA have incentivised banks to shift their focus from financial crime risk (i.e. preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, etc.) towards regulatory risk (i.e. the risk of falling foul of regulatory expectations). Practical implications: The paper makes suggestions for a more relationship-centric approach to PEP risk-management. Originality/value: It provides unique insight into PEP risk-management in financial services, and argues for the FCA to propagate a more relationship-centric approach to PEP risk-management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the means by which one UK local authority obtained certification of its Bereavement Service against ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO27001. It aims to explain the processes that were followed, highlight the problems that were encountered, and show how these were overcome. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts a case study approach. The case study emerged from a broader grounded theory study which is outside the scope of this paper. Findings – This paper demonstrates that ISO27001 can be fully integrated into a single management system with ISO9001 and ISO14001, and also illustrates that the various standards can be applied more flexibly than is often thought. Practical implications – This study will be of significant benefit to bereavement professionals because it offers advice and guidance on addressing pitfalls that may be encountered when bereavement services wish to seek certification against international standards. It will also benefit quality, environmental, and information security professionals because it shows, in a practical way, how the three standards can be fully integrated. Originality/value – The integration of ISO27001 into a comprehensive management system is an area which has previously been under-researched. Furthermore, this paper takes an original perspective to information security, arguing that ISO27001 can be applied beyond an ICT environment, and this is demonstrated by considering the standard in the context of bereavement services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an account of the role of user-led organisations in a radically different approach to delivering local authority adult social care management functions. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the evaluation of a two-year project funded by the Office for Disability Issues as part of the Independent Living Strategy, this paper highlights some of the key learning points from this project. Findings – The central finding is that user-led organisations are capable of delivering this radically different way of working with quality (and possibly cost) gains. However, there are potentially significant barriers to overcome in order to achieve this. Originality/value – The Government is exploring a greater role for the voluntary and community sector including user-led organisations. It is widely acknowledged that "peer" support activity should play a key part in delivering the "personalisation agenda". This paper highlights the fact that delivering this will require leadership, partnership and trust. A strategic vision is needed – but so is an eye for detail on operational delivery issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to examine developments in tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic using the hotel sector in the North-East of England as the area of study. The country has attracted a lot of attention not only because of its importance as a tourism destination but also due to its rather controversial management of the pandemic at least in its early stages. Design/methodology/approach: Fifteen semi-structured interviews based on ten open-ended questions were conducted with North East of England-based hotel managers of international brands on the level of their hotels' preparedness to effectively deal with pandemic cases. The interviews took place in August and September 2020 with participants kept anonymous. Findings: Meeting new operational and bureaucratic requirements added to the cost structure and proved a major challenge for managers who saw their hotel occupancy rates and revenue collapsing within a short period of time. Innovative and aggressive pricing strategies were introduced to lure especially younger travelers in the absence of business clientele. Staff were made redundant and/or asked to work overtime making effective human resource management very difficult. Originality/value: This is one of the first research attempts to highlight the importance of the COVID-19 pandemic for the hotel sector in a major region of the UK. The paper also attempts some generalization by discussing managerial implications and suggesting a possible way forward for the hotel sector. Developing resilience by building on previously used successful business practices proves of essence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Analyses of the results of research assessment exercises (RAEs) carried out in the UK in 1996 and 2001 supported a simple hypothesis, that the grade awarded to a university department can be related to its level of activity in terms of, for example, number of research students, research studentships secured, research degrees awarded, research funded from external sources, and the profile of publications. The purpose of this paper is to consider the extent to which these relationships prevailed for the most recent RAE in 2008. Design/methodology/approach – Information from 157 departments from five subject areas was subjected to extensive correlation analysis and regression modelling, informed by the findings from analyses of previous RAEs. Findings – Although the information submitted by universities to RAE 2008 was the same as for previous RAEs, a different methodology was employed for assessing their performance. Establishing a relationship between the assessments of research quality of departments and measures of activity was more challenging than previously. Differences between subject areas were large and it was not possible to develop a single model applicable to the five subject areas. Practical implications – Despite the relationship with performance being much less obvious than for previous RAEs, activity levels are important to success, but in different ways in different subject areas. Originality/value – The paper indicates the extent to which expectations about the importance of key research-related activities, expressed as simple quantitative measures, are reflected in qualitative assessments of performance, given the increasing complexity and subtlety of the assessment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose |!|#8211; The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison of a number of business process mining tools currently available in the UK market. An outline of the practice of business process mining is given, along with an analysis of the main techniques developed by academia and commercial entities. This paper also acts as a primer for the acceptance and further use of process mining in industry, suggesting future directions for this practice. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; Secondary research has been completed to establish the main commercial business process mining tool vendors for the market. A literature survey has also been undertaken into the latest theoretical techniques being developed in the field of business process mining. Findings |!|#8211; The authors have identified a number of existing commercially available business process mining tools and have listed their capabilities within a comparative analysis table. All commercially available business process mining tools included in this paper are capable of process comparison and at least 40 per cent of the tools claim to deal with noise in process data. Originality/value |!|#8211; The contribution of this paper is to provide a state-of-the-art review of a number of commercial business process mining tools available within the UK. This paper also presents a summary of the latest research being undertaken in academia in this subject area and future directions for the practice of business process mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the back office efficiency savings made by English councils during the 2004 Spending Review (SR04) period in order to consider the relationship between service delivery, audit and inspection and, efficiency programmes in local government. It considers three research questions: the use of secondary data, the relationship between efficiency savings and contextual factors, and the influence of audit and inspection in delivering efficient public services. Design/methodology/approach – Through statistical analysis the paper discusses the secondary analysis of publicly available sets of administrative data about local councils in England. These datasets are the annual efficiency statements (AES) taken from records made by each council. The paper discusses through the analysis of the AES the degree of efficiency savings and service improvements in English councils and whether efficiency savings are influenced by internal or external contextual factors. Findings – The paper illustrates that secondary data is a useful source of data, but finds that although councils have achieved the efficiency savings set there is no relationship with the contextual factors. The paper considers the influence of audit and inspection, suggesting that the focus has been on meeting the target rather than local needs. Originality/value – This paper aims to contribute to the debate regarding the use of performance indicators, audit and inspection and efficiency achievement within local government. The paper starts to explore the implication in the UK where, after a decade of use, the influence of these is reducing dramatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The starting point for the paper is an assessment of the impact of a 1993 special issue of Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, which provided an interdisciplinary analysis of the pursuit of accountable management reforms in the UK public sector. From this assessment, the paper offers a set of reflections on the development over the last two decades of "new" public management practice and research, and also indicates some of the obligations and responsibilities of academic researchers and managers alike in the context of a continuing appetite for such reforms. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is written in a reflective fashion, including assessments of: our role as guest editors of the special issue; the continuing pertinence of key messages emanating from the special issue; and broader considerations drawn from our own working experience in managerial roles in universities and personal reflections on the state of the public management literature. Findings – The paper highlights the long-standing litany of failure attached to such public management reform movements, as well as the limited degree of cross-disciplinary learning within the field. The paper emphasises that we need to rethink the parameters of "public sector" (accounting) research, and avoid the partitioning of (accounting) research into ever smaller and self-referential sub-areas. We need more cross-national studies. We need to know more about which management practices travel readily, and which travel less easily, and what happens when implementation is problematic. We need also to reinforce the importance of historical analyses, if we are to derive the most benefit from studies of the interrelations among accounting and public management reforms and wider transformations in ways of governing economic and social life. Finally, we need to retain or reinstate curiosity at the heart of our concerns, in order to dispel the self-evidence or taken-for-grantedness of so much of our present. Research limitations/implications – Personal reflections, while being beneficially close to the subject under consideration, inevitably suffer from claims of bias and a lack of independence. We have sought to control for such risks by drawing on a variety of sources of information with respect to impact, including (albeit ironically) citation counts and an analysis of the writings of individual authors contributing to the special issue. Originality/value – The paper is novel in that it seeks to combine an analysis of the literature on public sector accounting and management reforms over several decades with our own, multi-faceted, engagement with public management research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarise policy interventions and realistic strategies for achieving greater gender equality in paid and unpaid work, which were identified during a conference on "Gender equality in paid and unpaid work" held on 8 December 2009 at the Church House Conference Centre, London, UK. Design/methodology/approach – The conference included four plenary talks and group discussions. The paper is based on the presentations and group discussions. Findings – Government policies need to be holistic in the sense that labour market inequalities are often interlinked with inequalities in the home. The current economic recession can be seen as an opportunity to renegotiate work and life arrangements. Originality/value – The papers presented at the conference included original qualitative and quantitative research by researchers from several social science disciplines. The participants in the group discussions were academics, policy makers, pressure groups, practitioners and third-sector workers, and thus provided a variety of different viewpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to consider the extent to which recent changes in the UK's higher education sector are likely to increase the level of competition and change the behaviour of UK higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach - The paper draws on a conceptual framework developed to understand competitive conditions and behaviours in order to provide an analytical device to guide the narrative of the paper. The paper draws on a number of national and international sources. Findings - It is likely that competition between UK higher education institutions will intensify in the future especially in light of the introduction of student tuition fees and this will lead to further changes in behaviour. Originality/value - The paper offers an original approach and conceptual basis to make a contribution to a growing debate about the future of the UK higher education sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how more of a research culture can be fostered within library practice and how universities and library professionals can work together to strengthen this important area. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a reflective viewpoint. Findings – The dangers of a lack of a research culture present the profession with potential issues that must be addressed if it is to remain vital. The profession and those involved in academic research must work more closely together to foster a research culture, and more emphasis should be placed in ensuring conferences have a research focus. Practical implication – The paper should be of interest to practitioners who wish to consider the importance of research in their professional practice. Originality/value – This paper discusses the challenges in creating a research culture in library practice, and as such offers a new debate on what key issues related to research impact on the profession of library and information science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to provide better understanding for the main sources behind the value premium in the UK. Second, given that the value factor (HML) in the Fama-French three-factor model is itself a proxy for value premium, this paper seeks to illustrate the component of HML responsible for explaining UK portfolio returns. Design/methodology/approach - For the period July 1991 to June 2006, value premium is broken into two components: one is related to small stocks and the other to big stocks. Then monthly time-series regressions are used to test which component of value premium provides better explanatory power for UK portfolio returns. Findings - The empirical results indicate that the value premium in average returns is due to small market capitalization stocks. Moreover, value stocks do not seem riskier than growth stocks according to their market beta. Furthermore, the significance of the value factor (HML) in explaining UK portfolio returns is mainly due to its small stock component (HMLS). The paper suggests a revision for the Fama-French three-factor model that replaces HML by HMLS. Originality/value - Academics are interested in understanding the main sources of value premium and the reasons behind the significance of the value factor in explaining UK portfolio returns. Investors and fund managers who wish to exploit the value premium will tilt their portfolios towards value stocks that have low-market capitalization. Both academics and practitioners may consider altering the Fama-French model, as suggested by the paper, when estimating the cost of capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - There is increasing debate concerning the need for libraries within British schools. Many city academies are opening without them and existing schools are considering discarding their collections of paper non-fiction materials. This paper aims to present a balanced view of the arguments for and against such courses of action. Design/methodology/approach - The paper investigates the issues through the use of a wide range of sources, including books, journal papers, newspaper articles, blog entries and contributions to a recent radio programme. Findings - Ostensibly, there are sound reasons for schools shifting information provision towards electronic materials. Paper collections may be seldom consulted and their upkeep is costly, whilst effective use of the web demands that youngsters apply increased critical skills. Nevertheless, traditional libraries serve as an effective model for the organisation of information and offer a training ground for the information skills development. Youngsters can undoubtedly benefit from a hybrid information world. Offering an electronic-only environment may lead to highly formulaic information-seeking behaviour and many of the web's weaknesses render it a questionable tool for effective learning. A wholly electronic approach across schools is unlikely to be realised in the near future. Originality/value - While the question of whether a traditional library should remain a prerequisite in schools inspires much comment, papers systematically putting the cases "for" and "against" are rare. Here the author draws on his own knowledge and experience, as a scholar and information professional, to present both sides of the argument. The work should be of interest to practitioners and academics alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to investigate conceptualizations of Europeanization, the difficulties this creates when assessing the impacts of the European Union (EU) on member states and the influence member states have on the EU policy-making processes. There are also problems when considering questions regarding the basis of Europeanization in terms of its relationships with globalization, governance, institutionalization, polity, politics and policy. Design/methodology/approach -- Different conceptualizations of Europeanization concentrate on distinct methodological positions and whether Europeanization may best be understood as "situation" or "process". Indeed, difficulties are further exacerbated when identifying the extent that drivers for change at the EU and domestic level involved Europeanization, domestication, globalization and/or European integration. Meso theory identifies "process" and substantive theory "situation" in terms of downloading (En1), up-loading (En2) and cross-loading (En3). Each of these conceptualizations allow "situations" where empirical reliability could be made explicit from a particular perspective. Findings -- This paper investigates and assesses the Europeanization of UK financial services and provides a conceptualization of Europeanization as both meso (middle range) and substantive theory. By breaking down meso theory into substantive theories (up-loading, downloading and crossloading) the analysis attempts to clarify the interaction between Europeanization, globalization and domestication in relation to impacts on UK financial services regulation. Following an assessment of UK financial services in general, this paper concentrates on the concept of "competent authority" and how the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) displays