Emerald Publishing Limited

Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) has become the noun, verb, and adjective of the modern business era. Faced with societal and regulatory pressure, big business in America, Asia, and Europe has been forced to define and articulate ESG goals to combat climate change and save the planet. The only problem is that ESG has been captured by the PR hype machine as a few prominent business leaders make bold promises to save the planet but are vague about how they propose to achieve this. Eager to showcase their green credentials, companies are making all kinds of promises to reduce their carbon footprint and to play their part in reducing global warming and improving social outcomes. How to separate fact from fiction and exaggerated commitments from realistic goals?

Vasuki Shastry spent several years at the coal face itself – running ESG for a major international bank in the City of London – and argues that corporate cultures are too focused on the profit motive and quarterly business targets. Change can only really come through a paradigm shift for business which aligns business with social purpose. Getting there will require a corporate revolution which will disrupt and dislodge the ancien régime and usher in a new age of sustainable business. The author offers a solution in the form of a Climate Manifesto for Business that will Make Our Planet Great Again!

David R. