Cranfield School of Management
Recent publications
The COVID‐19 pandemic led to far‐reaching detrimental impacts, with challenges weighted toward women, who experience a double‐burden of paid work and care/domestic work. Professional lives were enacted in new spaces, as many were ordered to work from home. This was particularly testing for women, who found themselves servicing additional expectations each day, such as complex relational work and home‐schooling. For many, this caused stress, damage to career, and strained relationships. Yet, as women academics, we were surprised to see that some of our peers were reporting they had positive experiences during lockdowns. Drawing on interview data from 23 women academics based in the United Kingdom, we found that participants did not report damage to their professional identities; indeed, in some cases the pandemic provided new ways to expand academic identities, for example through skill development and international networking. Furthermore, participants reported the pandemic as a chance to choose how to focus their energies, withdrawing from relationships and activities that did not contribute to the achievement of the selves they sought to become and capitalising on those that did. This paper is therefore valuable in revealing the techniques and resources (narrative and otherwise) that can enable women to report positive experiences, even when facing adversity.
Background Many primary care organizations do not routinely collect sociodemographic data (SDD) such as race, gender, or income despite the importance of this data in addressing health disparities. Aim To understand the experiences of primary care providers and staff in collecting SDD. Design & setting A qualitative interview study with 33 primary care and interprofessional team members from eight Ontario Community Health Centres (CHCs). Method Semi-structured virtual interviews and content analysis of interview transcripts. Results Participants reported using both formal methods of SDD collection, and informal methods of SDD collection that were more organic, varied, and conducted over time. Participants discussed sometimes feeling uncomfortable collecting this data formally, as well as associated burden and limited resources to support collection. Client-provider rapport was noted as facilitating data collection and participants suggested more training, streamlined data collection, and better communication about purpose and use of data. Conclusion SDD can be collected informally or formally but there are limitations to informally collected data and barriers to the adoption of formal processes.
The quest for broadband electromagnetic wave absorption to satisfy the demands of various fields has emerged as a prominent research focus in the domain of electromagnetic wave absorption. By considering the effects of magnetic loss and polarization loss across different frequency bands, the development of composite materials incorporating magnetic metal particles and single metal atoms may facilitate an expansion of the electromagnetic wave absorption frequency range. Consequently, we synthesized FeCo@C/Ni@C composites derived from FeCo Prussian blue analogues and polydopamine through wet chemistry and pyrolysis methods. The chelation mechanism of polydopamine, combined with the physical barrier effect provided by Zn ions during synthesis, endows the FeCo@C/Ni@C composite with low-frequency magnetic loss characteristics from the FeCo alloy, high-frequency dipole polarization losses attributed to Ni atoms, and conductivity losses arising from the coupled carbon matrix. Ultimately, the composite exhibits exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption performance: at a thickness of 2.26 mm, it achieves a minimum reflection loss value of − 50.1 dB along with an effective absorption bandwidth reaching up to 6.0 GHz. In summary, this work presents a novel strategy for enhancing broadband absorption capabilities in electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.
The simultaneous charging of many electric vehicles in future mobility scenarios may lead to peaks and overloads threatening grid stability. The necessary infrastructure investments vary by the number and model type of vehicles driven and the residents’ charging preferences. These attributes significantly depend on socio-economic factors such as income. Using power flow simulations based on real-life driving profiles, we predict massive cost asymmetries with an investment demand up to 33-fold in higher-income compared to lower-income neighborhoods. Many grid operators may redistribute these costs through an across-the-board electricity price increase for all households. In times of rising electricity prices, these unwanted inequitable costing allocations could lead to severe challenges and energy poverty. Policymakers should consider countermeasures like dynamic electricity pricing schemes, income-based electric vehicle subsidies, or improved charging network access to ensure energy equity in future mobility scenarios. Our analysis of the impact of socio-economic factors on electric vehicle grid infrastructure and their quantification contributes to the energy equity discussion.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) and international trade have been on the rise in Africa in recent years following trade liberalization of most African economies. FDIs and trade have contributed to an increase in investments, capital formation, exchange rate stability, economic growth, and economic development in Africa. This chapter provides an understanding of FDI and trade relationships drawing on the empirical and theoretical literature as well as the experience of African countries. We discuss the various theories of FDI flows as well as trade flows. The chapter provides an overview of FDI and trade in Africa. The chapter also discussed the drivers of FDI and trade in Africa and provided stylize facts on FDI and trade in Africa. The chapter also discusses the contributions of FDIs and trade to economic growth and development in the region and the roles governments play in FDI flows and trade.
