Thesis and Research Data Repository Leeds Beckett University
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Determinants of Buying Behaviour in the Public Sector in Nigeria
No full textFor several decades, organisational buying decisions have been modelled using assumptions hinged on the rational economic theory of the firm, one of which argues that firms are rational entities who will always be objective in their buying decisions. In the recent past however, evidence from interdisciplinary empirical studies based on behavioural theory of the firm as well as behavioural economics have raised questions on the ability of rational economics to fully explain the observed irrational buying behaviour of firms, thus calling for more empirical research on the buying decision behaviour of non-commercial firms (especially in non-western contexts where few studies are currently found to exist). In line with the current gap in the literature, this thesis aimed at identifying and assessing the relative importance of a broad range of behavioural and non-economic variables that can explain the strategic supplier selection behaviour of public sector organisations in Nigeria, and the impact such decisions have on performance. Using the organisational buyer determinant framework developed by Webster and Wind (1972), this study develops and test a conceptual model comprising government policies and party politics (environmental determinants), time pressure and social ties (social determinants), position and organisational ethical work climates (organisational determinants), and personal values and personal experience (individual determinants) as important causal-explanatory factors of public sector buying behaviour. The analysis of survey response data from a national sample of 341 senior staff and top management team (TMT) members in 40 public sector organisation in Nigeria shows that government policy requirements, social ties of organisational actors, party politics, decision-makers’ experience, and the perception of instrumental ethical work climates are respectively the most important determinants of strategic supplier selection decisions, followed in descending order of importance by: the perception of rules ethical work climates, self-enhancement personal values, position on organisational structure, self-transcendent personal values and the perception of time pressure. Findings also show that availability of requisite funding, rather than which supplier is selected per se, is more important in determining performance. The implications of this study’s findings to theory and practice are also discussed
After the Crash: a Critique of Capitalism and Neoliberalism
No full text“After the crash: a critique of capitalism and neoliberalism” gives insight into a world yet to come as we listen in on the sharp, intelligent and critical speech given by Maya, an inhabitant in a world destroyed by its Capitalist past. Maya unravels the many knots in our uncertain, unethical, neo liberal existence that we discuss today with simplicity in her calm and cohesive reflection. Discussing theoretical ideas behind consumerism, identity and climate change the innocence of Maya’s post- apocalyptic socialist existence is encapsulating and inspiring. This piece intentionally invokes the readers own critical self-reflection and how they perceive the world they live in at present.</p
Monitoring Training and Match-Induced Fatigue in Academy Rugby Union Players
No full texthe aim of the thesis was to investigate changes in markers of fatigue following training and match-play in academy rugby union players. Prior to investigations, the between-day reliability of fatigue markers was investigated. Measures of lower-and upper-body neuromuscular function (countermovement jump (CMJ) and plyometric push-up) demonstrated acceptable reliability (CV = 2-6%) in a number of metrics, as did whole blood creatine kinase concentratio
n ([CK]) (CV = 26.1%) and a short wellbeing questionnaire (CV = 7.1%) when considering the signal to noise ratio. Additionally, the validity of micro-technology (GPS and accelerometer metrics) was evaluated for assessing training and match characteristics. Specifically, 10 Hz GPS proved a valid measure of maximum sprint velocity (r = 0.93-0.98) while Player LoadTM slow demonstrated a useful surrogate measure of collision activity (r = 0.61-0.80). Finally, observations from a preseason training cycle showed that CMJ metrics demonstrated superior sensitivity to training than a 6-second peak power cycle ergometer test for assessing lower-body neuromuscular function.
