Strategic Intent Research Articles

What does 'co-production' look like for food system transformation? Mapping the evidence across Transforming UK Food Systems (TUKFS) projects.

Co-production is a collaborative way of working which emphasises the exchange of diverse forms of knowledge in an equal partnership for equal benefits. Co-produced research is a key strategic aim of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Transforming UK Food Systems (TUKFS) Strategic Priorities Fund; this research programme brings together researchers, policymakers, industry and communities to create positive change in the way food is produced, accessed and consumed. However, more generally, there are diverse understandings of co-production and a lack of consensus on what 'good practice' looks like. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and map examples of co-production methods employed across the TUKFS programme. Two creative workshops (n = 15 participants), conversations with TUKFS researchers and stakeholders (n = 15), and systematic analysis of project documents were used to critically explore co-production activities within six TUKFS projects. A range of co-production activities were identified. Findings highlighted areas of 'messiness' and complexity, challenges associated with applying co-production approaches and practical solutions. Four key shared principles for co-production were identified: (1) Relationships: developing and maintaining reciprocity-based partnerships; (2) Knowledge: recognising the contribution of diverse forms of expertise; (3) Power: considering power dynamics and addressing imbalances; and (4) Inclusivity: ensuring research is accessible to all who wish to participate. Opportunities for reflection and reflexivity were considered crucial across all these areas. Findings contribute important insights towards a shared conceptual understanding of co-production for food system transformation research. This paper makes recommendations for researchers, practitioners, academic institutions and funders working in this area of research and practice.

An Obvious Plant: Craig Williamson’s Role in Sabotaging the Anti-Apartheid Struggle

This article examines the career of the South African undercover agent Craig Williamson in the 1970s and 1980s, arguing that the violent acts of men like Williamson must be analysed in terms of the broader strategic aims of the Security Police in the maintenance of apartheid. This means, first, that we must look beyond the smokescreen of Williamson’s notoriety and begin to see Williamson as he was – an operative, working alongside many others, within a vast repressive apparatus. Second, we must analyse the entirety of Williamson’s career and not only the crimes for which he is most infamous. Most of Williamson’s career was spent not as a murderer but as an undercover agent, sabotaging the anti-apartheid struggle through the control and misappropriation of movement funds and through subtle interventions at the ideological level. Williamson’s contributions to counter-insurgency strategy and organisational sabotage are significant in and of themselves and must be analysed by scholars. In this vein, this article offers a glimpse into the parallel and overlapping worlds of the African National Congress (ANC) underground in Botswana and Craig Williamson’s time in Geneva working undercover as the deputy director of the International University Exchange Fund (IUEF).

About Magic, Music and Lobby

The work presents particular views and expert perspectives from the author regarding the lobbying activity, tracing correlations and highlighting synergies and similarities derived from two other complex fields of knowledge that also blend science and art: magic and music. It aims to foster reflections and bring insights for both academics and practitioners in the Institutional and Government Relations arena with strategic intents.

Cost Evaluation for Capacity Planning Based on Patients’ Pathways via Semi-Markov Reward Modelling

In the present paper, we develop a non-homogeneous semi-Markov reward model, deriving expressions for a healthcare system’s expected structure along with the expected costs generated by medical services and patients’ holding times in the states. We provide a novel definition and investigation for states’ availability, which is critical for capacity planning based on service demand in an environment of limited resources. The study is based on patients’ mobility through hospital care, where each patient spends an amount of time in every state of the hospital (emergency room, short-term acute care, hospitalization, surgery room, and intensive care unit). Multiple outcomes, such as discharge or death, can also be taken into account. We envisage a situation where any discharges are immediately replaced by a number of new admissions that carry on the pathways of the patients who exit. By assuming an expanding system, the new idea of states’ inflows is considered due to new patients who create pathways through hospital care, along with internal entrances. The theoretical results are illustrated numerically with simulated hospital data informed by aggregated public data of the Greek public health sector. The framework can be used for both strategic planning and cost evaluation purposes for hospital resources.

