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Advancing social work research and practice : celebrating ten years of the Decisions, Assessment and Risk Special Interest Group (DARSIG)
Get PDFEstablished in 2014 as one of several special interest groups under the European
Social Work Research Association (ESWRA), the Decisions, Assessment and Risk
Special Interest Group (DARSIG) set out to foster understanding related to these
topics across client groups, practice domains, educational settings and countries.
Today, the DARSIG has 108 members in 29 countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada,
Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy,
Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the
US. This article outlines key insights emerging from the DARSIG’s work and
activities to date. The absence of shared terminology poses a challenge in cross-national and cross-sectoral collaborations (Bertotti and Fargion, 2023). The DARSIG’s work to build
mutual understanding has simultaneously deepened awareness of similarities and
differences among national and local decision-making contexts. Key contributions
include theoretical work on models of rationality for social work (see, for example, Taylor, 2021a; Helm, 2022; Helm et al, forthcoming), intuition in practice (Cook,
2017), decision-making thresholds (Platt and Turney, 2014; Turney et al, 2024) and
teaching methods (Bertotti, 2016; Whittaker, 2018), contributing to the literature on
critical thinking and error prevention in social work (Taylor et al, 2023). Collaboration
has resulted in co-authored articles and commentaries (Søbjerg et al, 2020; Sicora
et al, 2021; Alfandari et al, 2023a; 2023b; 2024; Turney et al, 2024), books and book
chapters (Taylor et al, 2023), and the editing of journal special issues (Whittaker and
Taylor, 2017; Taylor and Whittaker, 2018; McCafferty and Taylor, 2020; Alfandari and
Killick, forthcoming; Helm et al, forthcoming), shaping evolving processes of practice,
policy making, training and research in decision making, assessment and risk (DAR).peer-reviewe
The ecological awareness of the young generation as a factor shaping contemporary business
Get PDFPURPOSE: The aim of the article is to identify the importance of pro‑environmental activities
in building enterprises’ competitive advantage in the opinion of young consumers. The
following research hypothesis is advanced: H1 — Pro-environmental activities of enterprises
are perceived by young consumers as an important factor in building competitive advantage
in the market.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The theoretical section rests on a thorough review of the
leading literature. In the empirical section, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to
identify the main determinants of enterprise competitiveness relevant to Generation Z.FINDINGS: This article presents the results of research conducted in June 2024 among
representatives of Generation Z. 332 correctly completed surveys were analyzed.
Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that environmental performance is a significant
factor in business competitiveness in the opinion of young respondents.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The research findings can be a valuable source of information for
business managers, demonstrating the importance of pro-ecological activities in shaping
competitive advantage. These findings provide practical guidance on selecting and
implementing competitive strategies that align with the expectations of young consumers.
Considering the identified factors – particularly environmental activism – can contribute to
strengthening a company's market position and building a sustainable competitive
advantage.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article reports original research conducted on a sample of 332
Generation Z respondents, i.e., people born in 1995-2012.peer-reviewe
Citizen science‑based jellyfish observation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea
No full textWe present Citizen Science-based Jellyfish Observation Initiatives (CS JOIs) across the Mediterranean Basin and propose a path toward standardization of the data they produce. We explored data collection and management through a shared database schema. Using an expert opinion questionnaire and adhering to standards that are recognized globally (e.g., by GBIF, OBIS, and EMODnet) such as Darwin Core and IOOS terminology, we propose a three-stage approach toward data management and standardization. JOIs vary in purpose, function, language, data collection, validation methodology, outreach, and levels of citizen engagement and training. This diversity presents unique opportunities and challenges for data collection and management. JOIs typically combine the dual role of providing real-time alert systems and enhancing our long-term knowledge of jellyfish distribution and, eventually, ecology. When global reporting systems are considered, local initiative identity, language, purpose, and community must be preserved to allow meaningful CS processes to evolve, while the integration of JOIs within them (and data collection and management in general) must be performed via standardized and shared methodologies. Finally, we discuss the contribution of novel technologies toward improving the activities and management of JOIs worldwide.peer-reviewe
The impact of intangible resources on the financial performance of IT firms
Get PDFPURPOSE: The role of intangible resources in corporate financial performance has gained
increasing attention in economic research. This study examines the impact of intangible
resourcese on financial performance in the technology sector, focusing on firms engaged in
energy-related projects.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A panel data analysis of 17 IT companies listed on the
Warsaw Stock Exchange (2018–2022) employs a Fixed Effects Model (FEM) to assess the
relationship between intangible resources and financial indicators: Return on assets (ROA)
and Return on equity (ROE).FINDINGS: The results confirm that energy engagement enhances profitability, with a
statistically significant positive effect on ROA and ROE. Relational resources emerges as the
strongest determinant of financial performance, highlighting the importance of business
partnerships. Human resources likewise exert a positive and significant influence,
emphasizing the critical role employee knowledge and skills. Structural resources, however,
show an insignificant or negative impact, suggesting that infrastructure alone does not drive
success.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings emphasize the strategic role of intangible resources
and suggest that energy engagement amplifies financial benefits for IT firms. Future
research should explore the synergy between intangible assets and sustainability initiatives
in IT sectors and energy factors.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study uniquely explores how intangible resources influence
financial performance at the intersection of IT and energy sectors. By emphasizing relational