Following match-play, substantial (likely-almost certainly greater than the smallest worthwhile change) changes in markers of fatigue were observed, which peaked at 24 hours post-match, and recovered in the first 3 days thereafter. Field-based training inclusive of contact resulted in substantially greater reductions in upper-body neuromuscular function and perception of wellbeing, and greater elevations in [CK], while exclusion of contact induced possibly greater reductions in lower-body neuromuscular function 24 hours post-training. Findings suggest it may be prudent to afford players a recovery day following either match-play or contact training. Furthermore, the results demonstrated the individual nature of fatigue, underlying the importance of individual athlete monitoring. Additionally, possible and likely increases in lower-body strength and sprint maximum velocity respectively were observed during a preseason despite substantial reductions in CMJ mean power, questioning the usefulness of a CMJ for monitoring fatigue in the context of strength and sprint velocity development. 1</p
"Fatness", "Fitness" and Cardiometabolic Health In Young People
No full textINTRODUCTION: “Fatness” and “fitness” are recognised as important influences on cardiometabolic health in young people. Body mass index (BMI) is normally used to represent adiposity, whilst cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is usually presented as V̇O2MAX scaled to total body mass. The aim of the current thesis was to assess whether using different measures to represent “fatness” and “fitness” influences the relationships between these factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in young people.
STUDY ONE: A systematic review (n=994,595) and meta-analyses (n=18,526) compared the efficacy of using BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for indicating CVD risk in 11-19 year olds. In meta-analyses BMI was a strong indicator of systolic blood pressure (mean difference with 95% confidence intervals, normal weight versus overweight/obese: -6.61mmHg, -8.71 to -4.90), diastolic blood pressure (-3.87mmHg, -4.90 to -2.84), triglycerides (-0.19mmol·L-1 , -0.24 to -0.14), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.10mmol·L-1 , 0.06 to 0.14) and insulin (-30.17pmol·L-1 , -43.12 to -17.21); but not total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or glucose. WC and WHtR were strong indicators of the same risk factors, though ≤2 studies were available for each comparison for these adiposity indices. Narrative synthesis results supported these outcomes. There was however insufficient evidence to judge which adiposity index was most efficacious for assessing CVD risk in young people. STUDY TWO: A prospective, cross-sectional study with 18-20 year olds (n=64). CRF, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and CVD risk (blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose, insulin and inflammatory markers) were measured. Agreement was relatively poor between CRF scores when different scaling methods were used (k≤0.60 for most, “moderate” agreement). SBP and metabolic risk score were significantly associated with absolute CRF (r=0.379 and 0.461 respectively). Leptin was strongly associated with absolute CRF (r=-0.602) and CRF scaled to total body mass (r=-0.602). CRF was more strongly associated with most CVD risk factors when scaled to a method that included a measure of body fat. These relationships were removed when adiposity was controlled for. The method of scaling CRF had a large influence on the classification of CRF and the relationship of “fitness” with CVD risk in young people, so should be considered carefully.
STUDY THREE: A retrospective analysis of mostly obese 8-18 year olds (n=426). CRF, body composition (air-displacement plethysmography) and CVD risk were assessed. There was relatively poor agreement between CRF scores when different scaling methods were used (k≤0.60 for most, “moderate” agreement) and between adiposity measures (BMIsds v WCsds mean difference=0.27sds, 95% limits of agreement ±0.69sds). Adiposity was a strong, independent predictor of CVD risk; but there was little difference in the predictive ability of BMI, WC and WHtR. CRF was more strongly associated with CVD risk when scaled to methods influenced by body fatness, with relationships attenuated when adiposity was controlled for. No CRF measure added to the predictive ability of adiposity measures, thus there was no evidence “fitness” should be considered alongside “fatness” when assessing young people’s CVD risk.
