Practitioner Commentary Research Articles

A practitioner's commentary on C. Chan (2009): “Forging a link between research and pedagogy: A holistic framework for evaluating business English materials”

In this commentary, I discuss the value of Chan's (2009) research-informed checklists for evaluating business English materials by providing a practitioner's approach to using the checklists. I adapted the checklists for three different uses. The first was to evaluate the teaching methodology followed in a business English textbook from an ESP series. The second use was as a guide and evaluation tool for my in-house business English material development. The final use was also to support the design and then evaluation of custom-made banking English course materials. In conclusion, I found that adapting these research-informed checklists, based on local needs, creates opportunities for professional development, tailored courses, and transferability to other ESP genres.

A practitioner's commentary on C. Chan (2019): Long-term workplace communication needs of business professionals

This commentary attempts to offer a practitioner's perspective on Chan (2019), which looks at how the communication skills of senior managers have changed throughout their careers. The findings of the study suggest that educators in ESP and higher education should prepare future leaders in a more long-term and holistic way so that they can become successful members of the business community. As they take up leadership functions, they will not only need an advanced proficiency of English but will have to use it as a lingua franca in business combined with relationship building, which requires relational language and soft skills. This repertoire will not only empower them but also create a company culture of trust and integrity for all the stakeholders. Educators in ESP and higher education need to prepare their learners to become holistic leaders and to overcome the challenges of workplace communication using English. This commentary discusses how Chan's findings could also be used to inform corporate training/coaching. It also provides tasks intended to support course participants in learning more about themselves, their own values, and their beliefs that are important for long-term relationship building.

The new OECD arrangement on export credits: Breakthrough or bad compromise?

AbstractPublic export credits and trade insurance require a global framework of institutions, rules and regulations to avoid subsidies and a race to the bottom. The extensive modernisation of the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits (Arrangement) of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development intends to re‐level the playing field. This Practitioner Commentary describes the demand for adequate government interventions, considers the need for the reform and discusses key aspects of the new Arrangement. We argue that there is a breakthrough in several important areas such as tenors, repayment terms and green finance. However, we also find that the modernisation falls short in areas such as the interplay between different rulebooks, pre‐shipment instruments' regulations and climate action.

A practitioner commentary: Flowerdew, J. and Wan, A. (2010). The linguistic and the contextual in applied genre analysis: The case of the company audit report. English for Specific Purposes 29 (2010), 78–93

This commentary reviews Flowerdew & Wan's 2010 research article, in which a genre analysis of finished audit reports is combined with an ethnographic investigation into the context of their production within the Hong Kong accounting and audit community. The process whereby an audit report is created is observed from start to finish, with elements of both intertextuality and interdiscursivity (as well as L1 use) noted. Meanwhile, a sample of 25 authentic auditors' reports is examined, with examples involving "original" (as opposed to boilerplate) language being subjected to a move structure analysis. It is concluded that the approach embodied by this study is useful in two main ways. It makes it possible to identify a range of competencies that tax accountants and auditors need to be able to write an audit report in a specific workplace and cultural context. However, it also illustrates how combining both information sources and research methods can yield insights that can inform Business English or ESP training.

Can global trade rules cope with changing nutrition challenges?

AbstractMalnutrition remains a global challenge and is hampering the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. At the United Nations, governments have committed to taking action on food systems and nutrition. Government intervention in this space will necessarily intersect trade and health policy. This Practitioner Commentary considers the implications for policymakers in the trade and health communities. We argue that there is an opportunity for ‘soft guidance’ to play an important role in helping governments navigate potential tensions between trade and nutrition policies.

A practitioner's commentary on Louhiala-Salminen et al. (2005): Tackling BELF communication challenges in cross-border mergers and beyond

Based on the findings of English as a lingua franca in Nordic corporate mergers: Two case companies, speakers in international mergers who use BELF face communication challenges that result from two main sources. The first one is related to the speakers’ performance in English and includes language use and communicative practices. The second source refers to how speakers apply their sets of cultural values and beliefs in their discourse. By applying a framework of communication skills and coaching style activities the trainer can help learners develop a balanced discourse and build trust with their counterpart. These activities can further be applied in cultural transformation processes where speakers encounter similar challenges.

How Would I Have Taught It? The Urgency of Teaching Current Social Movements Now: Practitioner Commentary

Abstract: This essay addresses challenges and possibilities for interdisciplinary teaching in secondary schools of current social movements as they are unfolding. The effective teaching of current social movements presents challenges due to the rigid departmentalization of academic disciplines, the unpredictability of how a movement will develop, and the controversial nature of current issues. The urgent need, though, to teach the movements far outweighs the difficulties and risks. In focus are six current movements: gun rights/control, anti-racism, gender equality and feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, labor, and climate justice. For each of these the author raises questions, explains the urgent need to teach it directly and intentionally, highlights examples of current or recent teachings/resources, and poses possibilities for further interdisciplinary collaborations. The conclusion revisits the urgency of teaching these and additional current movements as they are developing.

Policy Approaches Addressing the Ongoing Humanitarian and Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Weapons: A Commentary

AbstractThe 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) not only bans nuclear weapons, it obligates its states parties to engage in assisting victims and remediating contaminated environments (Articles 6 and 7). As states and civil society consider the best methods to implement these provisions, it is important to take stock and review existing policy approaches addressing the ongoing humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons. This practitioner commentary, written by members of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which was awarded the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its advocacy for the TPNW, reviews existing programs of victim assistance and environmental remediation. It highlights key considerations for policy makers seeking to improve on the existing mechanisms.

Комментарий к статье Ч.И. Паренте, Р.М. Ципан, Р.Л. Хендрена «Интеграция помощи людям с РАС: коморбидные состояния в психиатрии и комплексная терапия»

A child psychiatrist practitioner commentary on an article «Integrating Treatment for Autism: Psychiatric Comorbidities and Comprehensive Treatment» by american clinical investigators published in the current issue of the journal. The commentary refers to the similarities and differences in the medical approaches to the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Russia and in the United States. The issue of the need for drug therapy in the treatment protocol for autism in childhood is specifically addressed. Differences in the clinical recommendations of psychiatrists of both countries on the use of certain antipsychotics therapy are considered. It is concluded that an integrated approach to treatment and a reasonable combination of drug and non-drug methods due to the existing gaps in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD are necessary

Blockchain, Tokenization, and Implications for Financial Services Practitioners

Blockchain technology represents perhaps the most powerful and transformative technology to enter the financial services landscape in the last several decades according to both practitioner commentary and academic research. While much has been written and analyzed about blockchain terminology and definitions, however, more recent applications and developments potentially hold more both challenges and opportunities for the financial services industry. This research examines the area of tokens, tokenization of physical assets, and the implications this continued shift and development has for both practitioners and academics. Lastly, and after examining implications of blockchain in general for the profession, key questions and considerations are presented for practitioner consideration moving forward. Written with both practitioners and academics in mind, this research covers emerging topics of concern, and recommends possible steps toward resolving several outstanding questions in the blockchain space.

PRACTITIONER COMMENTARY

PRACTITIONER COMMENTARY

PRACTITIONER COMMENTARY

PRACTITIONER COMMENTARY

Exploring the scope of science advice: social sciences in the UK government

AbstractScience advice is normally seen in the context of physical science advice, and in particular in relation to the institutional position of “Chief Scientific Advisor” (CSA). This is true for the academic literature covering the science-policy interface, public administration, science and technology studies as well as most practitioner commentary. Very little literature exists on the provision of social science advice for public policy, insofar as this is framed in terms of individuals providing expertise within an institutional setting and role, as opposed to the provision of (social science) evidence within “evidence-based policy-making” or similar. This focus on the science advice has thus shaped the understanding of what a science advisor does, and what skills and expertise they are providing. Conventionally, this comprises an emphasis on significant knowledge in an area of expertise, a level of seniority and “eminence” to enable that knowledge to be influential and a degree of independence from those tasked with making policy decisions. Social science advice exists in the UK national policy-making context, but the mode of operation places a different emphasis and role on those providing such advice. I explore the nature of this role, using the conventional idea of the CSA as a point of departure to foreground points of similarity and difference. This exploration reveals a broader operating space for science advice than is conventionally understood and foregrounds particular tensions between relevance and influence, on the one hand, and scientific objectivity and independence, on the other. This article is published as part of a thematic collection dedicated to scientific advice to governments.

