Volume 4, Issue 4, October 2011 Edition
Past Fame, Present Frames and Future Flagship?
An Exploration of How Health is Positioned in Canadian
Foreign Policy
Ronald Labonté, Vivien Runnels, and Michelle Gagnon
Abstract
Canada has been regarded as a model global citizen with firm commitments to multilateralism. It has also played important roles in several international health treaties and conventions in recent years. There are now concerns that its interests in health as a foreign policy goal may be diminishing. This article reports on a thematic analysis of key Canadian foreign policy statements issued over the past decade, and interviews with key informants knowledgeable of, or experienced in the interstices of Canadian health and foreign policy. It finds that health is primarily and increasingly framed in relation to national security and economic interests. Little attention has been given to human rights obligations relevant to health as a foreign policy issue, and global health is not seen as a priority of the present government. Global health is nonetheless regarded as something with which Canadian foreign policy must engage, if only because of Canada’s membership in many United Nations and other multilateral fora. Development of a single global health strategy or framework is seen as important to improve intersectoral cooperation on health issues, and foreign policy coherence. There remains a cautious optimism that health could become the base from which Canada reasserts its internationalist status.
Key words:global health; foreign policy; Canada; security; trade; development; human rights; global health diplomacy
Adolescents Influence in Family Decision Making
Sri. Rajesh Kumar Sain, Jaya Prakash Rath
Abstract
The primary purpose of studying consumer behavior is to understand why and how consumers make their purchase decisions. In all marketing decision making, it is relevant and important for any business to understand the consumer and his buying behavior. It is also important for any business to understand the consumer and his buying behavior. It is also important to understand how buying decisions are taken, as marketing starts with the analysis of consumer behavior. To gain a better understanding of the complex buying behavior, the marketers need to take the cues from the various disciplines, such as economics, psychological factors. The consumer behavior models describe to decision making or choice processes of consumer knowledge and how individuals and family units make consumption decision.
Key words: Behavior, Choice, Cues, Decision, Models
Indicators and Determinants of Small-Scale Bamboo Commercialization in Ethiopia
Tefera B. Endalamaw *, André Lindner and Jürgen Pretzsch
Abstract
Bamboo is an abundant resource in Ethiopia and has a great potential for commercialization, which can drive rural development. In view of these realities, this study analyzed the state and determinants of small-scale bamboo commercialization in Ethiopia. Data were collected from three major bamboo-growing districts (Awi, Sidama, and Sheka) and four urban centers (Masha, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, and Addis Ababa) via semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and questionnaire surveys with key actors along the value chain. Results revealed distinctive differences in proportion of cash income, value chain structure, and management engagement among the districts. Percentages of cash income were 60.15, 42.60, and 9.48 at Awi, Sidam, and Sheka, respectively. Differences were statistically significant between Sheka and both other districts (p = 0.05), but not between Awi and Sidama. The value chain structure showed that compared with Sheka, Awi and Sidama have a relatively large number of actors involved. The major factors explaining commercialization differences among regions were distance to market and presence of alternative forest products. Within Sheka, households with larger family size, higher education attainment, and access to training reportedly engaged more in commercial extraction. Therefore, we conclude that development of infrastructure for linking resource and consumer centers and expansion of extension education among producers may enhance the commercial engagement of producers and improve the accessibility of bamboo resources for commercial production.
Key words: cash income; value chain; management intensity; Awi; Sidama; Sheka
Entrepreneurial Idea Development to Business Start-Up: Teaching Methodological Approach
Mudashir Gafar, Rozilah Kasim, and David Martin
Abstract
The crucial issue on entrepreneurship training in the tertiary institutions of learning is teaching students how to develop innovative business idea to the business venture start-up stage. This is the ability of the students to develop ideas that are out of the theoretical teaching of the academic environment. Several scholars have acknowledged the suitability of conventional teaching application for student ability to memorize and repeat taught exercises. This article form the core principles of idea generation in the business start-up, recognition and feasibility of entrepreneurial idea generation in the students of tertiary institutions of learning, strategic approaches on how best to enable and facilitates business idea in the graduating collegians. The Business Team Project Partnership Program (BT-PPP) identified as a strategic teaching method for facilitating entrepreneurial idea generation. The BT-PPP is where collegians work together in a practical business reality programme for the purpose to establishment a business with the collaboration of guest entrepreneurs and representative from the industries. This research paper developed out of the surveys pilot study among the students of real estate students and facilities management students of Universitie Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), in 2012 business team projects partnership program (entrepreneurship education course). Uses SPSS statistical analysis tools analyzed the responses of the participant of the BT-PPP. The mean differential and paired-sample t-test analysis of the students’ response (n = 72) computed. The result shows that BT-PPP passed the suitability-fitness for motivating entrepreneurial idea generation, interaction and networking, entrepreneurial learning outcome (value creation). In addition, the pedagogical initiative positively impact entrepreneurial self-employment intention on the students of real estate and facilities management.