CONCLUSIONS: There was no clear difference in the efficacy of different adiposity measures for indicating CVD risk, thus the findings do not suggest BMI should be replaced by WC or WHtR as a marker of “fatness” in young people. The observed relationships between “fitness” and CVD risk were due largely to an influence of body fatness on the CRF score as a result of inappropriate scaling. There was also no support for including any measure of CRF alongside adiposity indices for predicting CVD risk in young people. Previous research concluding an independent relationship between CRF and CVD risk without considering potential mathematical coupling with adiposity, due to the method of scaling, should therefore be reconsidered.</p
The Evaluation of Instep Soccer Kick Technique and Performance Through an Analysis of Movement Variability
No full textInstep kick research has shown that skilled soccer players display natural variations in their technique from trial-to-trial (Egan et al., 2007; Lees & Barton, 2005; Lees & Rahnama, 2013). This inherent movement variability (MV) has been described as a demonstration of ‘motor equivalence’, which has been defined as the ability to achieve an invariant end using variable means (Abbs & Cole, 1987). This movement strategy would benefit a soccer player by facilitating a consistent (stable) performance outcome whilst utilising a flexible range of solutions to adapt to different constraints. ‘Motor equivalence’ is closely associated with the concept of synergies, which can be identified and quantified using a motor control tool called the ‘uncontrolled manifold’ (UCM). The theoretical appeal of the UCM as an analysis tool has also been identified, but not implemented in recent sports biomechanics studies (Carson et al., 2014a; Carson et al., 2014b). Therefore, the UCM method was used as vehicle for evaluating MV structure and ‘motor equivalence’ within a sport-specific task, and to determine whether the UCM method could provide a better understanding of instep soccer kick technique and performance in comparison to a traditional biomechanics approach.
Twelve male university soccer players (age 20.8 ± 2.7 years, height 1.80 ± 0.03 m and mass 79.6 ± 6.2 kg) who were right foot dominant participated in this project and were instructed to perform a maximal instep kick at a 1m2 target at a distance of 11m. Three-dimensional kinematic data was recorded from a motion analysis system using a 15-segment whole-body model to compute kinematic variables for the traditional biomechanical analysis. For the UCM analysis, trial-to-trial variations of seven joint angles of the kicking leg, and principal components of the whole-body, were analysed across the normalised whole movement trajectory to investigate the MV structure of eight hypothesised performance variables. The dependent measures were UCM variability measures and strength of synergy. The main findings from the research project were:
Selected technique, performance and task variables produced values consistent with instep kicking literature. There was no clear differences between hit and missed kicks across all biomechanical variables.
The UCM analysis across all participants revealed that eight hypothesised performance variables produced synergies, across all time periods of the instep kick. This finding provided empirical evidence to support the demonstration of ‘motor equivalence’ in instep soccer kicking technique.
Clear differences were noted between hit and missed kicks base on the UCM analysis. Missed kicks were characterised as producing lower strength of synergies, higher ranges of solutions, higher total variability and less stability across all performance variables for all time periods of the instep kick.
A case study analysis showed clear differences between hit and missed kicks and highlighted unique differences in comparison to the group UCM analysis.
A comparison between UCM variables and instep kick task variables did not reveal any clear relationship between these different outcomes, which were attributed to the kicking task constraints used for this project.
This current project provided an original contribution to contemporary understanding of a complex technique through an evaluation of instep soccer kicking and MV structure.</p
A Phenomenological Evaluation of Organisational Health and Growth of SMEs In Nigeria
No full textThe focus of this study is to investigate the influence of Organisational Health as non-financial indices on SMEs' growth in Nigeria. Research results revealed that SMEs in Nigeria suffer stagnation and high mortality rates despite financial factors. This suggests that these financial factors have not sufficiently impacted on SMEs' growth in Nigeria. This study is important because it is intended to fill the gap in previous research done by Jaja (2009) and Mezera and Spicka (2013) on financial indices by performing an in-depth analysis of the non-financial indices of selected Nigerian manufacturing firms. The conceptual framework of the study includes dimensions of Organisational Health classified as soft and hard factors. Soft factors are the behavioural aspects of management which are; perceived leadership and managerial capability. While the hard factors are work processes and control techniques; accountability and reporting structure. The non-financial elements of growth include success and survival. This interpretive phenomenological study adopted an inductive approach using the philosophical paradigm of constructivism to increase general understanding of situations. Consequently from the rich data gathered, ideas were induced but did not necessarily create new theories. This approach was used to inductively and holistically understand human experiences using case studies. Data collection methods included general observations and in-depth semi-structured interviews with a sample size of thirty respondents from ten manufacturing SMEs. Non-probability and stratified (strategic, tactical, operational) sampling techniques were used. The data analysis involved the use of Nvivo software.
Key findings reveal that connectivity and relationship exist between dimensions of Organisational Health with capability and leadership on one hand and accountability and reporting structure on the other. All of which have influences on the survival and success of SMEs. It must be said however that capability and accountability have stronger influences on the growth of SMEs compared to leadership and reporting structure. This study revealed that the successes of SMEs are closely tied to socio-psychological processes and not merely to financing support. Contributing to knowledge, capability encompassing HR skills and accountability seem to be the ultimate foundation of Organisational Health. Entrepreneurs should be aware of industry conditions to improve their non-financing strategies and policy makers should understand the dimensions of Organisational Health in order to provide adequate training for them
An Interpretive Phenomological Study of The Adoption and Diffusion of Integrated Reporting Within UK Companies
No full textThis thesis investigated UK early adopters of integrated reporting (IR) to establish motivations for IR adoption and factors which have impacted on the diffusion of IR within their organisations, using Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) as a theoretical lens. It fills a gap in IR literature, where systematic reviews revealed a dearth of IR research from an internal organisational perspective, particularly within a UK context.
The study was based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 36 senior executives actively involved in IR within seventeen organisations. A content analysis of the interviews was undertaken using qualitative coding techniques within Nvivo 10 software.
The study found that organisations drew on a wide range of rationales for IR adoption, with a predominance of sociological over economic rationales. Predominant sociological rationales were: external pressures, primarily due to perceptions of shifts in societal expectations; and internal aspirations which related to enhancing reputation. Main social influences on IR adoption were report design consultants and board support for IR
Social influences on further diffusion of IR within organisations were predominantly from three external sources; business network groups; report design consultants; and external auditors. Internal influences were identified in five functional areas. Dedicated cross functional IR teams were found to positively impact in diffusion, while organisational size, and complexity of operations, hindered diffusion. Perceptions of the characteristics of IR also impacted diffusion of IR within organisations. Relative advantage, compatibility and voluntariness perceptions were found to positively impact of diffusion of IR within UK organisations, whereas perceptions of complexity were found to have a negative effect on the diffusion of IR
The Trade-off Between Information and Surveillance in a Globalized Working Environment
No full textNowadays, the working environment is characterized by efficiency, productivity, increases in turnover, cost reduction etc. Furthermore, based on my own working experiences, globalization processes, information and networks as well as surveillance do not only plau an important role in a modern working environment; they are decisive factors that affect corporate decisions and employers as well as the working life of employees. Therefore, this critical reflection discuss the trade-off between information and surveillance in a globalized working environment, especially from the perspective of employees.</p
Challenges for Team Play in Railway Telematics: A Human-Computer Interaction Study
No full textTelematics systems on railways are used for passenger and freight wagon supervision, transport management processes, safety diagnostics, and finally maintenance. This thesis provides the results of a Grounded Theory Methodology based study dealing with the interaction between railway drivers and on-board railway telematics systems. As such interaction can be understood as team play, this qualitative research work contributes overall to the understanding of the challenges for team play in railway telematics.
Most research on the enhancement of telematics systems is purely technically oriented, dealing with additional and advance telematics functionalities. There is little qualitative research in combining this with human-computer interaction aspects. Following a general introduction of the daily tasks of railway drivers, relevant railway telematics systems and their use, this thesis presents a detailed theoretical analysis of what are generally considered the main characteristics of, and the basic requirements for, human-computer team play.
