Important Stakeholders Research Articles

A Study of the Readiness of Higher Education Institutions in Delhi for Inclusion of Transgender in Education

This descriptive study was an attempt to examine the preparedness of higher education institutions in the National Capital Region with respect to inclusion of Transgender in Higher Education .Data was collected using rating scales and questionnaire from two important stakeholders including students and faculty to find the facilities available to support inclusion of transgender as well as gauge their attitudes towards the inclusion of transgender in Education. The study documented the experiences of transgender studying in higher education institutions in order to find the ground reality of nature and extent of their inclusion and the challenges faced by them .This study has thrown light on the facilities that need to be instituted in order to pave the way for inclusion of the transgender in education .It has also created an understanding of the awareness and sensitisation programmes that are needed to sensitise the different stakeholders towards contributing positively towards their inclusion in education .The conclusion drawn from the findings of the study shall help in feeding policy guidelines for higher education institutions in India with respect to supporting the cause of inclusion of transgender in Higher Education.

Gender and Geographical Representation on Editorial Board Members of Medical Informatics Journals.

Previous work has suggested that gender and geographical distribution (affiliation) of Editors-in-Chief (EiC) and Editorial Board (EB) members are inequitable in representation of scientific communities, and could benefit from increasing diversity of representation. Specifically, previous studies suggest that male and ethnically white (or non-minoritized groups) are overrepresented. Such differences in representation may potentially influence the scientific and scholarly record. This paper aims to build on pre-existing literature by examining the diversity of representation among EiCs and EB members in the top (Q1) journals in the "Medicine-Health Informatics" category (ranked by SCImago Journal and Country Rank, or SJR) in terms of gender as assessed by genderize.io) and geographical distribution of affiliations. Preliminary findings are consistent with those of previous work on the topic: only 25% (8/32) of the EiCs in the selected journals are female, while females only represent 32.7% (426/1303) of the EB members across journals. Furthermore, the US is highly represented in EBs, with more than half of the members, i.e., 52.2% (698/1337), being US-affiliated. Present results suggest the need for an intentional approach to diversifying representation on editorial boards of medical informatics journals. Such intention can be seen as part of a call to action from important stakeholders, including medical informatics leaders and programs, journal management and publishers, and the medical informatics and scientific community more generally.

Promoting the implementation of a computer-tailored physical activity intervention: development and feasibility testing of an implementation intervention

BackgroundAlthough there are many proven effective physical activity (PA) interventions for older adults, implementation in a real world setting is often limited. This study describes the systematic development of a multifaceted implementation intervention targeting the implementation of an evidence-based computer-tailored PA intervention and evaluates its use and feasibility.MethodsThe implementation intervention was developed following the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, supplemented with insights from implementation science literature. The implementation intervention targets the municipal healthcare policy advisors, as an important implementation stakeholder in Dutch healthcare system. The feasibility of the implementation intervention was studied among these stakeholders using a pretest–posttest design within 8 municipal healthcare settings. Quantitative questionnaires were used to assess task performance (i.e. achievement of performance objectives), and utilization of implementation strategies (as part of the intervention). Furthermore, changes in implementation determinants were studied by gathering quantitative data before, during and after applying the implementation intervention within a one-year period. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders assessed their considerations regarding the feasibility of the implementation intervention.ResultsA multi-faceted implementation intervention was developed in which implementation strategies (e.g. funding, educational materials, meetings, building a coalition) were selected to target the most relevant identified implementation determinants. Most implementation strategies were used as intended. Execution of performance objectives for adoption and implementation was relatively high (75–100%). Maintenance objectives were executed to a lesser degree (13–63%). No positive changes in implementation determinants were found. None of the stakeholders decided to continue implementation of the PA intervention further, mainly due to the unforeseen amount of labour and the disappointing reach of end-users.ConclusionThe current study highlights the importance of a thorough feasibility study in addition to the use of IM. Although feasibility results may have demonstrated that stakeholders broadly accepted the implementation intervention, implementation determinants did not change favorably, and stakeholders had no plans to continue the PA intervention. Yet, choices made during the development of the implementation intervention (i.e. the operationalization of Implementation Mapping) might not have been optimal. The current study describes important lessons learned when developing an implementation intervention, and provides recommendations for developers of future implementation interventions.