capital as the key driver of profitability, it provides novel evidence from an emerging
European market and offers practical insights.peer-reviewe
Preventing multimorbidity : moving beyond the single disease lens
Get PDFIn September 2025 the Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (HLM4)
will take place where the new vision to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
towards 2030 and 2050 will be discussed. This will be an opportunity to evaluate current progress
made to tackle chronic diseases worldwide. This commentary argues that it is time to add the
multimorbidity prevention in the NCDs control policy agendas and it is supported by the ideas from
the International Symposium on Multimorbidity, organised by Santé Publique France and the
EUPHA Chronic Disease Section in June 2024 in Paris. [excerpt]peer-reviewe
A comprehensive methodology to identify competence gaps in product and design engineering curricula
Get PDFThis study investigates competence gaps in engineering education related to the development of wearable devices, specifically those used in rehabilitation. Using a qualitative research approach, we conducted focus groups with educators from three European countries as part of a three-stage methodology. Through thematic analysis, we identified five main themes: project methodology, prerequisites, course structure, opportunities/outcomes, and competence gaps. Our findings reveal significant deficiencies in specific technical skills, including practical application of industry-standard software, systems integration knowledge, and computational abilities. Additionally, we observed substantial gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration and interprofessional knowledge transfer capabilities among engineering students. These results highlight the disconnect between current engineering curricula and industry requirements, particularly in preparing students for the complex, multidisciplinary challenges of designing customisable wearable medical devices. This research provides valuable insights for curriculum development in product and design engineering education, emphasising the need for enhanced practical experience and cross-disciplinary collaboration opportunities. Ultimately, this research advocates for a paradigm shift in engineering education towards more inclusive and human centred approaches. By addressing competence gaps and fostering interprofessional collaboration, educational institutions can better prepare students to develop products that meet technical specifications and prioritise user experience and accessibility.peer-reviewe
PREG-NFS-Q : development, face and content validation of an instrument to measure maternal nutrition and food safety knowledge in pregnancy
Get PDFBackground:
Suboptimal dietary intake during pregnancy is associated
with various adverse health outcomes. Many pregnant women
lack sufficient knowledge of both nutrition and food safety,
which can impact their food choices. Currently, no culturally
relevant tool exists to assess these areas of knowledge
specifically for Mediterranean populations, highlighting the
need for such an instrument.Objective:
This study aims to develop and validate the Pregnancy Nutrition
and Food Safety Questionnaire (PREG-NFS-Q), designed to
measure maternal nutrition and food safety knowledge in
pregnant women in a Mediterranean setting.peer-reviewe
Green finance vs greenwashing challenges to the ecological transformation
Get PDFPURPOSE: The process of ecological transformation of the economy and society is ongoing. It
should be emphasized that it is one of the key processes of our civilization. The aim of this
paper is to present and analyze the concepts of Green Finance, with particular focus on
Greenwashing. Attention is drawn to the fact that Greenwashing constitutes a significant risk
to the scope, pace, and, above all, the quality of ecological transformation. However, efforts
to combat it within the EU are being undertaken through the introduction of successive
regulatory measures.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The following research methods were used to prepare this
article: analysis of the literature of the subject, analysis of legal acts, desk research.FINDINGS: The risk of Greenwashing is underestimated in the financial market. At the same
time, the scope of recent legal changes concerning Green Finance and Greenwashing in
European Union legislation was called into question. The newly introduced regulations are
considered overly burdensome for business entities.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It was recommended to continue promoting ecological
transformation within society and the economy, with particular emphasis on addressing the
risk known as Greenwashing. A return to the discussion on the level of detail and complexity
of EU legal regulations – both in the area of Greenwashing and the broader regulatory
framework related to the New Green Deal – was also recommended.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study presents original definitions of the concepts of Green Finance
and Greenwashing, along with own classification of Greenwashing types. It further
emphasizes that overregulation may hinder the ecological transition. These contributions
add to the novelty and academic value of the publication.peer-reviewe
‘Personal’ and ‘environmental’ influences on teacher learning in lesson study
Get PDFThis study uses zones of enactment theory to analyse the
case of a primary Art teacher and the influence of personal and
environmental sectors on her learning through lesson study. Our
analysis draws on qualitative data and findings indicate that lesson
study created social enactment zones with pupils, the teaching
resources she developed and her knowledgeable others. The lesson
study context and the social aspect of teacher learning were
heightened by the teacher’s personal resources. Her personal
resources – beliefs, knowledge and disposition for learning – enabled
her to recognise learning opportunities and became better informed
about changes to improve her professional practices.peer-reviewe
House names in Senglea : communicating identities in a fortified town in Malta
Get PDFMalta is one of the few countries in the world where most dwellings are assigned names by their owners or occupants. Building on previous research on house naming practices in the Maltese Islands, this paper zooms in on just one locality, one of the smallest: the fortified town of Senglea. The methodology this time involved (a) desk research identifying house names from a recent electoral register; and (b) fieldwork on site, whereby the specifics and extent of house names were confirmed or revised, and where home occupants were invited to discuss and disclose the reason(s) for naming their house, and for their particular choice of name. The results suggest that: (a) there are many more house names than are reported in Malta’s Electoral Register; and (b) categorising house names according to what come across as self-evident labels can prove naive and incorrect.peer-reviewe