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Tilling the ethical soil of management learning
No full textAs management educators living in an age of climate change and biodiversity loss, we are urged to engage business students head, heart, and hands to address the wicked problems of our time. Rightly, there have been increasing calls for a social-ecological approach to management learning and education (MLE) that recognizes the interdependence between environment, society, and business (Colombo et al., 2024). Edwards and Küpers (2024, p. 1) state there is scarcity “of both conceptual and applied tools for supporting MLE pedagogy regarding emotions toward nature, especially at the planetary scale.” To address this gap, Copenhagen Business School (CBS) educators, have taken a hands-on approach, literally getting their hands dirty in a permaculture garden. The location of CBS’ ‘Permahaven’ in the city center was intentionally designed to engage business people, CBS students and staff, as well as members of the community who are unemployed or elderly, demographics which students do not usually connect with. The following review considers Permahaven’s garden, with a focus on its accompanying online resources, to provide management educators and practitioners with content to connect business decision-making with biosphere outcomes. The free-to-access website https://permahaven.cbs.dk/ features PowerPoint slides, podcasts, journal reference lists, seminar invites, as well as links to their social media and videos
Eudaimonic well-being outcomes from international study tourism experiences: The Lotus framework of well-being
No full textScholarship on the concept of tourist well-being has experienced significant growth. Despite this, studies have predominantly explored the hedonic aspects of well-being, leaving eudaimonic dimensions underexplored and conceptually underdeveloped. Consequently, this research seeks to explore the underlying dimensions of eudaimonic well-being which emerge from international study tourism experiences. Drawing on the outcomes of photo elicitation focus group discussions with 23 participants, this research revealed that international study tourism experiences fostered feelings of achievement, learning and self-reflection as well as connections with nature and enhanced social relationships. This paper contributes by developing the Lotus Framework of Well-being which incorporates personal, relational, and environmental dimensions to articulate the transformational triggers of eudaimonic well-being in the study tourism context. Future work should further explore how the advancement of the Lotus Framework can provide a stimulating environment for knowledge sharing and capacity building to improve sustainable tourism development.<br/
Market competition and construction firm productivity: the role of market regulation in a developing economy
Get PDFPurpose:Improving productivity growth remains a central focus in the construction industry. However, whether the intensity of market competition (MCOMP) can improve construction productivity remains underexplored despite its potential impact, especially during changes in market regulation (MREG). Therefore, this paper examines whether the intensity of MCOMP has increased between two distinct phases of MREG in Malaysia: 2009–2014 and 2015–2020, with the latter period marked by a significant increase in MREG intensity. Subsequently, this paper models the impact of MCOMP on total factor productivity (TFP) and profit margin (PM) across 55 construction firms in Malaysia. In addition, the model includes the moderating effect of different phases of MREG by investigating how these impacts vary across two distinct phases of MREG: 2009–2014 and 2015–2020. Design/methodology/approach: Boone’s relative profit difference (BRPD) test is used to assess the intensity of MCOMP, determining whether MCOMP has increased between 2009–2014 and 2015–2020. Unlike standard concentration metrics, BRPD captures how efficiency differences affect profitability, thus offering a more in-depth view of competition. Subsequently, the research employs the generalized method of moments (GMM) to model the impact of MCOMP on TFP and PM while addressing potential endogeneity issues related to reverse causality and omitted variable bias. Findings: The BRPD test indicates a significant increase in competition intensity from 2009–2014 to 2015–2020. In addition, the GMM results show that MCOMP positively affected TFP across both phases, suggesting that competition drives firms to optimize firm productivity. While MCOMP positively affected profit margin from 2009–2014, this turned negative during 2015–2020 due to heightened MCOMP intensity. This is likely due to intensified bidding competition prompted by increased foreign entry and improved market-oriented policies. To remain competitive, firms may have improved the allocation of inputs and outputs to improve TFP, thus enabling firms to make cost and price adjustments and driving down PM aggressively. Originality/value: This study’s methodological approach combines BPRD for evaluating changes in MCOMP intensity and GMM to model the impact of MCOMP on TFP and PM of construction firms during changes in MREG phases. The findings provide valuable implications for construction management and add conceptual clarity to understanding competition dynamics in the construction industry
Compensation mechanism for peak-shaving auxiliary services considering the cost recovery period of energy storage