Communication as power in South Africa: the proposed Northern KwaZulu-Natal cableway

ABSTRACT This study explores the media portrayal of a highly controversial cableway proposed for the Northern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The project is being driven by the provincial government, specifically, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, purportedly to develop tourism in this poor, peripheral mountainous area. The project has been criticized for a weak consultation process, as well as been flagged it as highly problematic in a feasibility report. The proposed site is unsuitable, as it borders a World Heritage Site, is within a culturally sensitive area, and is prone to highly variable weather, including thunderstorms. A mountain user group, an important stakeholder, voiced serious concerns ranging from economic and environmental issues to statutory and political impacts. Despite this, the project has been portrayed in a variety of ways by the media. This study explores this by assessing 40 media articles released by 12 publications and the South African government, between 2012 and 2023. It was determined that these outlets either portrayed the project in a negative, neutral or positive light. That is, three dominant views were presented by the media: pro-environment anti-cableway, pro-development and pro-cableway, and a neutral stance.

Is There a Demand for Extensive Financial Reporting on Local Government from the Most Important Stakeholders: Residents?

The study aims to identify residents’ perception of such aspects of public finances as transparency and credibility, in particular, their level of interest and needs regarding increasing the scope of financial reporting at the local level. The study was conducted in 2023 among residents of the 12 largest Polish cities, using the computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) technique on a sample of N = 400 residents of each city. A total of 4,800 respondents took part in the survey. The qualitative study was conducted using the focus group interview technique (FGI online). The research results indicate a noticeable lack of demand for information regarding local finances and a lack of trust in the transparency and honesty of public funds management. Bearing in mind that residents rely on economic experts and financial analysts as sources of information with the highest credibility, a large field opens up for experts such as independent auditors.

Role of green and sustainable practices in shaping the future of medical imaging technology: A cross-sectional multi-stakeholder analysis among students, radiographers, and academic experts

IntroductionThe detection and treatment of diseases like COVID, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, etc., have made medical imaging technology more necessary, so it is expected that the demands of imaging modalities are also increasing and are major contributors to carbon emissions in the healthcare industry. Hence, the Radiology departments, like the rest of the healthcare industry should adapt the procedures to become more sustainable. MethodsA total of 1016 respondents completed the online survey to assess the perception, current practices, and challenges in adopting green and sustainable practices in medical imaging. The radio technologists, teaching faculties, and students of medical imaging were recruited for the study. The survey tool was distributed to the closed groups through social media and emails. ResultsThe majority of participants (66.6%) highlighted the importance of green and sustainable practices in medical imaging whereas only 21.06% of participants seem to have implemented these practices. Most of the participants give positive responses on the use of zero-lead aprons (77%), refurbished medical systems (85.8%), and eco-friendly packaging (89.5%). The mixed response was received from waste segregation and energy-saving measures. The majority (60.3%) of them have no formal education or training. However, they have a good attitude towards the willingness to adopt green practices. ConclusionsThere is a gap between perception and implementation of green and sustainable practices due to leadership and information barriers. Comprehensive training for stakeholders of medical imaging is crucial to fully integrate sustainability practices, possibly through webinars or educational modules. Implications for practiceThe study's findings shed light on how important medical imaging stakeholders view green and sustainable practices as well as potential obstacles to their implementation at the local level whilst suggesting the need for exclusive training on these practices to promote sustainability.

Turkish parents’ perspectives on the roles and responsibilities of paraeducators: framing experiences

Objectives Paraeducators provide crucial support for individuals with special needs in inclusive educational settings, but their roles and responsibilities lack clarity. The resulting ambiguity emphasizes the need for clear role definitions. In inclusive education, paraeducators are perceived as the individuals who are most in communication with families. In this process, the perspectives of parents, who are important stakeholders, are crucial. Our purpose in this study was to examine the experiences and perspectives of parents with respect to the assistance given by paraeducators in inclusive educational settings. Methods We used a phenomenological research design to collect data, and we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 parents of children with special needs. We reached the participants through snowball sampling. We collected the data using a 11-item Parent Interview Form developed based on the literature and expert opinion. We analyzed the data through thematic analysis. Results Data analysis revealed five themes: (a) preservice process; (b) employment process; (c) experiences and views related to roles and responsibilities during school time; (d) experiences and views related to roles and responsibilities outside of school time; and (e) expectations, needs, and recommendations. Conclusions The findings emphasize the importance of legal regulations, clear guidelines, and standardized qualifications for employing paraeducators in schools. We found that families managed the pre-service process on their own without any support. In the service processes, paraeducators were found to take on complex and non-standard roles. Among the issues reported by families as needs were the implementation of paraeducator supports within an official structure and training programs to enhance paraeducator qualifications. Additionally, families reported financial support needs in paraeducator employment. Based on the research findings, we can propose the establishment of vocational training institutions for paraeducator training and the planning of paraeducator employment in schools by official institutions within a specific protocol framework.

Exploring Strategies to Mitigate the Adverse Health Impacts of Air Pollution on Children in India: A Qualitative Study.

Air pollution poses a significant threat to global public health, contributing to high rates of mortality and morbidity. India, home to the world's largest population of children, is particularly affected. This study aims to identify effective strategies to mitigate the adverse health impacts of air pollution on this vulnerable group. The study utilized directed content analysis using a deductive approach and purposeful sampling to carry out in-depth interviews with researchers, academicians, paediatricians, public health experts, and climate change experts from different organizations in India. In total, 17 interviews were conducted over two months in March and April 2024 until data saturation was reached. A total of 29 subcategories were extracted. The main sub-categories include strategies for reducing indoor emissions and multisectoral emission reduction, strategies to reduce exposure at home, schools and transit, strategies for public awareness, effective communication, health sector communication and awareness, and raising awareness by frontline workers and educational institutions, strategies for capacity building of health sector and frontline stakeholders, strategies for building research and knowledge translation, strategies forvertical and horizontal collaboration, strategies for child-centric policies, school closure policies, fiscal policies, comprehensive policymaking, sectoral policymaking, advocacy in policymaking, strategies for monitoring, and strategies for mother and child health. The results of this study indicate that mitigating the adverse health impacts of pollution for children would entail a multi-pronged approach encompassing effective communication and education strategies and awareness raising of important stakeholders such as health professionals, community, grassroots-level workers, parents, teachers and children. Such strategies could be useful to trigger the desired change in behaviour of all concerned. Also, there is a need for collaboration and partnership between various stakeholders and ministries as policy-making bodies. There is a need to build on the research and strengthen the monitoring and surveillance.

Enhancing Institutional Elections: A Case for Electronic Voting Systems at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the possible advantages of establishing an EVS at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC). With an emphasis on increased voter trust, lower expenses, and increased efficiency, the research seeks to assess the viability and benefits of implementing an EVS for KIMC elections. Methodology: Using a case study methodology, this study will examine the material that has already been written about EVSs and interview important KIMC stakeholders to learn about their present voting procedures and difficulties. Findings: The system of voting ought to be fast in terms of casting votes as well as tallying to eliminate long queues and anxiety of voters waiting for result. System voting is more preferred choice as opposed to the use of papers and boxes. Ballots are more expensive since they are bought every time election is conducted. System voting is more comfortable and done at ease with fewer resources in terms of money and time. On other hand manual system is inefficient, insecure, incorrect and expensive. A need therefore arises to develop System voting to manage voting process efficiently and effectively. Electronic voting systems, or EVSs, present a strong substitute for conventional paper-based ballots, guaranteeing improved electoral efficiency, security, and transparency. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research will contribute to the ongoing discussion on the role of EVSs in promoting democratic processes within institutions. The findings will provide valuable insights for KIMC administrators in making informed decisions regarding the adoption and implementation of an EVS. This study can inform policy discussions on the broader application of EVSs in Kenyan institutions.

Key decision factors of professional stakeholders (architects, engineers, constructors) when deciding for sustainable construction

The built environment and the construction industry account for a significant share of global harmful emissions. Sustainable construction appears to be an effective strategy to achieve a more sustainable society, although it is still not used enough. It is crucial to understand what the main decision factors of those deciding about building practices are. Professional stakeholders such as architects, engineers, constructors, are the ones advising consumers and deciding about construction. An understanding about their decision factors is needed, in order to increase the implementation of sustainable construction. In this study we provide evidence about key decision factors of professional stakeholders in Slovenia when deciding for sustainable construction practices. By conducting an online survey (questionnaire) we identified and analyzed the main drivers and barriers of professionals when making decisions about sustainable construction solutions. With statistical analysis we found out that professional stakeholders included in the survey mostly already had previous experiences working with sustainable construction. They are familiar with sustainable construction concepts. The most important drivers were connected to the factor of occupant health, and the energy-efficiency of the buildings, while the biggest barrier in their decision making is related to higher cost of sustainable construction and lack of awareness. Professional stakeholders are concerned about climate change and their attitudes towards climate change are affecting their decision related to sustainable construction. Respondent provided many comments, clearly indicating that a simple definition of sustainable construction is needed, and more efforts should be done to raise awareness about sustainable construction. Results are contributing valuable information for professional stakeholders, policymakers and other important stakeholders in the construction ecosystem.