Key words: Business start-up, Entrepreneurship education, Idea development, Teaching approach, Self-employment intention
Developing an English Language Textbook Evaluative Checklist
Montasser Mohamed AbdelWahab
Abstract
In the selection of a new textbook, it is important to conduct an evaluation to ensure that it is suitable. Evaluation is widely acknowledged as a powerful means of improving the quality of education. There are three methods of evaluation that can be used for evaluating English Language Teaching (ELT) textbooks. An evaluative checklist is one of these methods that can be used to help select the most appropriate ELT textbooks for their learners. This paper presents an overall view of evaluating an ELT textbook with a focus on the instrument of a checklist. It tried to develop a valid, reliable and practical checklist. The paper refined checklists previously developed by different researchers. More specifically, the comments and suggestions given by a large number of TEFL professors helped the researcher improve the items of the checklist in reference to their clarity and inclusiveness. They were provided with a copy of the checklist. They were free to reword, delete or add items that they considered necessary. The findings are expected to be useful for English language teachers, ELT material developers and evaluators as well as curriculum developers. Further study is required to improve the instrument.
Key words: Evaluation, textbook evaluation checklists
Alcohol and Violence in the Emergency Room: A Review and Perspectives from Psychological and Social Sciences
Oulmann Zerhouni, Laurent Bègue, Georges Brousse, Françoise Carpentier, Maurice Dematteis, Lucie Pennel, Joel Swendsen, and Cheryl Cherpitel
Abstract
Our objective is to present a focused review of the scientific literature on the effect of alcohol consumption on violence related-injuries assessed in the emergency room (ER) and to show how psychological and behavioral sciences could lead to a better understanding of the factors contributing to alcohol-related injuries in the ER. We retrieved published literature through a detailed search in Academic Search Premier, MEDLINE with Abstract PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, PUBMed and SocINDEX with Abstract for articles related to emergency rooms, medical problems and sociocognitive models addressing alcohol intoxication articles. The first search was conducted in June 2011 and updated until August 2013. Literature shows that compared to uninjured patients; injured ones have a higher probability of: (i) having an elevated blood-alcohol concentration upon arrival at the ER; (ii) reporting having drunk alcohol during the six hours preceding the event; and (iii) suffering from drinking-related consequences that adversely affect their social life. The main neurocognitive and sociocognitive models on alcohol and aggression are also discussed in order to understand the aetiology of violence-related injuries in emergency rooms. Suggestions are made for future research and prevention.
Key words: alcohol; violence; injury; emergency room; aggression; social cognition
Attitudes towards Social Networking and Sharing Behaviors among Consumers of Direct-to-Consumer Personal Genomics
Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, Simone L. Vernez, K.E. Ormond and Mark Granovetter
Abstract
Little is known about how consumers of direct-to-consumer personal genetic services share personal genetic risk information. In an age of ubiquitous online networking and rapid development of social networking tools, understanding how consumers share personal genetic risk assessments is critical in the development of appropriate and effective policies. This exploratory study investigates how consumers share personal genetic information and attitudes towards social networking behaviors. Methods: Adult participants aged 23 to 72 years old who purchased direct-to-consumer genetic testing from a personal genomics company were administered a web-based survey regarding their sharing activities and social networking behaviors related to their personal genetic test results. Results: 80 participants completed the survey; of those, 45% shared results on Facebook and 50.9% reported meeting or reconnecting with more than 10 other individuals through the sharing of their personal genetic information. For help interpreting test results, 70.4% turned to Internet websites and online sources, compared to 22.7% who consulted their healthcare providers. Amongst participants, 51.8% reported that they believe the privacy of their personal genetic information would be breached in the future. Conclusion: Consumers actively utilize online social networking tools to help them share and interpret their personal genetic information. These findings suggest a need for careful consideration of policy recommendations in light of the current ambiguity of regulation and oversight of consumer initiated sharing activities.
Key words: genetic testing; direct-to-consumer; social networking; personalized medicine; disclosure of genetic risks
Ronald Labonté, Vivien Runnels, and Michelle Gagnon
Abstract
Canada has been regarded as a model global citizen with firm commitments to multilateralism. It has also played important roles in several international health treaties and conventions in recent years. There are now concerns that its interests in health as a foreign policy goal may be diminishing. This article reports on a thematic analysis of key Canadian foreign policy statements issued over the past decade, and interviews with key informants knowledgeable of, or experienced in the interstices of Canadian health and foreign policy. It finds that health is primarily and increasingly framed in relation to national security and economic interests. Little attention has been given to human rights obligations relevant to health as a foreign policy issue, and global health is not seen as a priority of the present government. Global health is nonetheless regarded as something with which Canadian foreign policy must engage, if only because of Canada’s membership in many United Nations and other multilateral fora. Development of a single global health strategy or framework is seen as important to improve intersectoral cooperation on health issues, and foreign policy coherence. There remains a cautious optimism that health could become the base from which Canada reasserts its internationalist status.
Key words:global health; foreign policy; Canada; security; trade; development; human rights; global health diplomacy
 [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
4.4.10.2011.1
|
Adolescents Influence in Family Decision Making
Sri. Rajesh Kumar Sain, Jaya Prakash Rath
Abstract
The primary purpose of studying consumer behavior is to understand why and how consumers make their purchase decisions. In all marketing decision making, it is relevant and important for any business to understand the consumer and his buying behavior. It is also important for any business to understand the consumer and his buying behavior. It is also important to understand how buying decisions are taken, as marketing starts with the analysis of consumer behavior. To gain a better understanding of the complex buying behavior, the marketers need to take the cues from the various disciplines, such as economics, psychological factors. The consumer behavior models describe to decision making or choice processes of consumer knowledge and how individuals and family units make consumption decision.
Key words: Behavior, Choice, Cues, Decision, Models
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
4.4.10.2011.2
|
Indicators and Determinants of Small-Scale Bamboo Commercialization in Ethiopia
Tefera B. Endalamaw *, André Lindner and Jürgen Pretzsch
Abstract
Bamboo is an abundant resource in Ethiopia and has a great potential for commercialization, which can drive rural development. In view of these realities, this study analyzed the state and determinants of small-scale bamboo commercialization in Ethiopia. Data were collected from three major bamboo-growing districts (Awi, Sidama, and Sheka) and four urban centers (Masha, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, and Addis Ababa) via semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and questionnaire surveys with key actors along the value chain. Results revealed distinctive differences in proportion of cash income, value chain structure, and management engagement among the districts. Percentages of cash income were 60.15, 42.60, and 9.48 at Awi, Sidam, and Sheka, respectively. Differences were statistically significant between Sheka and both other districts (p = 0.05), but not between Awi and Sidama. The value chain structure showed that compared with Sheka, Awi and Sidama have a relatively large number of actors involved. The major factors explaining commercialization differences among regions were distance to market and presence of alternative forest products. Within Sheka, households with larger family size, higher education attainment, and access to training reportedly engaged more in commercial extraction. Therefore, we conclude that development of infrastructure for linking resource and consumer centers and expansion of extension education among producers may enhance the commercial engagement of producers and improve the accessibility of bamboo resources for commercial production.
Key words: cash income; value chain; management intensity; Awi; Sidama; Sheka
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
4.4.10.2011.3
|
Entrepreneurial Idea Development to Business Start-Up: Teaching Methodological Approach
Mudashir Gafar, Rozilah Kasim, and David Martin
Abstract
The crucial issue on entrepreneurship training in the tertiary institutions of learning is teaching students how to develop innovative business idea to the business venture start-up stage. This is the ability of the students to develop ideas that are out of the theoretical teaching of the academic environment. Several scholars have acknowledged the suitability of conventional teaching application for student ability to memorize and repeat taught exercises. This article form the core principles of idea generation in the business start-up, recognition and feasibility of entrepreneurial idea generation in the students of tertiary institutions of learning, strategic approaches on how best to enable and facilitates business idea in the graduating collegians. The Business Team Project Partnership Program (BT-PPP) identified as a strategic teaching method for facilitating entrepreneurial idea generation. The BT-PPP is where collegians work together in a practical business reality programme for the purpose to establishment a business with the collaboration of guest entrepreneurs and representative from the industries. This research paper developed out of the surveys pilot study among the students of real estate students and facilities management students of Universitie Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), in 2012 business team projects partnership program (entrepreneurship education course). Uses SPSS statistical analysis tools analyzed the responses of the participant of the BT-PPP. The mean differential and paired-sample t-test analysis of the students’ response (n = 72) computed. The result shows that BT-PPP passed the suitability-fitness for motivating entrepreneurial idea generation, interaction and networking, entrepreneurial learning outcome (value creation). In addition, the pedagogical initiative positively impact entrepreneurial self-employment intention on the students of real estate and facilities management.
