1993 research outputs found
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Enhancing Crop Yield Through Sustainable Soil Remediation with Soil Neutralisation and Organic Fertilisers Versus Using Convention Acidic Soils with Inorganic Fertilisers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)
Get PDFRoesia De Verdun, Thirteenth Century Femme Sole
Get PDFThis thesis explores the life and legacy of Roesia de Verdun (c. 1204 – 1247), an Anglo-Norman noblewoman whose strategic marriages, assertive widowhood, and material patronage illuminate the complex roles available to medieval women navigating power and identity. Divided into three parts, the study begins with Roesia’s dynastic positioning through marriage and motherhood, highlighting how her unions reflected contemporary norms and secured the de Verdun lineage. Next, it advocates her second widowhood as a turning point when she operated as a femme sole, a legally independent woman. During this period, she resisted remarriage, managed estates, and emerged as a legal and political actor, appearing in court records and corresponding with influential figures like Bishop Robert Grosseteste. Finally, the third part turns to her material legacy, analyzing personalized artefacts such as her seals and tomb effigy alongside her architectural and religious foundations. These objects reveal how Roesia curated her public image and asserted agency through symbolic representation. By tracing her influence across familial, legal, and commemorative domains, this study contributes to broader conversations about medieval women’s autonomy, dynastic strategy, and the interplay between gender and material culture
Systematic Synthetic Phonics and Bilingual Learners: Primary School Teachers’ Perspectives, Perceptions and Experiences.
Get PDFThis study investigated primary school teachers’ perceptions, experiences, and pedagogical adaptations when delivering Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) instruction to bilingual learners, particularly those identified as using English as an Additional Language (EAL). Against the backdrop of rising linguistic diversity in English primary schools, where over 22% of pupils use EAL, the research critically examined the suitability of SSP and the statutory Year 1 Phonics Screening Check (PSC) for supporting early reading development among bilingual pupils. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, the study integrated a comprehensive literature review, analysis of national PSC datasets (2011–2024), and qualitative data from semistructured questionnaires and interviews with Key Stage 1 teachers. It is underpinned by sociocultural theory, second language acquisition (SLA), and early literacy development
frameworks, including Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), Cummins’
BICS/CALP distinction, and the Simple View of Reading (SVR). These theoretical lenses illuminated the complex interplay between decoding proficiency, language comprehension, and the sociolinguistic realities of bilingual learners. Findings from the PSC data revealed a consistent attainment gap of 1–2% between EAL and monolingual pupils, with EAL learners also more likely to be disapplied from the assessment altogether. While some literature suggested bilingual pupils may possess enhanced phonological awareness, the data suggested that systemic and contextual factors (such as interrupted schooling, orthographic differences between languages, and limited English exposure) may hinder performance. Questionnaire responses showed that although 57% of teachers adapt SSP instruction for EAL pupils, confidence levels varied, and 29% of respondents did not consider SSP and the PSC beneficial for bilingual learners. Interview data further highlighted concerns around the rigidity of SSP schemes, the relevance of pseudowords, and the emotional impact of grouping practices that isolate EAL pupils or place them with younger peers. Teachers reported using a range of adaptive strategies, including visuals, dual-language resources, tactile materials, and small group interventions. However, many felt constrained by the prescriptive nature of SSP programmes and the performative pressures of the PSC. The study identified a tension between policy-driven fidelity and the pedagogical flexibility required to meet diverse learner needs. It also underscored gaps in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which leave many educators underprepared to support bilingual pupils effectively. The study concluded by advocating for a more balanced and inclusive approach to early reading instruction; one that integrates SSP with rich vocabulary exposure, adaptive pedagogy, and formative assessment practices. Policy recommendations include revisiting the design and validity of the PSC for EAL learners, embedding training within ITE, and promoting adaptive teaching within SSP frameworks. Ultimately, the study calls for a reimagining of
phonics pedagogy that recognises bilingual learners’ linguistic assets and supports equitable
literacy outcomes in increasingly multilingual classrooms
Review of exhibition “Le temps d’un rêve / In the space of a dream”, at Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France – 18th October 2024 to 24th August 2025
No full textSummary. Possibly the largest ever exhibition on dreaming, Le temps d’un rêve / In the space of a dream, is on show
at the Musée des Confluences in Lyon, France, from 18th October 2024 to 24th August 2025. As scientific consultant for the exhibition and/or contributors we review its massive collection of neuroscience, cross-cultural artefacts, art, film and dream diary exhibits. The exhibition covers the science of dreaming, responses to and induction of dreams across different cultures and centuries, artistic representation of individual dreams and of oneiric processes, and the relating of dreams in diaries, surveys or for artistic endeavour (e.g. films) showing what can be at stake in individual and collective dream reports. The exhibition is divided into a series of very high quality environments designed to reproduce the various spatial or historical atmospheres presented. They incorporate visual and scholarly information next to each of the very many artefacts, artworks, films, sound beds and wall art. Spending several hours at the exhibition is greatly recommended for anyone interested in dreams and dreaming
Can Martha Nussbaum’s Capability Theory of Justice help solve the crisis of women’s homelessness in the UK?
Get PDFDespite being one of the richest countries in the world, ‘nearly a quarter of a million households across England (242,000) are now experiencing the worst forms of homelessness’ (Fitzpatrick et al. cited by Crisis UK, 2023, p.14). This paper will begin with two claims. Firstly, that a home of one’s own is of intrinsic value to individual wellbeing, and secondly, that only a theory grounded in the concept of individual dignity, such as Martha Nussbaum’s Capability Theory of Justice, can deliver housing policy worthy of the most vulnerable in our society. Current UK housing policy only allocates housing at a household level (for the benefit of the family or household as a whole) rather than an individual level (for the benefit of each and every person within the family or household). This ongoing failure to address inequalities within the household is now one of the main drivers of homelessness amongst women and children.
Having established that a home of one’s own is of intrinsic value to individual wellbeing, it will be the main task of this paper to argue that the capability of ‘home’ ought to be included on Nussbaum’s list of central capabilities. On Nussbaum’s view the central capabilities represent the fundamental entitlements necessary (at minimum threshold levels) for securing a life ‘worthy of the dignity of a human being’ (Nussbaum, 2000, p.72). Thus the capabilities approach, Nussbaum tells us, interprets the Kantian ‘principle of each person as end’ as the ‘principle of each person’s capability’ (Nussbaum, 2000, p.74). Capabilities are for the good of each and every person – given that each is a bearer of value – never for the good of collectives such as family, household or state. It is this focus on each and every person as end, rather than the good of the family or household, which I shall argue makes the capabilities approach uniquely placed to help end the crisis of women’s homelessness.
Nussbaum’s current ten central capabilities are: Life, bodily health, bodily integrity, senses imagination and thought, emotions, practical reason, affiliation, other species, play and control over one’s environment (Nussbaum, 2011a, p.33-34). Yet her list only mentions housing by implication, firstly as ‘adequate shelter’ included under the second capability bodily health, and secondly as ‘property’ included under the tenth capability control over one’s environment. Nussbaum makes no mention of home at all. The definition of home I intend to defend in this paper is: Home: being able to live in privacy or with others (human and non-human) in a place that is; safe, long-term, affordable, and which positively influences one’s sense of self and belonging.
The capability of home cannot be reduced to mere shelter or property as Nussbaum would seem to suggest. The defining feature of home, I shall argue, is dignified dwelling. And the delivery of safe, affordable, genuine homes can only be realised in the UK, as elsewhere, when housing policy is guided by a theory grounded in the concept of individual dignity – such as Nussbaum’s Capability Theory of Justice
Navigating Managerial Coaching: Challenges and Strategies in Hong Kong's Corporate Sector
Get PDFThis doctoral thesis investigates managerial coaching within Hong Kong’s corporate sector, emphasising the challenges and strategic methodologies necessary for effective implementation. The study utilises a grounded theory approach to explore the significance of a proactive mindset and distributed leadership principles in enhancing coaching efficacy.
The research addresses three core objectives: identifying prevalent coaching challenges, analysing the impact of coaching training methods, and developing a conceptual framework tailored to Hong Kong’s unique business environment. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twenty-one management professionals across various industries, providing a comprehensive empirical basis for the study.
A major contribution of this thesis is the Proactive Coaching Integration Framework (PCIF), which synthesises the empirical findings into a practical model designed to address four key categories of challenges: organisational, coaching practice, managerial role, and training and development. The framework offers strategic recommendations, including fostering a coaching-centric organisational culture, enhancing comprehensive training programmes, and integrating coaching with managerial duties to align with proactive leadership principles.