Subsequently, applying the Grounded Theory Methodology, the researcher analysed and reviewed the data gathered from a study with eleven railway drivers which were interviewed concerning their interaction with rail telematics systems. It was found that from the drivers’ point of view, human-telematics team play does not currently exist to a satisfactory level. The drivers expressed concern about data consistency and information complexity, the impact of cost control measures, and their own degree of responsibility while on duty. Further challenges existed regarding the degree of automation on the railways, the quality of trainings, and the available communication channels.
The study developed a theoretical model that defines the requirements which need to be considered when meeting the team play challenges. The results presented here should be of significant benefit to all team players in railway telematics as well as those interested in the practical application of Grounded Theory. Using this research methodology, the study provides starting points for the enhancement of human-computer team play. The significant contribution of this research work is the exploratory framework represented by the Grounded Theory categories and their relationships.
The recommendations and results presented aim to benefit researchers and industry by pinpointing possibilities to enable improvement in team play within the area of railway telematics, which will consequently lead to increased safety, better transport management processes as well as cost optimisation for railway operators and users.</p
An in-depth investigation of the relationship between body fatness and pain sensitivity
No full textThe aim of this PhD project was to investigate the relationship between pain sensitivity, body fat distribution and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A systematic review of the literature retrieved 14 relevant articles from which 7 references were eligible to be selected for further consideration. There was a significant amount of heterogeneity across these 7 studies (Cochran’s Q=76; p=0.0001; I2=93.4%). There were only a small number of studies and those that existed were contradictory, had low methodological quality ratings and obesity measures were inadequate. It was concluded from the review that there was a need for more high quality studies using better obesity measures and more developed pain induction techniques such as quantitative sensory testing.
The aim of the PhD’s project’s first experimental study was to compare the responses to experimentally induced thermal and mechanical stimuli between normal, overweight and obese individuals, categorised using their BMI, in the UK (n=74, 37 women). Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM ANOVA) was performed on outcome measures using two sites of stimulation, the thenar eminence and suprailiac (waist) as a within subject factor, and sex and BMI groups as between subject factors. A regression analysis on sex, body fat percentage and BMI was also performed.
The main finding of this experiment was that the pressure pain threshold of the obese group was significantly lower than normal weight and overweight groups. Obese individuals were also found to be less sensitive to thermal sensory detection thresholds. The aim of the second experiment was to investigate pain sensitivity response differences between obese and normal range BMI groups and correlate pain responses with four inflammatory biomarkers and body fat measurements obtained via a DXA scan method. In this study, measurements of pressure pain and cold pressor pain sensitivity response were taken from 38 participants (18 women). Biomarkers in venous blood were examined, and body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry) was evaluated for each participant. It was found that pressure pain thresholds were significantly lower in the obese group compared with the normal BMI group, and forward regression suggested that high gynoid fat (g) was associated with lower pressure pain thresholds (β = -0.383, p=0.028), high lower limb fat (g) was associated with lower cold pain thresholds (β =-0.495, p=0.003), leptin was weakly associated with lower pressure pain threshold (r2=0.026) and counterintuitively high IL-6 was associated with higher cold pain tolerance (β=0.345, p=0.049). Women were also more sensitive to pressure pain (p=0.03).
In conclusion, there is a need for high quality studies, using better obesity measures and more developed pain induction techniques that investigate the relationship between obesity and pain. The two experiments presented here contribute to knowledge by highlighting a possible correlation between obesity and pain sensitivity, suggesting that the pressure pain threshold of the obese group was significantly lower than normal weight and overweight groups. Obese individuals were also found to be less sensitive to thermal sensory detection thresholds. Furthermore, gynoid fat (g) and leptin were associated, albeit weakly, with pressure pain thresholds. All these relationships can be interpreted as a correlation between obesity and pain sensitivity rather than the view that one causes the other. The major contribution to knowledge of this thesis is that obese individuals categorized by their BMI are more sensitive to pressure pain, while subcutaneous fat is likely to affect pain sensitivity.</p