Model city failure: New Haven and limits to the entrepreneurial state

ABSTRACT This paper critically examines the concept of the entrepreneurial state by focusing on the case study of New Haven, Connecticut, during the mid-20th century. We delve into the ambitious urban development efforts spearheaded by Mayor Richard Lee and his administration. In particular, we examine the construction of the Chapel Square Mall as a response to urban decline with the hope it would stimulate economic growth. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical records, political dynamics, and the socioeconomic context of New Haven, we highlight the inherent challenges and limitations faced by local governments in acting as entrepreneurs. Our findings reveal that despite the strategic intentions to revitalize the city and foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem, the project ultimately resulted in substantial financial losses, displacement of communities, and failed urban planning ambitions. This case study underscores the complexities of state entrepreneurship at the local level, where political motives, limited information, and the pursuit of voter support can diverge significantly from entrepreneurial objectives, leading to outcomes that are detrimental to both the city’s economic health and its residents. By comparing New Haven’s experience with broader critiques of the entrepreneurial state, this paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of the potential and pitfalls of government-led economic development initiatives.

Defining Strategic Environmental Goals and Objectives for the Management of Deep-sea Mining Operations in the Seabed Beyond National Jurisdiction

After the inconclusive second part of the 28th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in July 2023, there were concerns that the ISA would start accepting exploitation applications for deep-sea mining in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction (the Area) with neither a full regulatory framework in place nor a general policy related to the conservation of our marine environment. Currently, the environmental management of deep-sea mining by the ISA is cursory and lacks strategic aims regarding the preservation of deep-sea ecosystems. This makes the ISA unable to fulfill its environmental stewardship mandate as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. To overcome this inability, we propose that the ISA defines Strategic Environmental Goals and Objectives by carrying out a Strategic Environmental Assessment of deep-sea mining in the Area, with broader stakeholder engagement and considerations for cumulative and long-term effects. This will allow the ISA to develop the first strategic environmental policy for the Area under its jurisdiction to protect deep-sea ecosystems.

Rigid frameworks or flexible approaches? The debate on employee engagement measurement in organisational contexts

PurposeThis strategic commentary aims to examine the benefits and drawbacks of rigid frameworks versus flexible approaches to measuring employee engagement, arguing for a hybrid model that incorporates the best of both to better correspond with organisational subtleties and strategic goals.Design/methodology/approachThis study compares the standardised, benchmarking capabilities of inflexible frameworks such as Gallup’s Q12 to the adaptability and customisation potential of flexible approaches. It emphasises the creation and implementation of a hybrid methodology that preserves the integrity of engagement measurement while also incorporating organisational-specific insights.FindingsDespite their different benefits, rigid frameworks may neglect distinct organisational cultures, whereas completely flexible techniques may suffer with measuring consistency. A hybrid model, which combines core standardised questions and unique items, provides a balanced solution for improving the relevance, actionability and reliability of engagement data across dynamic organisational landscapes.Originality/valueThe discussion culminates with the proposal of a hybrid measurement strategy as a strategic innovation in human resource management. By combining scientific rigour and contextual sensitivity, this model provides a nuanced roadmap for organisations looking to thoroughly understand and effectively negotiate the complexity of employee engagement in an evolving work environment.

The first modern health communication campaign in Europe: explicit and implicit strategic intents

PurposeThe main aim of this article is to broaden the notion of strategic intent in public relations. It also develops an understanding of the social value of what can be defined as the first modern health communication campaign in Europe based on strategic intents and the development of modernity.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on both historical research and empirical material from the Norwegian tuberculosis campaign from 1889 up to 1913, when Norwegian women achieved suffrage. The campaign is analysed in the framework of modernity and social theory. The literature on lobbying and social movements is also used to develop a theoretical framework for the notion of strategic intent.FindingsThe study shows that strategic intent can be divided into two layers: (1) the implicit strategic intent is the real purpose behind the communication efforts, whereas (2) the explicit intent is found directly in the communication efforts. The explicit intent may be presented as a solution for the good of society at the right political moment, giving an organisation the possibility to mobilise for long-term social changes, in which could be the implicit intent.Originality/valueThe distinction between explicit and implicit strategic intent broadens our understanding on how to make long-term social changes as well as how social and political changes occur in modern societies. The article also gives a historical account of what is here defined as the first modern health communication campaign in Europe and its social value.