Background Psychiatric nurses often encounter patients with mental health disorders and consequently experience prolonged periods of high stress, increased workload, and frequent incidents of workplace violence. These aspects can lead to a higher incidence of poor sleep quality. This study examined the interplay between workplace violence and emotional labour (surface and deep acting) to suggest measures for enhancing sleep quality among psychiatric nurses. Methods A total of 300 completed and valid online questionnaires were collected. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to measure sleep quality, Workplace Violence Scale (WVS) to measure the occurrence of workplace violence, and Emotional Labour Scale to measure surface and deep acting. The data were analysed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro with SPSS. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used to compare differences in sleep quality and emotional labour (surface and deep acting) between psychiatric nurses with different demographics. Results The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was 55% among the nurses. Surface acting in emotional labour partially mediated the relationship between workplace violence and sleep quality(a1*b1=0.035,95%CI: 0.002, 0.079), whereas deep acting had a suppressive effect(a2*b2=-0.033,95%CI: -0.071, -0.003). Occupational identity had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between workplace violence and surface acting(Effect=0.091,95%CI: 0.004, 0.179). Conclusions The relationship between workplace violence and poor sleep quality was partially mediated by surface acting and suppressed by deep acting. Moreover, nurses with higher occupational identity engaged in more surface acting after workplace violence. Workplace violence, surface acting, and deep acting emerged as significant factors influencing sleep quality among psychiatric nurses. Deep acting can reduce the impact of workplace violence on sleep quality. The results provide a new and expanded view of the interplay between workplace violence and emotional labour concerning sleep quality. Interprofessional collaboration with clinicians, administrators, educators, and spiritual leaders can contribute to the development of related education and training. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200062347. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=173264
We study non-linear predictability of stock returns arising from the dividend-price ratio and its implications for asset allocation decisions. Using data from five countries — U.S., U.K., France, Germany and Japan — we find empirical evidence supporting non-linear and time-varying models for the equity risk premium. Building on this, we examine several model specifications that can account for non-linear return predictability, including Markov switching models, regression trees, random forests and neural networks. Although in-sample return regressions and portfolio allocation results support the use of non-linear predictability models, the out-of-sample evidence is notably weaker, highlighting the difficulty in exploiting non-linear predictability in real time.
Considering the consumption‐induced intensification of global challenges and the continuously changing consumer needs, it is important to understand the drivers of consumer food choices under external pressures. We applied best–worst scaling to elicit the relative importance of 11 food values and conducted latent class cluster analyses based on individual scores, allowing us to gain insights into distinctive consumer segments. Data were collected through online surveys of 1000 consumers in Bavaria, southern Germany, in November 2020 and November 2022. As expected, the relative importance of food value price has strongly increased during this period. Similarly, the price‐sensitive segment has become larger in 2022 than in 2020, while the societal impact‐centered segment has become much smaller in 2022. These findings call for target‐specific measures to counteract this trend of increasing price focus that challenges sustainable dietary transitions.
Background The persistent destructive power of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has been regarded as the biggest influencing factor affecting the postoperative physical and mental health of patients with cervical cancer. During this process, patients might also experience different feelings of disease-related psychological. Therefore, this study aimed to adopt mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to intervene in patients with cervical cancer, and conducted follow-up for 3 and 6 months to observe the effects of changes in CRF, uncertainty in illness, coping styles, sense of coherence (SOC), and perceived social support (PSS). Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted in ShengJing Hospital of China Medical University. A total of 102 patients were selected, and 78 patients completed the whole process, including 40 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group. Data were collected according to Cancer Fatigue Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Sense of Coherence-13. The change trend and difference of the two groups of research data were compared by repeated measurement analysis of variance. Bonferroni test was used for multiple tests between groups. Results The CRF, SOC, and coping styles of the MBSR group showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.001) at after MBSR, 3 months follow-up, and 6 months follow-up compared to the before MBSR. However, the uncertainty in illness of the MBSR group showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.001) at after MBSR compared to the before MBSR, and it rose in 3 months follow-up and 6 months follow-up. Conclusion MBSR can effectively alleviate the fatigue of CRF after treatment, while improving their psychological environment. Medical workers can consider implementing online MBSR for patients with cervical cancer in their daily rehabilitation nursing, which is beneficial for their recovery. Trial registration China Clinical Trial Registration Center ChiCTR2000040122 (https//www.chictr.org.cn/). Registered on November 21, 2020.