Key words: Business start-up, Entrepreneurship education, Idea development, Teaching approach, Self-employment intention
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
4.4.10.2011.4
|
Developing an English Language Textbook Evaluative Checklist
Montasser Mohamed AbdelWahab
Abstract
In the selection of a new textbook, it is important to conduct an evaluation to ensure that it is suitable. Evaluation is widely acknowledged as a powerful means of improving the quality of education. There are three methods of evaluation that can be used for evaluating English Language Teaching (ELT) textbooks. An evaluative checklist is one of these methods that can be used to help select the most appropriate ELT textbooks for their learners. This paper presents an overall view of evaluating an ELT textbook with a focus on the instrument of a checklist. It tried to develop a valid, reliable and practical checklist. The paper refined checklists previously developed by different researchers. More specifically, the comments and suggestions given by a large number of TEFL professors helped the researcher improve the items of the checklist in reference to their clarity and inclusiveness. They were provided with a copy of the checklist. They were free to reword, delete or add items that they considered necessary. The findings are expected to be useful for English language teachers, ELT material developers and evaluators as well as curriculum developers. Further study is required to improve the instrument.
Key words: Evaluation, textbook evaluation checklists
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
4.4.10.2011.5
|
Alcohol and Violence in the Emergency Room: A Review and Perspectives from Psychological and Social Sciences
Oulmann Zerhouni, Laurent Bègue, Georges Brousse, Françoise Carpentier, Maurice Dematteis, Lucie Pennel, Joel Swendsen, and Cheryl Cherpitel
Abstract
Our objective is to present a focused review of the scientific literature on the effect of alcohol consumption on violence related-injuries assessed in the emergency room (ER) and to show how psychological and behavioral sciences could lead to a better understanding of the factors contributing to alcohol-related injuries in the ER. We retrieved published literature through a detailed search in Academic Search Premier, MEDLINE with Abstract PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, PUBMed and SocINDEX with Abstract for articles related to emergency rooms, medical problems and sociocognitive models addressing alcohol intoxication articles. The first search was conducted in June 2011 and updated until August 2013. Literature shows that compared to uninjured patients; injured ones have a higher probability of: (i) having an elevated blood-alcohol concentration upon arrival at the ER; (ii) reporting having drunk alcohol during the six hours preceding the event; and (iii) suffering from drinking-related consequences that adversely affect their social life. The main neurocognitive and sociocognitive models on alcohol and aggression are also discussed in order to understand the aetiology of violence-related injuries in emergency rooms. Suggestions are made for future research and prevention.
Key words: alcohol; violence; injury; emergency room; aggression; social cognition
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
4.4.10.2011.6
|
Attitudes towards Social Networking and Sharing Behaviors among Consumers of Direct-to-Consumer Personal Genomics
Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, Simone L. Vernez, K.E. Ormond and Mark Granovetter
Abstract
Little is known about how consumers of direct-to-consumer personal genetic services share personal genetic risk information. In an age of ubiquitous online networking and rapid development of social networking tools, understanding how consumers share personal genetic risk assessments is critical in the development of appropriate and effective policies. This exploratory study investigates how consumers share personal genetic information and attitudes towards social networking behaviors. Methods: Adult participants aged 23 to 72 years old who purchased direct-to-consumer genetic testing from a personal genomics company were administered a web-based survey regarding their sharing activities and social networking behaviors related to their personal genetic test results. Results: 80 participants completed the survey; of those, 45% shared results on Facebook and 50.9% reported meeting or reconnecting with more than 10 other individuals through the sharing of their personal genetic information. For help interpreting test results, 70.4% turned to Internet websites and online sources, compared to 22.7% who consulted their healthcare providers. Amongst participants, 51.8% reported that they believe the privacy of their personal genetic information would be breached in the future. Conclusion: Consumers actively utilize online social networking tools to help them share and interpret their personal genetic information. These findings suggest a need for careful consideration of policy recommendations in light of the current ambiguity of regulation and oversight of consumer initiated sharing activities.
Key words: genetic testing; direct-to-consumer; social networking; personalized medicine; disclosure of genetic risks
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
4.4.10.2011.7
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