Shaping nature outcomes in corporate settings.

Transnational companies have substantive impacts on nature: a hallmark of living in the Anthropocene. Understanding these impacts through company provision of information is a precursor to holding them accountable for nature outcomes. The effect of increasing disclosures (of varying quality) is predicated on 'information governance', an approach that uses disclosure requirements to drive company behaviour. However, its efficacy is not guaranteed. We argue that three conditions are required before disclosures have the possibility to shape nature outcomes, namely: (1) radical traceability that links company actions to outcomes in particular settings; (2) developing organizational routines, tools and approaches that translate strategic intent to on-the-ground behaviour; and (3) mobilizing and aligning financial actors with corporate nature ambitions. While disclosure is key to each of these conditions, its limits must be taken into account and it must be nested in governance approaches that shape action, not just reporting. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bringing nature into decision-making'.

Enhancing HR Technology Through Traceability and Auditing: Navigating Challenges and Legal Complexities for Operational Efficiency

This comprehensive study emphasizes the crucial need for holistic Human Resources (HR) management systems. These systems should ensure transparency, traceability, and alignment with strict regulatory standards, promoting organizational growth. The study highlights the essential role of time and attendance systems in managing hourly employees, ensuring compliance with wage laws and efficient payroll processes. By examining recent legal issues, including class-action lawsuits and key Supreme Court decisions, it illuminates the complex legal framework surrounding HR technology. The study promotes a solution-focused approach, advocating for improvements in data integrity, user interface design, and system interoperability. Additionally, it underlines the importance of including robust reporting and analytics features in time and attendance systems. These suggested strategic changes aim to reduce compliance liabilities, increase productivity, improve data retention practices, and promote a streamlined, legally compliant HR operational framework. This research plays a pivotal role in contributing to the ongoing discourse about enhancing technological infrastructures within Human Resources (HR). It provides insightful perspectives and robust data, serving as a valuable resource for HR professionals, leaders, and decision-makers. The ultimate objective of this study is to attain unparalleled operational excellence and rigorous legal compliance. This not only elevates the standard of HR management systems to new heights but also paves the way for future advancements in this critical field. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, this research can inspire the development of more efficient, effective, and legally compliant HR management systems.

The approach to developing Ireland's first national health protection strategy and lessons learnt, December 2021 to October 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of strengthening health protection worldwide. To address this as a public health priority in Ireland, between December 2021 and October 2022 the first national Health Protection Strategy (2022-2027) for the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) was developed. We describe the approach taken to develop a first national health protection strategy for Ireland, and highlight the key lessons learned. Key steps in strategy formation included detailed stakeholder analysis, exploration of the context for the strategy and development of a comprehensive consultation plan. Two stakeholder consultation workshops were held. The first focused on defining strategic vision, aim and objectives, the second verified objectives and identified enablers. A subsequent e-consultation invited feedback from wider stakeholders. The published strategy outlines 10 strategic objectives and 11 enablers. Key lessons identified from the strategy development process include the importance of clear leadership and oversight, the value of identifying the context for change, ensuring adequate consultation planning, taking a multidisciplinary approach with strong stakeholder engagement and the need to maintain a strategic perspective. Lessons from our experience can support colleagues internationally to strategically set out their priorities for health protection beyond COVID-19.

A Smart Leader in VUCA World: Presenting Key Components of Strategic Leadership Using SLR Method

The current study compiles and summarizes the key findings of the researches conducted on strategic leadership to meet VUCA world’s demand for organizational excellence, sustainable growth, competitive advantages and people centric approach using SPAR-4-SLR protocol technique. Reputed international journals of ABDC A*, A & B ranking are referred to extract corresponding findings of quality research articles on strategic intents of progressive and transformational leadership. Using SLR method the study tries to collate relevant evidences based upon ‘systematic procedures and rationales’ disclosing key parameters of smart leadership required in today’s dynamic business world. Here, ‘smart’ word refers to a ‘learnt leader through experience’ than ‘a trained leader in a business school’. With the help of ‘Systematic Literature Review (SLR)’ technique, the study finds ‘idealized influence (4 component), intellectual stimulation (2 factors), individual consideration (4 factors) and inspirational motivation (4 factors) are identified as the key components of a strategic leadership in today’s VUCA world. The research also presents four elements of a smart leader viz. social intelligence, emotional intelligence, professional wisdom and spiritual intelligence.