Background Growing studies have indicated an association between dietary factors and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, whether these associations refer to a causal relationship and the potential mechanism by which dietary factors affect GERD is still unclear. Methods A two-step mendelian randomization analysis was performed to obtain causal estimates of dietary factors, blood lipids on GERD. Independent genetic variants associated with 13 kinds of dietary factors and 5 kinds of blood lipids at the genome-wide significance level were selected as instrumental variables. The summary statistics for GERD were obtained from European Bioinformatics Institute, including 129,080 cases and 473,524 controls. Inverse variance weighted was utilized as the main statistical method. MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran’s Q test, and leave-one-out analysis were performed to evaluate possible heterogeneity and pleiotropy. And the potential reverse causality was assessed using Steiger filtering. Results The results of the inverse variance weighted method indicated that genetically predicted total pork intake (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.21–5.58, p = 0.0143), total bread intake (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.46–0.99, p = 0.0497), total cereal intake (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.31–0.56, p = 2.98E-06), and total cheese intake (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.27–0.61, p = 1.06E-05) were associated with the risk of GERD. Multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis also revealed a negative association between total cereal intake, total cheese intake and the risk of GERD, but the effect of total pork intake and total bread intake on GERD disappeared after adjustment of smoking, alcohol consumption, use of calcium channel blockers, BMI, physical activity levels, and biological sex (age adjusted). Furthermore, the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is negatively correlated with total cheese intake, which mediates the impact of total cheese intake on GERD. The proportion mediated by LDL-C is 2.27% (95%CI: 1.57%, 4.09%). Conclusions This study provides evidence that an increase in total cereal intake and total cheese intake will decrease the risk of GERD. Additionally, LDL-C mediates the causal effect of total cheese intake on GERD. These results provide new insights into the role of dietary factors and blood lipids in GERD, which is beneficial for disease prevention.
The unprecedented growth in e-commerce has brought forward a new paradigm in consumer behaviour and the strategic approach businesses take in reaching and retaining customers. The influence of marketing logistics (ML) on e-shoppers’ behaviour represents a critical facet of this shift. It bridges the gap between customer demand, consumer satisfaction and shapes e-shoppers’ behaviour. Recognising the role and potential of ML can enable e-retailers to effectively plan their operations towards customer satisfaction. The current study aims to examine the causal association between selected ML dimensions and customer satisfaction (CS). Additionally, it also examines the relationship between CS and the post-purchase behaviour of online shoppers. Data were randomly collected from 515 e-shoppers through a structured e-questionnaire and were analyzed using robust PLS-SEM and ANN techniques. The study revealed that except for product availability, all other ML dimensions such as product quality, tracking facility, and delivery speed significantly influence customer satisfaction. Subsequently, it also revealed that online marketers can significantly enhance customer loyalty, re-purchase intentions, and word-of-mouth by boosting customer satisfaction. This study highlights how e-retailers can strategically align their ML ecosystems to bring efficiency and reliability to the end-to-end shopping experience. Additionally, it has the potential to drive the advancement of e-commerce in India.
Relatively little is known about the extent to which multiracial people stand in solidarity with their parent groups. Here, we draw from social identity theory to examine predictors of Asian-White multiracial people’s solidarity with Asian and White people, Asian monoracial people’s meta-perceptions of these solidarity levels, and consequences of these meta-perceptions for intergroup relations. Studies 1a–b show that Asian-White multiracial people stand in solidarity more strongly with Asian people than White people, especially when they perceive high levels of anti-Asian discrimination, and even when they believe they physically look White. Studies 2a–b demonstrate that Asian monoracial people incorrectly believe that physically White-looking Asian-White multiracial people stand in solidarity more strongly with White people, and these pessimistic meta-perceptions are associated with more rejection of multiracial people. Study 3 provides a causal link between meta-perceptions and rejection while providing preliminary evidence that correcting these solidarity meta-perceptions can improve intergroup attitudes.
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Yacine Belghitar
  • Department of Accounting and Finance
Simon Templar
  • School of Management
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