949 research outputs found
Narratives of ethnicity and nationalism : a case study of Circassians in Jordan
Get PDFThis research is an exploration of ethnic narratives of the Circassian
community in Jordan, in addition to the nationalist narratives promoted by the state
of Jordan, and their reconstruction by the research participants. This research aims to
understand how the research participants, as non-Arabs, understand and makes
sense of the Pan-Arab ethnonational narratives promoted by the state through the
‘Jordan First’ nationalist campaign and textbooks of national and civic education. It
also seeks to understand the ethnic narratives of the Circassian community. It
highlights the fact that ethnic narratives are often contextualised, and come to light
always in comparison to the other. It also shows how ethnic narratives are gendered,
can include or exclude women, and gender relations are ethnicised, or in other
words used as markers for group boundaries.
The main aim of this research is to unpack the research participants’
conceptualisations of Jordan and the Pan-Arabism, and to understand the strategies
they use to include themselves within these narratives. It intends to evaluate
whether research participants see themselves as integrated into the Jordanian society
or not. Whereas the community itself is often portrayed as integrated into the
society, because many of them are in high governmental positions, and the
ceremonial guards of the Royal Family are the Circassians, it is also important to
examine whether they believe that they are, and how. This thesis contributes to the
literature on ethnicity and nationalism based on a minority with unique profile, and
also contributes to the overall body of literature on state nationalism in the Middle
East. The research has been approached through the use of both qualitative and
quantitative data collection methods. It is based on the analysis of textbooks of
national and civic education, and the ‘Jordan First’ campaign, in addition to 13
interviews and 62 questionnaires
The Compliance with Intellectual Property Laws and their Enforcement in Jordan- A post-WTO Review & Analysis
Get PDFThis thesis examines the implementation, enforcement and evolution of IP laws and regulations in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The period of interest includes the last decade of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty first century, with emphasis on the role played by Free Trade Agreements struck between Jordan and the United States, the European Union, and Jordan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
This thesis also examines the enforcement of the current set of IP laws in Jordan, and looks at their social and economic compatibility with the Jordanian societal norms and economic realities.
This thesis argues that Jordanian IP laws lack a meaningful social and economic texture, and have failed to be evenly enforced in Jordan, essentially because they do not fit the Jordanian culture and are not compatible with Jordan’s economic stage of development. Additionally, the thesis argues that IP laws have had insignificant economic impact on the Jordanian economy as the majority of technologies used in Jordan, and the majority of foreign direct investments attracted to Jordan, are not IP related. Finally, the thesis argues that the current Jordanian enforcement model, which is built on coercion by donor countries, is serving the interests of foreign companies to the exclusion of the local citizens, and will not, in the long run, produce an enforcement model based on self-regulation by Jordanians, themselves. The laws, therefore, are unable to produce tangible results for the Jordanian people, or help meet their economic interests.
The last part of the thesis deals with recommendations and suggestions aimed at creating an integrated approach to the adoption of IP policies
How Symbiosis Can Guide Evolution
No full textHinton and Nowlan have demonstrated a model of how lifetime plasticity can guide evolution. They show how acquired traits change the shape of the reward landscape in which subsequent genetic variation takes place, and in so doing encourage the discovery of equivalent heritable traits. This enables the seemingly Lamarkian inheritance of acquired characteristics without the direct transfer of information from the phenotype to the genotype. This paper draws direct inspiration from their work to illustrate a different phenomenon. We demonstrate how the formation of symbiotic relationships in an ecosystem can guide the course of subsequent genetic variation. This phenomenon can be described as two phases: First, symbiotic groups find solutions where individual organisms cannot, simply because lifetime interaction produces new combinations of abilities more rapidly than the relatively slow genetic variation of individuals. Second, these symbiotic groups subsequently change the shape of the reward landscape for evolution, providing a gradient that guides genetic variation to the same solution. Ultimately, an individual organism exhibits the capabilities formerly exhibited by the group. This process enables the combination of characteristics from organisms of distinct species without direct transfer of genetic information
Mutualism, Parasitism, and Evolutionary Adaptation
No full textOur investigations concern the role of symbiosis as an enabling mechanism in evolutionary adaptation. Previous work has illustrated how the formation of mutualist groups can guide genetic variation so as to enable the evolution of ultimately independent organisms that would otherwise be unobtainable. The new experiments reported here show that this effect applies not just in genetically related organisms but may also occur from symbiosis between distinct species. In addition, a new detail is revealed: when the symbiotic group members are drawn from two separate species only one of these species achieves eventual independence and the other remains parasitic. It is nonetheless the case that this second species, formerly mutualistic, was critical in enabling the independence of the first. We offer a biological example that is suggestive of the effect and discuss the implications for evolving complex organisms, natural and artificial
Pre-vocational education in Jordan : implications for teacher preparation and in-service training
No full textThis study proposes a rational basis for pre-vocational. education (PVE) teacher
preparation and training in Jordan based on a thorough assessment of the teacher's
role and responsibilities. Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were
employed. These included semi-structured interviews with members of the Jordanian
National Teams for PVE Curriculum Development and for Supervision on PVE
Curriculum Development, as well as with PVE supervisors in Jordan. Selfcompletion
questionnaires were also administered to a sample of PVE teachers and
educational supervisors. Asserting that design and implementation of a successful
training programme should be founded on the job activities and competencies
required, this study presents a job description for the PVE teacher, analyses the
activities involved, and identifies the associated competencies. The study proceeds to
scrutinise the components of WE teacher preparation, analyses the current delivery
of PVE in Jordan, identifies some deficiencies, and considers potential corrective
action. The study also discusses the necessity of vocational field experience for the
PVE teacher. Current programmes of PVE teacher preparation are critically
examined, shortcomings are identified, and proposals for improvement are discussed
Is it democratisation? : the rule of law and political changes in Jordan since 1989
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Business Continuity Management and Strategic Planning: the Case of Jordan
No full textBusiness Continuity Management (BCM) is a process that focuses on counteracting organizational risk, disasters and crises. Placing Business Continuity Management in the context of Strategic Planning (SP) will help organizations to cope with a wide range of unexpected incidents before, during and after their occurrence. Subsequently, this will help to ensure the long-term survival of an organization.