attributes outlined in the directives. Through an analysis of the Third Life Assurance Directive, Second Banking Directive and FSA this paper identifies a number of issues relating to how the EU responded to sector demands and how Europeanization is actualized through domestic response. Originality/value -- Europeanization indicates a continual interaction or dialectic between the uniformity of the EU and the diversity of the individual member states. The process involves interaction between global, domestic and European variables with the European dimension in relation to domestic interpretation providing a mechanism whereby dominant economic global factors can be diminished or enabled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose-- To discuss the issues and challenges of digital preservation facing institutional repositories and to illustrate the Joint Information Systems Committee's (JISQ view on institutional repositories and its key initiatives in helping UK institutions address these issues. Design/methodology/approach-- A combination of published work and JISC documents (public facing or internal) were used as reference material. Findings-- Digital preservation is a complex process and there are still many unsolved issues which make it a challenging task for institutional repositories. However, the wide deployment of institutional repositories also provides new opportunities for digital preservation. Much could be done to consider digital preservation from the outset, to involve the authors and to embed digital preservation into repository workflow, which will ease the later preservation tasks. Research limitations/implications-- A number of ongoing JlSC-funded projects are briefly reported which explore different models for the provision of digital preservation services for institutional repositories. These models may be a way forward to tackle collectively the issue of long-term preservation within the setting of institutional repositories. Depending on the outcomes of the projects, further investigation and implementation could be undertaken to test the models. Practical implications-- This paper will help the reader to gain a better understanding of the issues related to digital preservation in general and how JTSC's work has helped to tackle these issues. Originality/value-- This paper clearly states JISC's view on, and future plan for, digital repositories. This is of value to the UK educational community as JISC works on its behalf and responds to its needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence for the motivations of SMEs for introducing the Living Wage (LW), focussing on retail as one specific sector. It develops understanding of the strategic benefits and challenges these employers face in balancing financial, ethical and social considerations in small businesses.Design/methodology/approach The study employed mixed methods: a survey and semi-structured interviews. The interviews are presented as part of three case studies.Findings Findings indicate that employers were, for the most part, motivated by personal ethics and beliefs about fair wages and social justice. They suggest that SME accrue benefits from LW accreditation such as reputational benefits and higher employee morale, but that there are also potential pitfalls of LW adoption related to pay structure and incentives. The sustainability of the LW emerged as an issue in terms of the long-term strategy and brand positioning of the companies involved.Research limitations/implications The nature of the research was exploratory and thus the study only allows for limited generalisation. Recommended avenues for further research include gathering data from different levels of organisations and from different stakeholders.Originality/value This is the first paper to investigate the drivers for, and implementation of, the LW in SMEs. The specific characteristics of SMEs – their ethos, low visibility, reliance on trusting relationships and limited resources, among others – make the study of why and how they choose to implement the LW very interesting. This study is the first to gather and analyse data from SME retailers and wholesalers that have implemented the LW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a firm’s corporate governance (CG) mechanisms on the number of financial analysts following UK firms. The potential effect of the number of analysts following firms in the UK on the association between CG mechanisms and firm value was also examined. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple regression models were used to examine the association between CG, analyst coverage and firm value for a large sample of UK firms listed in London Stock Exchange with financial year ends between January 2003 and December 2008. Findings – It was found that the aggregate level of CG quality is positively associated with the number of analysts following UK firms. In addition, the compensation score is the main component that affects the number of analysts following UK firms. The results suggest that financial analysts are particularly concerned with how much compensation executives and directors receive. This is consistent with Jensen and Meckling (1976) who argue that chief executive officer (CEO) compensation can be used as effective mechanisms for mitigating agency costs. Hence, higher levels of CEO compensation attract more financial analysts to follow the firm. Surprisingly, when the joint effect of both CG quality and the number of analysts following on firm value was examined, no significant effect was found for both variables on firm value. Originality/value – This paper contributes to prior research by providing the first empirical evidence on the impact of disaggregated levels of CG on analyst following and firm value for a large sample of UK firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of academics, senior university managers and employer representatives on the design and implementation of an innovative work-based learning (WBL) programme in UK higher education. Design/methodology/approach – The research project draws upon case study research and utilizes data from semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis of policy papers. The experiences of university staff and employer representatives were analysed methodologically using the organisational story-telling framework. Findings – The paper exposes voices which are rarely heard in the public domain and provides insights into the challenges involved in introducing new practices within higher education. The themes that have emerged are: the intensity of the learning experience; tensions amongst academics delivering the programme; and, academic support for students, particularly in relation to the importance of face-to-face contact. Originality/value – The paper addresses key gaps in the WBL literature, most notably a dearth of critical accounts