The findings underscore the importance of adaptive leadership and proactive strategies in navigating the complexities of Hong Kong’s corporate landscape. The PCIF serves as a guiding tool for organisations seeking to cultivate a resilient and forward-thinking workforce. This research not only advances academic understanding of managerial coaching but also provides actionable insights for practitioners aiming to implement effective coaching strategies within a culturally diverse and dynamic environment
The Use of Social Media Platforms in Customer Relationship Management: An Analysis of Adidas.
Get PDFThis dissertation investigates the role of social media platforms in enhancing customer relationship management (CRM), with a specific focus on Adidas, one of the leading global sportswear brands. The research explores how Adidas utilises platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to interact with consumers, resolve issues, and foster customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study is motivated by the increasing importance of social media in shaping modern CRM strategies and the evident research gap regarding its impact within the sportswear industry. The research adopts a positivist philosophy and deductive approach, employing a quantitative survey methodology to gather data from 50 respondents. Through structured questions, the study evaluates Adidas's use of social media for customer engagement, service, and community building. The theoretical framework is underpinned by four models: the Honeycomb Model, the RACE Model, the IDIC Model, and the Ladder of Loyalty, each of which informs the analysis of Adidas’s strategies. Key findings indicate that Adidas effectively uses social media to increase customer interaction, provide real-time support, and build emotional connections with its audience. The use of influencers and user-generated content enhances brand loyalty, while timely responses on customer service platforms positively impact satisfaction. However, the study also highlights challenges such as reputational risk and the complexity of managing a vast and diverse digital audience. Finally, the research affirms that social media CRM strategies significantly contribute to customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty. It recommends that Adidas continue to personalise interactions, maintain responsiveness, and develop region-specific strategies. The study contributes to academic knowledge on digital CRM and offers practical insights for brands aiming to optimise their social media engagement for stronger customer relationships. Future research may expand on this foundation by incorporating longitudinal data or comparative analyses across brands and industries
A Study of Dissemination Mechanisms and Governance Management of Health-related Misinformation on Social Media in China
Get PDFThe rise of social media has transformed health information dissemination whilst accelerating the spread of health-related misinformation, posing significant threats to public health and social well-being. This study employs an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach to investigate the dissemination mechanisms of health information on social media and proposes governance strategies to mitigate the negative impact of misinformation. The study begins with a grounded theory analysis of 12 in-depth interviews and social media comments to identify key factors influencing health information adoption. Based on this, a theoretical framework with seven latent variables is constructed: information quality, information source, information channel, perceived usefulness, health information adoption, level of knowledge and cognitive involvement. Eleven hypotheses are proposed involving direct, mediating, and moderating effects. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey of 500 social media users is conducted. Through Structural Equation Modelling and path analysis, results show that information quality, information source, and information channel influence the health information adoption through perceived usefulness, with information quality showing partial mediation, and information source and information channel showing full mediation. Level of knowledge moderates the relationship between information quality and information channel with perceived usefulness, whilst cognitive involvement moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and health information adoption. This study refines the health information adoption model, providing a theoretical perspective on the dissemination mechanisms of health information on social media. The findings offer practical guidance for governance strategies, such as enhancing information quality and credibility, improving users’ health literacy and critical thinking skills, optimising health information dissemination mechanisms, refining policies and regulations and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration. Whilst the study is limited to a specific cultural context, it contributes to digital health communication research, laying the foundation for future cross-cultural comparisons and long-term evaluation of governance strategies
Queering adventure: building communities outdoors to combat social and environmental injustice
No full textThemes of masculinity and heteronormativity are woven through the history of outdoor education and recreation. Whilst there has been more exploration of the experiences of women, the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially trans and non-binary people, have been largely ignored in research, and there is a significant gap in understanding how the community connects with outdoor spaces. This paper explores how outdoor community groups aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community remove barriers to the outdoors and impact social and environmental justice. A questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, field notes and a study of social media were used to explore the community’s barriers to accessing green and blue spaces and how outdoor activity groups overcome these. The paper uses concepts of queer ecology and eco pedagogies to understand how the outdoors supports the building of communities, intersectional identities, and the protective factor of hope for this marginalised and overlooked group
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