The aim of this research is to develop an understanding of the significance of placing BCM in the context of SP. This requires studying BCM, its significance, role and practice; Strategic Planning, its significance, purpose and potential vulnerability; the rationale for placing BCM in the context of SP; the factors that are likely to influence placing BCM in the context of SP including driving factors and obstacles; and managers’ views of BCM and the placing of BCM in the context of SP.
This research was undertaken in the Jordanian context. Data was collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires which were conducted with general managers and other key managers from Jordanian organizations from the banking, insurance, industrial and services sectors. 110 questionnaires were collected. The questionnaires were followed by 10 semi-structured interviews in order to support the quantitative findings obtained by the questionnaires.
The research findings revealed that 80.9% of the surveyed organizations in Jordan used BCM. Those organizations that used BCM differed to some extent in their practice of BCM. 51.8% of the surveyed organizations had BCM placed in the context of SP. SP was important for achieving organizational purposes including those related to BCM. The approach to BCM, which is adopted in Jordanian organizations, helped to place BCM in the context of SP. There were a number of factors that discouraged some Jordanian organizations from placing BCM in the context of SP. However, there were also a number of factors that encouraged some other Jordanian organizations to place BCM in the context of SP. Managers had positive views regarding BCM. They either agreed or strongly agreed that BCM can be integrated with SP; BCM would help their organizations to cope with various types of disasters and crises if it is integrated with SP; BCM was an integral part of their organizations’ approach to risk; and BCM was not an extra burden to their businesses
Gilder-Jordan Lecture to Focus on Voter Suppression
Get PDFHistorian and author Carol Anderson set to speak Oct. 1
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Deconstructing the Dangerous Dead: An Archaeothanatological Approach to Atypical Burial
No full textThis dissertation explores the funerary taphonomy of non-normative burials across multiple contexts. Past research has demonstrated that mortuary contexts can offer specific insights into the social identity of the deceased, as well as the beliefs, hopes, and anxieties of the community that buried them. This insight is of special significance when an individual has not been provided the typical burial rites specific to their culture, including unique mortuary treatment or its complete absence. Such non-normative treatment can potentially indicate that the deceased held a special or unusual role in their society, that they had experienced marginalization during life, or that their death was perceived as untimely or unusual. These atypical or “deviant” burials have been documented as indicating periods of environmental stress, social upheaval, or a combination of these. This dissertation uses the archaeothanatological approach as a lens through which to consider how past intentional mortuary behavior can be separated from environmental alteration. As this dissertation demonstrates, the archaeothanatological method contains significant limitations, including a heavy reliance on experiments using nonhuman animal remains to construct the theory, a lack of studies exploring non-Western burial practices (such as exposure or excarnation), and limited consideration of how the approach may need to be modified based on local environmental conditions. Nevertheless, it can be a useful framework for bioarchaeologists to identify unusual treatment of the body and other ephemeral traces of mortuary ritual. The first study focuses on modern, unburied remains recovered from the Sonoran Desert and tests articulation relationships between joints in a specific environmental context. Results demonstrated that postmortem joint integrity is largely dependent not only on anatomical structure and function in life, but the impact of environmental factors such as weathering, temperature, ambient humidity, and most significantly, scavenger activity. The second study examines a burial population from the same geographic and environmental area (the Sonoran Desert) but dating to the Early Agricultural period (ca. 2100 BC to AD 50) and examines the non-normative burials of 21 individuals, with an emphasis on the burials of young females. These burials can be interpreted as a form of sexually antagonistic social signaling and may suggest the community was experiencing a period of significant stress involving resources scarcity, environmental change, or social transition. The final study examines a burial population of neonates and young children from a rural agricultural community in Late Antique (ca. 450 CE) Umbria, Italy. Results of my analysis suggest atypical mortuary treatment may be associated with necrophobia related to the untimely death of the infants, distress possibly heightened by a season of higher than usual infant mortality. More surprisingly, this analysis also indicates acts of mourning and a desire for remembrance, possibly enacted in secret, as such behavior would have been in conflict with cultural expectations regarding infant loss. My findings offer insight into a rural community’s shared stress surrounding sickness, child loss, and unique vernacular belief system in a time of significant cultural and social transition.