of practice within WBL programmes from the perspective of university staff and employer representatives. This type of research is also needed given the increased priority by governments in relation to forging links between business and higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Digital intermediaries such as Google and Facebook are seen as the new powerbrokers in online news, controlling access to consumers and with the potential even to suppress and target messages to individuals. Academics, publishers and policymakers have raised concerns about the implications of this new power, from the impact on media plurality to implications for democratic discourse, freedom of speech and control over public opinion formation. After reviewing academic literature that has raised this concern and public policy addressing it, this paper aims to examine the empirical foundations for these claims. Through secondary analysis of industry data on referrals of online news traffic, the authors find that intermediaries do have the potential to exert significant influence over distribution of online news. The authors however find that not all news that is filtered through intermediary services is subject to the same shaping and editorial forces, in part, because user agency is also an important factor. The role of intermediaries in news distribution is thus complex; headline numbers do not translate automatically into influence due to the complex interplay and exchange between user agency and the editorial influence of intermediaries.Design/methodology/approach This paper is based mainly on a secondary analysis of publicly available data on news referrals, and some data provided by news publishers along with re-analysis of regulatory data from Ofcom and previously unpublished data from the BBC and SimilarWeb. These data sources are combined for the first time to investigate claims regarding the current controversy about media plurality, algorithmic power and transparency.Findings The paper finds that evidence that intermediaries wield concentrated editorial power is mixed. While other, non-intermediated news distribution platforms such as TV and the press remain highly important, online is heading towards being the most important distribution platform, particularly for younger demographics. The authors found that intermediaries such as search and social control access to a significant proportion of online news content. Not all use of intermediaries is indicative of online gatekeeping however. User agency also determines how content is prioritised and thus consumed. The news consumed is therefore a product of a complex interplay between user agency and intermediary influence. In contrast to traditional discussions of media power and its regulation (for example the notion of mass media plurality); it is thus not possible to make inferences on influence simply by noting the market share of intermediaries. The role of intermediaries is much more subtle and opaque.Research limitations/implications This paper is mainly based on publicly available data. It is crucial to find out what is possible with such data as regulators with responsibility for monitoring and regulating media plurality are similarly limited to such data. The implications are that further research with a wide range of methods and data sources will be necessary to update research on media plurality and diversity.Practical implications The implications of these findings are that independent public authorities should have access to much more revealing data about public opinion formation processes, including referrals and other data currently held only by publishers. The three stage analytical framework will be of use to regulators and policymakers currently looking into these issues.Social implications Civil society and public debate about digital intermediaries is currently intensively discussed in policy debate. Taking these debates forward will depend on whether existing public policy frameworks (such as limits on news plurality) are able to accommodate the new challenges such as intermediary influence on news distribution and public opinion formation.Originality/value The recent special issue of INFO, including contributions from Mansell and Helberger, raised a range of similar issues with regard to media plurality and intermediaries. These papers did not seek empirically to examine in depth, using all available publicly relevant data, the implications for media pluralism and diversity in one particular media market. The paper is theoretically original, contains some previously unpublished data and an entirely new empirical and theoretical analysis. The models and tables are previously unpublished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper explores the relevance of inter-market research to improving knowledge in property markets. It focuses on Nigeria's emergent property market which JLL (2018) suggests is information challenged. Given the country's lack of property data management, it is posited that inter-market studies can help to improve information supply and market knowledge. Inter-market research in Nigeria is compared with the UK's established market where such research is a key information source. Design/methodology/approach: An online database search was used to collate published intra-market and inter-market research on Nigeria's property market between 2009 and 2019. The inter-market research were thereafter examined as to volume and scope (geographical and thematic) and compared with the UK's. Findings: Relative to the UK, the volume as well as scope (geographical and thematic) of inter-market research in Nigeria are respectively far lower and narrower, thereby producing less information overall. Only a few Nigerian studies provide insights of two or more local markets. There is little or no research on many important market issues and other urban markets in the system. This suggests that inter-market research is relatively undeveloped in Nigeria. Research limitations/implications: The online search approach used to assemble extant research in the absence of a research repository may have resulted in the omission of some inter-market research undertaken between 2009 and 2019 if these were not published online. Practical implications: The dearth of inter-market research in Nigeria suggests an inadequately researched market. This limits market information, market knowledge, suggests a low market competitiveness with implications for development in view of the role of property in the modern economy. Originality/value: In view of the little attention given to inter-market research in Nigeria, this study draws attention to its potential for improving market knowledge by the production of information which has a wider market relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This article aims to introduce the special issue which arose from a conference about urban regeneration