Impact of Income on Livelihood of Tribal Goat Farmers of Odisha, India

The present investigation was carried out to find out the contribution of income in improving the livelihood of tribal goat farmers in the Kandhamal district of Odisha which was purposively selected as this district is highly concentrated with local goats. The sample of 112 goat farmers for this study was selected randomly from sixteen villages which were also selected from four randomly selected blocks of the district. With the help of the pre-tested interview schedule, the data for the study was collected personally by the researcher. The study employed ex-post facto research design and focussed group discussion to capture field data. Economic impact a component of overall livelihood impact was measured with the help of 10 validated statements in a five-point Likert type scale with scores on a continuum with 1(strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) for each of the statement. The study revealed that the farmers’ personal savings, ability to spend money for children education, food, clothing and meeting medical expenses have increased due to goat farming. However, the overall economic impact is medium in nature indicating that the important stakeholders including government agencies involved in promotion of goat farming in the tribal areas should put emphasis on improving the business ability of the famers which will be useful in improving the income level leading to strengthening of livelihood.

Lived experiences of village-based patients with chronic kidney disease receiving haemodialysis at Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan: a transcendental phenomenology study protocol

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major health issues in Pakistan, exerting notable effects on both the physical and mental well-being of individuals undergoing haemodialysis. Of particular concern...

Dynamic incentive mechanisms in mega project-risk management considering the participation of the insurance company

PurposeThe construction of megaprojects often involves substantial risks. While insurance plays an important role as a traditional risk transfer means, owners and insurance companies may still suffer huge losses during the risk management process. Therefore, considering the strong motivation of insurance companies to participate in the on-site risk management of megaprojects, this study aims to propose a collaborative incentive mechanism involving insurance companies, to optimize the risk management effect and reduce the risk of accidents in megaprojects.Design/methodology/approachBased on principal-agent theory, the research develops the static and dynamic incentive models for risk management in megaprojects, involving both the owner and insurance company. The study examines the primary factors influencing incentive efficiency. The results are numerically simulated with a validation case. Finally, the impact of parameter changes on the stakeholders' benefits is analyzed.FindingsThe results indicate that the dynamic incentive model is available to the achievement of a flexible mechanism to ensure the benefits of contractors while protecting the benefits of the owner and insurance company. Adjusting the incentive coefficients for owners and insurance companies within a specified range promotes the growth of benefits for all parties involved. The management cost and economic benefit allocation coefficients have a positive effect on the adjustment range of the incentive coefficient, which helps implement a more flexible dynamic incentive mechanism to motivate contractors to carry out risk management to reduce risk losses.Originality/valueThis study makes up for the absence of important stakeholders in risk management. Different from traditional megaproject risk management, this model uses insurance companies as bridges to break the island effect of risk management among multiple megaprojects. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by designing appropriate dynamic incentive mechanisms in megaproject risk management through insurance company participation, and provides practical implications to both owner and insurance company on incentive contract making, thus achieving better risk governance of megaprojects.

Assessment of the Knowledge of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in a Cohort of Nurses in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of childhood blindness that can be prevented by early detection and treatment. Nurses and midwives are important stakeholders in neonatal services who can help increase awareness to ensure early detection, thereby reducing the risk of blindness. Objectives: To determine the knowledge of a cohort of nurses in Ogun state about ROP and ROP screening. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses and midwives in Ogun State, Nigeria. A self-administered structured Google form (questionnaire) was used to obtain information on their knowledge and practice concerning ROP in their centres. Results: A total of 117 nurses participated in the study. These comprised 93.2% females, and the mean age was 38.5±3.5years. The majority of the participants were within the 41-50 years age group. A total of 70.9% had ever worked in a neonatal unit. Ninety-seven (82.9%) were aware of ROP, of which 76.1% could correctly define the condition. Sixty-nine per cent had a good knowledge score for ROP, while there was a poor knowledge score for screening in 62.4%. Conclusion: Though the participants had good knowledge about ROP, their knowledge of screening for early detection was poor. There is a need for intense dissemination of information on ROP, especially the need for screening of newborn infants among nurses and midwives.