The results of these studies demonstrate that the archaeothanatological method is limited in its applicability, as skeletal disarticulation, along with the effects of taphonomic processes, varies depending on the specific environmental conditions, and the degree to which the body is exposed to these. However, this research demonstrates how taphonomy can be used to better understand the application of social theory within bioarchaeology. Ultimately, this enables a more detailed analysis of individuals whose complex, reduced, or ambiguous social status—or potentially, the cause and manner of their death—may have precluded their access to normative and culturally appropriate funerary rites
The effect of Asset Impairment (IAS 36) in Improving the Quality of Accounting Information According to Users’ Perspective: Evidence from Jordan
Get PDFPurpose: The main purpose of this study is to investigate from the users' perspective the influence of adopting IAS 36 'impairment of assets' on accounting information in Jordan and to ascertain the extent to which impairment application can affect users’ decisions. In other words, this study aims to elicit perceptions regarding the motivations and techniques of using impairment loss to discover its effect and role in improving the quality (qualitative characteristics) of accounting information and its impact on the financial statements of users, to assist them in the decision-making process; it also aims to discover whether impairment loss is considered a tool for increasing the credibility of accounting information or a tool for manipulation. To explore the relevance (applicability) of international accounting standards to developing countries such as Jordan is a topic of significant interest amongst accounting information users.
Methodology/Approach/Research Questions: This thesis uses a multi-method approach; quantitative and qualitative approaches are both used to collect primary data concerning the 'impairment of assets' phenomenon. Questionnaire and interview surveys are used to explore the motivations and techniques of 'impairment of assets' in Jordan by obtaining the perceptions of respondents. Semi-structured interviews are used to elicit a better understanding of the research questions, confirming and elaborating on the questionnaire survey findings and supporting the development of the hypotheses. The triangulation of findings enables a comprehensive appreciation of the research topic and minimises the possibility of bias resulting from the use of a single method.
Analysis and Findings: The first findings are the agreement of the six groups of accounting information users regarding the importance of IAS 36 application, also indicate that there is a significant statistical difference among the respondents' opinions particularly between academics and other groups which indicates that academics were more aware of the importance of applying 'impairment of assets' than the other five groups. A plausible explanation for this result is that academics are more aware that impairment loss depends on market value (fair) instead of historic value, which is more convenient but less reliable.
The main conclusion reached through questionnaire and interview survey is the positive impact of 'impairment of assets' on the quality of accounting information according to users' perspective in Jordan. which means there is an impact of impairment on the quality of accounting information, and we assert this finding through correlation that impairment loss depend on market value (fair) instead of historic value, which is more convenient but less reliable .
The second finding reveals that two groups of respondents (Accountants and Investors) see impairment as a tool for manipulation. These two groups have similar views that impairment application is considered a technique used to manipulate illegally, in order for managers to achieve their own goals, such as increased compensation (salary), to declare a reasonable profit and avoid a loss, to obtain loans, and to raise share prices. These results can be attributed to scientific knowledge they have about advantages of the application of this standard. Furthermore, interview findings indicate that 68% of all respondents amongst all groups agreed that impairment improves the reliability and credibility of financial reports in Jordan.
One of the most important results from the respondents’ views is that impairment announcements provide new information to the market and assist the users to change or modify their decisions. However, interviews showed that investors and accountants have a different view of impairment application, considering it as bad news (weak company), all of these findings will be generalized for developing countries, also will be helpful for developed countries.
Research limitations/implications: These findings could be fruitful and helpful for external users of accounting reports and also for regulators and legislators in their attempts to constrain the incidence of earnings management and to enhance the quality of accounting information. The interview sample was quite small (only 14) since some interviewees in developing countries do not like to have their opinions tape-recorded or become worried if notes are taken by devices during the interview as it appears like an interrogation to them. Moreover, in the questionnaire survey, only 324 out of 749 were returned, since access to respondents (Elements sample) was very difficult as they do not stay in the same place. In terms of secondary data, a lack of disclosure limited this study regarding the variables.
Contribution: Very few studies concerned with 'impairment of assets' have been conducted on data obtained from financial reports in developed countries. Thus, a different perspective could be obtained from developing countries such as Jordan, which is different in numerous respects, and this will enhance IAS application and provide an accurate picture of impairment practices. Moreover, this study contributes to the literature by employing qualitative and quantitative methods that have not received attention in relation to the effect of monitoring mechanisms
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