Non‐Nuclear Weapons States Must Lead in Shaping International Norms on Nuclear Weapons: A Practitioner Commentary

AbstractNuclear weapons States continue to defy their responsibilities for achieving nuclear, as well as general and complete, disarmament while they simultaneously hold non‐nuclear States to their non‐proliferation commitments. Costa Rica is part of that non‐nuclear armed majority. We take a firm stand that the lack of legal prohibition of nuclear weapons constitutes a legal anomaly among weapons of mass destruction. As such, Costa Rica is committed to encouraging negotiations towards a treaty establishing new legal obligations to ban nuclear weapons once and for all. The time has come for a new era of nuclear politics in which the non‐nuclear majority of States can lead the way in charting the course towards a non‐nuclear world.

Foregrounding Justice in Nuclear Disarmament: A Practitioner Commentary

AbstractInjustice and inequity are fundamental to the possession of nuclear weapons. But these concepts have not been at the forefront of mainstream discourse surrounding these weapons, which has instead focused on concepts of ‘deterrence’, ‘strategic stability’, and ‘national security’. The Humanitarian Initiative (see the introductory essay in this Special Section for background) recaptures ground in terms of how nuclear weapons are discussed and perceived internationally. The reemergence of a focus on the physical effects of a nuclear weapon detonation has initiated a process of stigmatising these weapons. But this changing discourse, in order to effectively lead to the elimination of nuclear weapons, also requires the recognition that nuclear weapons represent an elite threat of terror and perpetuate inequity between countries, with broader implications for humanity. Arguments about injustice help unmask additional aspects of the unacceptability of nuclear weapons. Within this broader critique, gender analysis is crucial, helping to illuminate and challenge structures of power that sustain nuclear weapons. This is not a theoretical exercise. It has practical implications for pursuing the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons. A gender perspective challenges governments and people to act on moral, ethical, humanitarian, legal, political, and economic grounds without waiting for those benefiting from the status quo.

The Road Forward for the Arms Trade Treaty: A Civil Society Practitioner Commentary

type=graphical xml:id=gpol12172-abs-0001> Ultimately, effective implementation will require political will, commitment and learning from other processes

The Central Arctic Ocean: Another Global Commons

Global PolicyVolume 3, Issue 1 p. 82-84 Special Section: Practitioner Commentary The Central Arctic Ocean: Another Global Commons J. Ashley Roach, J. Ashley RoachSearch for more papers by this author J. Ashley Roach, J. Ashley RoachSearch for more papers by this author First published: 27 January 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-5899.2011.00149.xCitations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume3, Issue1February 2012Pages 82-84 RelatedInformation

A practitioner's commentary

I have been delivering the flexible family work approaches outlined in this supplement at Aquarius for the past 8 years. Aquarius is an English Midlands-based addictions charity working with people who have problems with alcohol, drugs, or gambling and supporting their family members/concerned others. I have been a practitioner participating in the Involving Family Members Action Research Project 2002–2004, whilst at the North Birmingham Aquarius team [Orford, J., Templeton, L., Copello, A., Velleman, R., Ibanga, A., & Binnie, C. (2009). Increasing the involvement of family members in alcohol and drug treatment services: The results of an action research project in two specialist agencies. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 16, 1–30; and see Orford, J., Templeton, L., Copello, A., Velleman, R., & Ibanga, A. (2010). Working with teams and organizations to help them involve family members. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 17(S1), 156–166]. I am now a service manager and part of the action research team for Involving Family Members across the Organization developing family-focused work across the whole of the Aquarius organization. In this chapter, I will outline some of the barriers to more family-focused work, offering the view that in practice these initial concerns about family-focused work do not need to be barriers. I will also provide some strategies to overcome some of these barriers. I will then outline what I see as the main benefits I have experienced as a practitioner in implementing family-focused work.

Practitioner Commentary on Toth B, Muir Gray JA, Fraser V, Ward R. National electronic Library for Health: progress and prospects. Health Libraries Review 2000, 17, 46–50*

Practitioner Commentary on Toth B, Muir Gray JA, Fraser V, Ward R. National electronic Library for Health: progress and prospects. <i>Health Libraries Review</i> 2000, 17, 46–50*

Practitioner Commentary on: Hoppenbrouwer, J. &amp; Kanyengo, C.W. Current access to health information in Zambia: a survey of selected health institutions. Health Information and Libraries Journal 2007, 24, 246–256

Practitioner Commentary on: Hoppenbrouwer, J. &amp; Kanyengo, C.W. Current access to health information in Zambia: a survey of selected health institutions. <i>Health Information and Libraries Journal</i> 2007, 24, 246–256