Dynamics of Policy Network in the Development of Rainbow Village in Semarang City

This article aims to analyze the problems of the Rainbow Village in Semarang City. The success of the Rainbow Village at the beginning of its development contrasts with the current conditions that are empty of visitors, damaged paint conditions, and many wild plants growing along the road between people's houses. The problem analysis will focus on studying policy networks in implementing Kampung Pelangi. The existence of policy networks in implementation and policy-making is interesting to examine because the process involves a political process that is not only controlled by the state but involves various actors and diverse interests. Through qualitative methods and the theoretical framework of Waarden and Rhodes' policy networks, this paper wants to answer how the dynamics of policy networks run and the types of policy networks that develop. As a result of the study, the Rainbow Village policy network tends to be unstable and only runs when this program goes viral in the early days of implementation. The network built involves three important policy stakeholders, namely civil society, the private sector, and the government. The interaction between actors in policy networks tends to be unbalanced so there are inequalities in the distribution of resources and authority. This causes pokdarwis as the leading actor of the network to have difficulty maintaining the network's existence. The type of policy network is an issue network, where the network is temporary when program issues arise and network actors are not bound in a permanent network.

Healthcare consumers’ perceptions of incentive-linked prescribing: A scoping review

Incentive-linked prescribing (ILP) is considered a controversial practice universally. If incentivised, physicians may prioritise meeting pharmaceutical sales targets through prescriptions, rather than considering patients’ health and wellbeing. Despite the potential harms of ILP to patients and important stakeholders in the healthcare system, healthcare consumers (HCCs) which include patients and the general public often have far less awareness about the practice of pharmaceutical incentivisation of physicians. We conducted a scoping review to explore what existing research says about HCCs’ perceptions of the financial relationship between physicians and pharmaceutical companies. To conduct this scoping review, we followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework: identifying research questions, identifying relevant studies, selecting eligible studies, data charting, and collating, summarising, and reporting results. We also used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses’ extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), as a guide to organise the information in this review. Quantitative and qualitative studies with patients and the general public, published in the English language were identified through searches of Scopus, Medline (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), and Google Scholar. Three themes emerged through the analysis of the 13 eligible studies: understanding of incentivisation, perceptions of hazards linked to ILP, and HCCs’ suggestions to address it. We found documentation that HCCs exhibited a range of knowledge from good to insufficient about the pharmaceutical incentivisation of physicians. HCCs perceived several hazards linked to ILP such as a lack of trust in physicians and the healthcare system, the prescribing of unnecessary medications, and the negative effect on physicians’ reputations in society. In addition to strong regulatory controls, it is critical that physicians self-regulate their behaviour, and publicly disclose if they have any financial ties with pharmaceutical companies. Doing so can contribute to trust between patients and physicians, an important part of patient-focused care and a contributor to user confidence in the wider health system.

Resilient green infrastructure: Navigating environmental resistance for sustainable development, social mobility in climate change policy

This study explores the complex dynamics of environmental resistance, policy stability, skill development, and green initiatives in light of the growing worldwide concerns about climate change. COP27 and the G20 Summit show that as microcosm of the global discourse, provides a unique opportunity to study it. This research sought to thoroughly investigate, the links among green infrastructure, green technological innovation, policy stability, skill development, and their combined effects on social mobility and climate change (Case-1), it also discusses the global talk on climate change in COP27 and G20 (Case-2). In Case-1 data were analyzed through the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) by adopting a quantitative approach, and in Case-2 data were analyzed using theme analysis by applying a qualitative approach. Using a mixed-method research approach, the study surveyed 375 locals living close to the CPEC corridor quantitatively and interviewed ten important stakeholders, including elected officials, environmental activists, and community leaders, qualitatively. The survey highlighted the complex perspectives and experiences of citizens with green programs and environmental legislation in the CPEC zone. The study revealed the perceptions and experiences of residents regarding green initiatives and environmental policies within the CPEC region. Key stakeholders provided valuable insights into policy formulation and ongoing environmental sustainability efforts. The analysis unveiled intricate relationships between green infrastructure, technological innovation, policy stability, skill development, and their collective impact on climate change and social mobility. Notably, the study identified a critical research gap in understanding these dynamics within regions undergoing substantial economic development. Policy formulation and continuing environmental sustainability efforts were aided by key stakeholders' ideas. Green infrastructure, technological innovation, policy stability, skill development, and their overall influence on climate change and social mobility were all examined. Notably, the study found a critical research vacuum in understanding these processes inside rapidly developing economies. Policymakers, environmental groups, and communities managing the fine line between economic success and environmental responsibility will find great value in the findings. This study is unique because it examines issues on climate change from a local perspective in a region that is rapidly developing economically, it also adds value to the climate change challenges on the global level. This study presents a substantial theoretical contribution by examining the intricate interactions among environmental opposition, policy stability, skill development, and green initiatives within the CPEC against the backdrop of global climate change concerns.