The Evolution of Crisis Frames in the European Commission’s Institutional Communication (2003–2022)

Historical accounts of the EU recurrently turn to crisis as a periodizing or structuring concept, reflecting the observation made by scholars that crisis has become a permanent feature of the social construction of our social and political reality. The concept of crisis can also be exploited for strategic purposes by political actors pursuing various policy agendas. Our article analyzes the discursive uses of crises by one of the central institutions of the EU, the European Commission, based on a corpus of press releases that referred to crisis (<em>N = </em>4,414) going back two decades (2003–2022). Thus, our article examines crisis as a political language and its discursive uses. We ask: (a) how salient is the topic of “crisis” in the European Commission’s communication; (b) what are the main domains in which the crisis frame has been activated, from geographical scope to policy areas; (c) how did the deployment of crisis frames change in time along major policy areas like economy, migration, or climate change; and (d) in what terms has the crisis-frame been activated, and how does crisis word use vary by region and policy area. Methodologically, we pursue these research questions using text-as-data methods, combining natural language processing tools for identifying geographical scopes, actors, and policy areas with corpus methods for identifying keywords and collocates and manually coding the latter, relying on qualitative and quantitative reasoning. Our research contributes to understanding the dynamics of EU policy framing in times of crisis.

Studying sports and exercise in England: exploring Level 5 students’ lived experiences of the barriers to their progression and attainment

This discussion piece is a summary of an investigation into the perceived barriers to progression and attainment in Level 5 sport and exercise students (SPO). The study aimed to contribute to the University of Northampton's (UON) strategic aims concerning access and participation, progression, retention and achievement. Using semi-structured interviews it investigated student interpretations of barriers to their progression and attainment. The study aimed to contribute to the gaps identified in the university's Access and Participation Plan (APP). The APP identifies characteristics that are more likely than others to, individually and in combination, impact attainment and progression in university. The APP specifically details access, non-continuation, attainment and progression. Furthermore, it highlights the at-risk groups: Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) students, mature students, disabled students and care leavers. The results of this investigation reveal a complex set of circumstances that contribute to progression, attainment and learning at university. These include balancing external commitments, access to and use of support services, and the need for teaching staff to be approachable and empathetic.

Upaya Mengembangkan Kurikulum Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Di Era Globalisasi

In the era of globalization, educational institutions such as Madrasah Ibtidaiyah are faced with the challenge of maintaining Islamic and traditional values. This qualitative research investigates Madrasah Ibtidaiyah's efforts to face globalization by strengthening the integration of Islamic values in the curriculum, promoting local culture, community participation, and teacher training. With a balanced approach between global and local values, Madrasah Ibtidaiyah has the potential to maintain the integrity of students' Islamic identity and traditional culture. These strategic steps aim to prepare students to face global challenges while adhering to the values they profess. Through the development of forward-looking strategies, it is hoped that Madrasah Ibtidaiyah can become an effective agent in promoting education rooted in Islamic values and strengthening social cohesion amidst global dynamics.

Market context matters: the impact of corporate diversification on REIT performance in Malaysia and Singapore

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of corporate diversification and growth opportunities on the performance of real estate investment trusts (REIT) in Malaysia and Singapore before and during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consists of 33 public-listed REITs across Singapore and Malaysia. A dynamic panel system generalized method of moments (DPS-GMM) estimation is used to account for unobservable factors and a relatively short sample period (2009–2022).FindingsResults indicate that the impact of diversification is contingent on the market where the REIT is based and other institutional factors. The estimates also show that diversified REITs are better able to weather period of economic uncertainty.Practical implicationsWe provided a definitive answer as to why corporate diversification leads to conflicting outcomes – market and institutional factors, strategic intent and the overall economic environment. We also show that the impact of typical firm controls (i.e. free cash, size) can differ. Future firm-level work should thus study similar phenomenon more contextually and carefully consider these varying effects.Originality/valueThe literature is divided on the impact of diversification on firm performance. By using a two-country sample, we show conclusive evidence that this contradictory outcome is due to market and institutional factors. We also show evidence that strategic intent is an important factor that influences the outcomes of diversification, regardless of market. We also infer that excess cash aids the resilience of the firm, contrary to the negative perception of excess cash during normal times. Firm size, in contrast, does not contribute to firm performance during a crisis.