Get PDFChina's dual carbon targets—peaking emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060—require effective integration of renewable energy, creating enhanced peak-shaving auxiliary services. As thermal power plants (TP) shift to auxiliary roles, their profitability diminishes, while energy storage systems (ESS) offer flexibility and rapid response to stabilize supply-demand imbalances. However, ESS adoption has been hindered by weak cost recovery mechanisms. This study introduces a novel economic dispatch model for a wind-fire-storage system, evaluating ESS's income, costs, and cost recovery periods under different compensation mechanisms. The results show that the proposed compensation mechanism reduces ESS cost recovery periods by 15.4 %, boosts wind power profitability, stabilizes TP output, and lowers peak-shaving costs. The findings emphasize the importance of strategic compensation mechanisms in facilitating renewable energy integration, reducing reliance on thermal power, and enhancing ESS participation. This work provides a practical framework for optimizing energy storage applications and supporting China's carbon neutrality goals.</p
Exposing Pathways to Organisational Resilience: Revenue Recovery Patterns Among Ukrainian Firms in a War Economy
Get PDFThis study investigates the dynamic pathways of organisational resilience among Ukrainian firms operating in a war economy. Our research highlights the profound impact of armed conflicts on commerce, emphasising the need for businesses to develop resilience strategies to mitigate risks and maintain operations. Through an examination of organisational data representing the 2-year period following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, our findings support the presence of two resilience pathways previously described in the extant literature, ‘bounce-back’ and ‘bounce-beyond’ and expose two new pathways which we have labelled ‘bounce-less’ and ‘bounce-boom.’ Our findings reveal the complex and varying paths of organisational resilience resulting from changes in market demand and resource availability, underscoring the importance of organisational adaptability, resourcefulness and innovation. We also propose a broader definition of resilience than is currently found in the literature – one which recognises the challenges of achieving a baseline of organisational survival in a time of crisis. The article concludes with practical implications and recommendations for future research on resilience in wartime conditions
"The only way you're ever going to play sport again is if you go through surgery": A mixed methods study exploring anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment decisions from the perspective of 734 patients
No full textObjectives:In patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury, i) describe beliefs about treatment options and the information received from clinicians in different disciplines and ii) explore treatment decision-making experiences, including factors that influenced their treatment decisions.Design:Mixed-methods convergent parallel design, using an Australia-wide survey of 734 adults with anterior cruciate ligament injury, and 12 semi-structured interviews.Methods:Survey responses were reported descriptively. A phenomenological approach and inductive thematic analysis were used for qualitative analysis. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed concurrently. An integration stage involved comparison and collation of findings.Results:Of 734 participants (70 % women), 540 (74 %) had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and 119 (16 %) were managed with rehabilitation alone. Participants consulted surgeons (94 %), physiotherapists (91 %), general practitioners (65 %), emergency department clinicians (22 %) and sports physicians (19 %). Most clinicians presented anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as the best treatment [surgeons (85 %), physiotherapists (61 %)], and the best treatment to enable return to sport [surgeons (84 %), physiotherapists (62 %)]. Few clinicians informed patients that outcomes were similar on average between treatment strategies [surgeons (10 %), physiotherapists (29 %)]. Qualitative themes describe decision-making experiences: i) surgeons promoted surgery as the best/only option; ii) surgeon consults were rushed and patients felt poorly informed; iii) clinicians downplayed surgery risks and impacts; iv) general practitioners were utilised for referrals, not management advice; and v) mixed advice from physiotherapists. Quantitative and qualitative findings were closely aligned, with qualitative findings providing deeper insights into patients' treatment decision-making experience.Conclusions:Australians with anterior cruciate ligament rupture received mixed treatment advice from clinicians, who often portrayed surgery as the best treatment option. Some patients received an unbalanced overview of treatment options that did not reflect the best-available research evidence, inhibiting an informed treatment decision
Here’s why some people suffer from motion sickness – and which remedies actually work
No full textCars may be a modern phenomenon, but motion sickness is not
Self-Reported Fatigue and Injury in Paramedics