in post industrial cities hosted at Bradford University in 2008. The event focused on the sustainable and intangible aspects of individual and community well-being. Design/methodology/approach - The article discusses the background to urban regeneration and introduces the papers in the issue. Findings - The papers investigate and understand how policies, programmes and projects can increase well-being in the built environment, and what this means for those involved. Specifically the papers address key features of well-being in terms of the economics of regeneration, participation, sustainability, social enterprise, migration, partnership, management, and the importance of place and space. Originality/value - The article focuses on the papers of the special issue that encourage pragmatic and workable solutions based on sound theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between urban design quality and the real estate value of high street retail properties. Quantitative research on the added value of quality design has seen little advancement during the past two decades and hedonic analysis of the high street retail sector remains embryonic. This paper bridges this gap by providing empirical evidence on the added value of quality design. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a unique dataset of 301 Belfast City Centre retail transactions during the period 1994-2009. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis is used to estimate a hedonic pricing model that utilises a composite range of variables. These variables were designed employing quantitative and qualitative approaches complementarily to strengthen the value of the empirical research. Findings – The findings suggest that aspects of quality design such as connectivity, frontage continuity and variety, material quality and massing appropriateness add to real estate value. These findings supplement those on sector-specific value determinants that emphasise the high impact of location, tenant characteristic and Zone-A price calculations. Practical implications – In analysing high street retail rent determinants this paper focuses on the impact of various aspects of quality design to inform investors and developers about those aspects that are highly valued by city centre retail tenants. Policy makers benefit from the findings through empirically justified built environment benchmarks for improving the quality of life in our cities. Originality/value – This study provides a quantitative model for measuring urban design quality which uses data from a UK city but has a wider application range. It bridges a significant gap in the literature related to hedonic investigation of the added value of quality design by providing a holistic approach to quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Observations have been made that mental health students receive very little support following observing patients displaying suicidal behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a small-scale empirical study to investigate this issue further. Design/methodology/approach – The approach used in this study is phenomenological. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews consisting of a range of questions asking mental health student nurses about their experiences of support in practice. The data are analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – As well as issues relating to the support of mental health student nurses in practice, there are many ethical issues raised in this paper. These include student responsibilities while in placement areas; students as having a supernumerary status; and the inclusion of students in supervision and debriefing sessions following traumatic incidents. Research limitations/implications – This small-scale exploratory study was conducted with a small number of students in one University. However, the study provides a strong starting point for further research on the support students receive during their mental health nurse training. Originality/value – This paper makes some recommendations on ways to improve the support of students in practice, including maintaining and supporting the role of Practice Experience Managers who spend a considerable amount of time in placement areas interacting with students and feeding back relevant practice concerns to University staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The issue of climate change raises new requirements for the way our societies work. Even though climate policy is regarded as being crucial on the way to a low carbon society, the coordination of technology and climate policy proves difficult. The purpose of this paper is to look closer into the challenges and experiences related to the coordination between climate and technology policy in order to draw lessons for the future integration of both policy fields. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper a case study approach is applied to the policy coordination efforts in two countries: Denmark and the UK. From a theoretical point the study is informed by the literature on the dimensions of policy learning and the findings of innovation and transition studies. Findings – The case studies provide important lessons how important flexibility and continues policy learning and its institutionalization will be on the way towards a low carbon society. However, it becomes clear that the price of this flexibility is the risk of "symbolic action", respectively, postponing emission reduction measures. Research limitations/implications – The findings are drawn from two countries, however it remains not fully clear in how far the instruments and approaches from countries like Denmark and the UK can be applied in a similar way in other countries. Originality/value – The paper provides an important discussion of contradictions between climate and technology policy from the perspective of the literature in innovation studies and policy learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper reports the findings from an empirical analysis of stakeholder opinions relating to t-government within a United Kingdom local authority. These t-government initiatives are related to a national drive for the implementation of t-government from the UK Central Government. The aim of this paper is to gain insight, knowledge and understanding into important issues relating to t-government from a single case study, senior executive, decision making and user perspective, and to develop a framework for t-government. Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilises an interpretive exploratory case study research via structured interviews with senior and strategic executives in the case study organisation. Findings – A conceptualised framework for t-government is extrapolated from the issues raised in the case study, to assist with the t-government initiatives for UK public sector and elsewhere. Research limitations/implications – The paper is a single case study, not generalisable, but may be generally useful (Walsham). Practical implications – The paper extrapolates lessons learnt, framework and options for successful t-government deployment, from a senior executive user perspective. Social implications – Social inclusion is an important and current issue and is discussed in context of the case study. Originality/value – The paper brings together the literature, recent discussions within enterprise, United Kingdom Central Government, public sector and t-government, together with an exploratory empirical public sector case study from a senior user perspective. The aim is to inform theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to determine whether the coming together of old and young people, who live in some of the most deprived areas of the country, needs to happen naturally to form genuine relationships, with their invaluable, knock-on implications on the local community. It also aims to look at the value to young people of using community centres to host youth work activities, so that intergenerational relationship building can be repeated in localised settings to help prevent the loss of a generation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon the experiences of youth workers in Prospex, a youth charity in Islington, London, UK. Findings – The paper looks at a gardening project on a social housing estate that brought together the manpower of disadvantaged young people and the wisdom and experience of an older person, and the knock on, almost accidental, effect that this had within the local community by bringing together the generations in other resultant scenarios. Research limitations/implications – The research is anecdotal. Practical implications – The paper provides anecdotal evidence of the benefits to both young and old people who are brought together within their social housing community to work together. Originality/value – This paper shows the community benefits of young and old people working together on projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Using some case examples from Care & Repair England in the UK, this paper aims to focus on the integration of housing help in a hospital setting. Design/methodology/approach – The paper gives some background on Care & Repair and the development of local housing and hospital linked projects. The broader debate about the role of housing is then considered. Findings – Key recommendations from the case studies are discussed and the wider debate on improving integration is considered in relation to the UK Government's recent Care and Support White Paper. Originality/value – The paper considers the role that housing plays in health and social care provision and why people engaged in the sector should continue to work towards better integration of housing, health and social care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to set out the Law Commission's proposals for the reform of the law relating to UK health professional regulation and, in England only, social workers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper summarises the main provisional proposals from the consultation paper. Findings – The consultation paper argued for the reform of the law in this area. Practical implications – There are suggestions for reforming the law which could form the basis of a new legal framework introduced in 2014. Originality/value – The paper sets out the proposed new legal framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – From a historical perspective, the purpose of this paper is to show how the current New Zealand Accountants' Code of Ethics (COE) differs from the first 1927 COE. The lengthy, current COE comprises strands of thought drawn from three different philosophical positions. By contrast, New Zealand's first COE was relatively short and reflected legitimacy by character employing the concepts of virtue ethics. The concepts of virtue ethics have now largely disappeared from the latest much longer code. The current code is more legalistic and technical, implying a concern for public relations. At the same time, the current COE has become a legitimising tool for the profession to emphasise image and quality. Design/methodology/approach – To illustrate the shift in practice of ethical position, the paper is informed by a recent New Zealand case of a collapsed finance company as well as some further illustrations of a failure to discharge a duty of care to the public from the United Kingdom. Findings – The shift in the COE coupled with a shift in underlying social values contributes to what the Economist Journal describes as a steady decline in professional ethics. There has been a shift from legitimising the character of an accountant to legitimising the character of accounting. This arguable conclusion is supported by a case study in New Zealand and cites the shift in combinations of cognitive, moral and pragmatic legitimacy as drivers employed by accounting firms. Research limitations/implications – The paper uses secondary and documentary data and is informed by conceptual analysis which necessarily in the realm of ethics may be contentious. Originality/value – The paper seeks to link the changing social values with changes in legitimisation and the COE to show shifts in accounting practices like the recent practice of issuing disclaimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose |!|#8211; The purpose of this paper is to estimate the extent of |!|#34;over-qualification|!|#34; (i.e. holding a qualification which is above that required to gain entry to the job being done) and |!|#34;skills under-utilisation|!|#34; (i.e. being in a job which does not make use of the knowledge and skills possessed) in the United Kingdom and to examine whether these conditions are correlated with age. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; The paper makes use of the 2006 Skills Survey. Cross tabulations of both conditions with age are produced and binomial probit estimates of both conditions are reported. Findings |!|#8211; It is estimated that 38 per cent are over qualified; 15 per cent are in jobs which do not make use of the knowledge and skills they possess; and age is correlated with the probability of being over qualified but not with the condition of under-utilising the knowledge and skills possessed. Social implications |!|#8211; Skills policy in the United Kingdom focuses almost exclusively upon increasing the supply of more highly qualified individuals. Given the extent of over-qualification and skills under-utilisation demonstrated in the paper, more effort should be made by policy makers to design and implement policies which increase the demand for highly skilled labour. Originality/value |!