Navigating academic excellence: Understanding how university vision impacts staff effectiveness

Vision statements are seen as important factors that come before the development of strategies. They excel at encapsulating the strategic direction of a company, clearly defining its scope, boundaries, and the process of creating value. Vision statements function as comprehensive frameworks that guide the development of several strategic elements, including mission, strategic capabilities, strategic intent, objectives, goals, core values, standards of behavior, and business models. However, research on this subject remains scanty, particularly within academia. Therefore, this study examined the impact of university vision on staff effectiveness, building on transformational leadership theory and strategic leadership theory. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy. The research employed a cross-sectional study design. This study employed a descriptive research design. Questionnaires were devised by the researcher to collect data from a randomly selected group of 186 academic personnel from the four colleges in a private university using stratified sampling. The data obtained was subject to validity checks using composite reliability, the average variance extracted (AVE) estimate, and the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. The findings reveal that the vision of the university had a significant but weak impact on the effectiveness of staff. Based on the findings and conclusions, the study suggests that the university’s organizational vision should be consistently improved and effectively conveyed to staff members to direct their efforts toward achieving the university’s vision.

Strategic Intent: A Conceptual Approach

Strategic Intent is an active management process representing an organization’s succinct and cohesive vision of its aspired direction of growth. Firms may have one central vision but many multiple intents. Intense competition and rapid technological changes require managers to continually review and refine the nature of their strategic intentions. The proposed conceptual model seeks to generate robust avenues and directions for researchers to improve the theory and inform practice. The research propositions integrate the top management team with intrapersonal and dominant functional diversity to examine Strategic Intent from multiple perspectives.

Identification of the strategic intents in Iranian public schools

what has been felt for years in the field of education planning and management is the evaluation of clear, accurate planning, measurement, strategy and evaluation for the future. In the field of very complex activities that today's organizations determine the influencing factors, the speed of change and transformations, organizations need strategic planning and strategic management and identification of strategic intent in order to achieve long-term success and survival.This article identifies the strategic intents of developing public schools and prioritizing them.The statistical population of current study includes the experts who are aware of the strategic and educational planning, education management and public schools of Iran. Using judgmental sampling, 20 experts were selected as samples.The methodology is a mix of Delphi-survey method. According to the stages of study, using Delphi method, the strategic intents of developing public schools were first identified. Then, through Freidman test, the identified strategic intents were prioritized. The used tools to gather data is researcher made questionnaire. 44 identified strategic intents for developing public schools were categorized in three dimensions of opportunism, growth seeking and futurism. The obtained results of study indicate that 1) prior strategic intents in dimensions of opportunism are “learners’ steps towards their talents”, “attention to the sustainable development” and “providing proper human resources for society”, 2) prior strategic intents in dimension of growth are “moving towards knowledge-based societies”, “the growth of culture, education and research” and “expanding and deepening the culture of research and evaluation” and 3) prior strategic intents in dimension of futurism include “creating the model of developmental education”, “approaching to the global development” and “modern and excellent Islamic civilization”

Do Firms Strategically Use Non-Earnings Press Releases

This study examines the strategic use of non-earnings press releases (NEPR) by firms experiencing poor financial performances. Utilizing a dataset from Naver.com, we classify news originating from press releases by applying deep-learning techniques and find that firms issue more NEPR in the fourth quarter following poor performance in the first three quarters. Market reactions to NEPR vary based on previous performance, suggesting investors recognize firms' strategic intention of these releases. This study emphasizes the need for market participants to assess the motives behind NEPR, especially from poor performing firms.