Get PDFIntroduction:The high rates of fatigue among paramedics, particularly cognitive and physical fatigue, necessitate research to understand its impact on performance and safety. Aims: This study aimed to identify paramedics' self-perceived demands of cognitive and physical tasks, along with fatigue and fatigue-related injuries within the profession. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to all paramedics within the Emergency Service Agency (ESA) of a state agency. The survey included questions on the most cognitively and physically demanding tasks and personal injuries. The Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery Scale (OFERS) was used to assess acute and chronic fatigue levels and intershift recovery. Results: A total of 35 responses were collected, with 22 completed surveys utilised for data analysis. The most cognitively demanding tasks were reported to be clinical decision-making and patient care tasks while the most physically demanding tasks were manual handling and carrying the responder bag. Most respondents (73%) reported feeling cognitively and physically fatigued at the end of their shift, while all (100%) reported fatigue was still felt on their days off. Notably, nearly a third (32%) of respondents reported having suffered an injury within the last six months, with the majority of those reporting injuries (86.5%) stating that they believed fatigue contributed to their injuries. These subjective reports aligned with the OFERS results which indicated moderate/high levels of chronic fatigue, elevated acute fatigue, and low recovery levels between shifts. Conclusion: This research highlights the significant levels of fatigue, both cognitive and physical among paramedics and the connection between fatigue and injury risk. Strategies to reduce fatigue, both cognitive and physical, and improve recovery must be developed for this population to minimise the harmful effects of fatigue on performance and its contribution to injury risk
An Evaluation of Four Predictive Scores for New Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery in a Tertiary Cardiac Centre
No full textBackground:Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery, leading to increased mortality, morbidity, and length of stay. Various predictive indices have been validated to identify patients at risk of developing POAF. This study aimed to compare the discriminative ability of four bedside indices that predict POAF in cardiac surgical patients.Method:A total of 2465 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery at an Australian tertiary hospital between 29 December 2015, and 31 December 2022, were retrospectively analysed. Exclusion criteria included pre-existing atrial fibrillation and transcatheter interventions. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) analysis and Hosmer–Lemeshow calibration were performed to compare discriminative abilities. A logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate independent risk factors for developing POAF.Results:Older patients (aged > 69) were more likely to develop POAF compared to younger age groups (p < 0.001). The Atrial Fibrillation Risk Index, CHA2DS2-VASC, HATCH and POAF scores had weak discrimination and demonstrated poor predictive ability in this cohort (AUC-ROC 0.49, 0.49, 0.50, 0.52, respectively).Conclusion:Although previously validated in various cohorts, the four bedside predictive indices demonstrated poor discriminative ability and limited generalizability to our tertiary-hospital cohort
SPIRIT 2025 Statement: Updated Guideline for Protocols of Randomized Trials
No full textIMPORTANCE: The protocol of a randomized trial is the foundation for study planning, conduct, reporting, and external review. However, trial protocols vary in their completeness and often do not address key elements of design and conduct. The SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) statement was first published in 2013 as guidance to improve the completeness of trial protocols. Periodic updates incorporating the latest evidence and best practices are needed to ensure that the guidance remains relevant to users. Herein, we systematically update the SPIRIT recommendations for minimum items to address in the protocol of a randomized trial.OBSERVATIONS: We completed a scoping review and developed a project specific database of empirical and theoretical evidence to generate a list of potential changes to the SPIRIT 2013 checklist. The list was enriched with recommendations provided by lead authors of existing SPIRIT/CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) extensions (harms, outcomes, nonpharmacological treatment) and other reporting guidelines (Template for Intervention Description and Replication [TIDieR]). The potential modifications were rated in a 3-round Delphi survey followed by a consensus meeting. Overall, 317 individuals participated in the Delphi consensus process and 30 experts attended the consensus meeting. The process led to the addition of 2 new protocol items, revision to 5 items, deletion/merger of 5 items, and integration of key items from other relevant reporting guidelines. Notable changes include a new open-science section, additional emphasis on the assessment of harms and description of interventions and comparators, and a new item on how patients and the public will be involved in trial design, conduct, and reporting. The updated SPIRIT 2025 statement consists of an evidence based checklist of 34 minimum items to address in a trial protocol, along with a diagram illustrating the schedule of enrollment, interventions, and assessments for trial participants. To facilitate implementation, we also developed an expanded version of the SPIRIT 2025 checklist and an accompanying explanation and elaboration document.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Widespread endorsement and adherence to the updated SPIRIT 2025 statement have the potential to enhance the transparency and completeness of trial protocols for the benefit of investigators, trial participants, patients, funders, research ethics committees, journals, trial registries, policy makers, regulators, and other reviewers.</p