|#8211; The paper answers three questions: How prevalent are qualification mismatches? How prevalent are skills mismatches? To what extent are the two conditions of being over-qualified and being in a job which does not offer scope to make use of the knowledge and skills possessed correlated with age? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use disaggregated data on US-UK trade to investigate the effects of exchange rate depreciation on trade in services both in the short- and long-run. Design/methodology/approach – The paper focuses on the three traditional categories of internationally traded services – travel, passenger fares and other transportation services – and employs the "bounds" testing procedure advanced by Pesaran, Shin and Smith to investigate the J-curve effect. Findings – The results reveal that the real exchange rate has a statistically significant effect on trade in services in at least one of the time periods. The results also provide some support for the J-curve effect. Practical implications – Empirical evidence on the J-curve provides policymakers with valuable information about the effects of currency depreciation on the trade balance. Originality/value – To the best of the author's knowledge this is the first paper to investigate the J-curve effect using data on trade in services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to illustrate realities of homeless people's lives during a time of significant change in UK public sector funding and welfare policy. Design/methodology/approach - A participatory research approach was used including working with two co-researchers; two people who have direct experience of homelessness. A sustainable livelihoods approach was adapted to provide a framework for analysis. The research was undertaken during May to October 2011. Findings - The paper interrogates five areas of assets held by people themselves that support sustainable livelihoods, an existing approach used in other research. Life journey narratives show that a connected range of services, operating through an empowerment model, promote human dignity. Research limitations/implications - Findings resonate with issues identified in larger studies; however, as the funding and policy context is rapidly changing it is recommended that additional local qualitative studies could be conducted during the next three years to illustrate impacts in people's lives. Practical implications - The paper suggests front-line services must include resettlement as well as crisis and stabilising services in order to ensure homeless people can successfully move from home to home. Social implications - The research identified negative attitudes towards homeless people. By illustrating homeless people's achievements the study provides evidence of the impact of, and the value of continuing to fund, homeless services. Originality/value - The paper suggests that people who have experienced homelessness achieve a successful life with support by drawing on their considerable life experience and personal talents. This message is important for practitioners, commissioners and policy makers working through a period of change for homeless services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose |!|#8211; The purpose of this paper is to discuss performance in postgraduate education in Sweden and Scotland. Drawing on two cases, the paper considers three themes: differences in students|!|#39; performance by study mode, differences in students|!|#39; performance by length of study, and finally comparing performance by study mode between modules in Scotland with an entire programme in Sweden. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; The empirical setting from Scotland builds on an evaluation of online and on-campus study groups with exactly the same module syllabus. The Swedish setting is also based on an evaluation of distance and on-campus study groups with exactly the same module syllabus. The data compiled in both countries arise from student performance scores and grades. Findings |!|#8211; The results indicate that students in both countries foremost use the virtual learning environment (VLE) as a forum for accessing information, to access asynchronous postings in the forums and access streaming-synchronous online lectures which are also accessed asynchronously in the VLE. The results show that there are no differences between the grades or test scores between campus students with face-to-face education and distance students with electronically (VLE) mediated education. These differences and similarities will form the basis of these reflections in this paper. Research limitations/implications |!|#8211; The study is limited because the examples given are only a few cases and small samples and there is a need to more rigorously investigate different educational programs in different academic disciplines. Originality/value |!|#8211; The paper contributes to quality issues in distance, online and campus education by taking into account, in the first case, different student performance in the same course over a longer period and in the second case, changes over time within the same educational program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the methodology and results of using thermography for pre-retrofit (pre-R:T) and post-retrofit (post-R:T) surveys undertaken to qualitatively assess retrofitted external wall insulation (EWI) on pre-1919 existing dwellings with solid exterior walls. Design/methodology/approach – This study involved undertaking qualitative thermography surveys before and after installation of EWI at two mid-terrace dwellings in Swansea (UK). One dwelling was part of a whole-street approach and the other was an isolated installation. Findings – The two case studies have provided evidence of potential thermal bridges created as a result of an incomplete covering of EWI. Whilst overall heat loss appears to have been reduced, further evidence is required to establish the extent to which these thermal bridges reduce overall thermal performance. Research limitations/implications – Only two schemes undertaken in Swansea (UK) are represented in this study and are therefore not a reflection of EWI installations generally. Nevertheless, the study suggests more general concerns with the installation of EWI where a continuous covering of insulation cannot be achieved. Further research is required to assess the long-term implications of thermal bridges on the condition of the dwelling and the health of occupants. Originality/value – This paper has introduced and tested a pre-R:T and post-R:T methodology for assessing the thermal performance of deprived dwellings, which have had EWI retrofitted to solid exterior walls. By using the pre-R:T and post-R:T methodology the paper has demonstrated a visual method for illustrating problems in retrofitting EWI and highlighted improvements in thermal performance, which can be used by stakeholders involved in the maintenance and improvement of existing dwellings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]