The Law and Order System in Kerala: a Historical over View

The concept of law and order maintenance was got much attention in India from ancient period onwards. Kerala was considered to be one of the most conscious society in India. The police in Kerala was in more democratic way. There were some drawbacks, too. In this background, the paper explores the historical outline of the law and order system in Kerala and critically analyses the undemocratic attitude of the police force, the most important stakeholder in the law and order system in Kerala. In this study, historical and exploratory methods were employed. There was use of both primary and secondary data. From the ancient period onwards, strong and well-built law and order machinery exist in Kerala. In the course of time, several reforms were introduced. The latest reform is the Janamaithri Suraksha Project. It is worked in a zigzag fashion.

Barriers and enablers to promoting grandchildren’s physical activity and reducing screen time: a qualitative study with Australian grandparents

BackgroundWith an increasing number of grandparents providing care to their grandchildren, calls have been made for these caregivers to be considered important stakeholders in encouraging children’s engagement in health-promoting behaviors, such as physical activity. Understanding the perspectives of grandparents who provide care is crucial to informing efforts that aim to increase children’s physical activity, yet little is understood about their perceptions of specific barriers and enablers to promoting children’s physical activity and reducing screen time. The present study sought to explore these perceptions.MethodsSemi-structured focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with grandparents who reported providing care to a grandchild aged 3 to 14 years. A total of 20 grandparents were sampled (mean age = 67.8 years). Data were subjected to reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsKey reported barriers to physical activity included (i) the effort (physical and logistical) and financial cost associated with organizing physical activities, (ii) grandparents’ age and mobility issues (e.g., due to injury or illness), (iii) caring for children of different ages (e.g., older children having different physical activity interests than younger children), and (iv) a local environment that is not conducive to physical activity (e.g., lack of appropriate facilities). Barriers to reducing screen time included (i) parents sending children to care with electronic devices and (ii) children’s fear of missing out on social connection that occurs electronically. Strategies and enablers of physical activity included (i) integrating activity into caregiving routines (e.g., walking the dog), (ii) involving grandchildren in decision making (e.g., asking them in which physical activities they wish to engage), (iii) encouraging grandchildren to engage in activity with other children, and (iv) creating a physical and social environment that supports activity (e.g., owning play equipment). A common strategy for reducing screen time was the creation of a home environment that is not conducive to this activity (e.g., removing electronic devices from view).ConclusionsFindings suggest that grandparents may benefit from resources that assist them to identify activities that are inexpensive and require minimal effort to organize. Activities that account for grandparents’ age and health status, as well as any environmental barriers, are likely to be well-received.

Strangers in a Strange Land: Legitimacy Formation by Polish Multinationals Venturing into Sub-Saharan Africa

Our paper revisits one of the fundamental questions of International Business (IB) scholarship, investigating the ways through which multinational enterprises (MNEs) establish legitimacy when entering a foreign market. We address this question in a novel context of Central and Eastern European (CEE) firms venturing into Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), employing a multiple case study approach. We investigate the process of legitimacy formation by Polish firms entering SSA for market-seeking reasons. We find that the firms studied use their initial liabilities of foreignness, outsidership, and origin as starting points for pragmatic, moral, and cognitive legitimacy-building by developing narratives that neutralize the distance between themselves and important local stakeholders. Our findings contribute to an understanding of the contingent nature of ‘liabilities’ in IB literature and shed light on the role of narratives in the internationalization process.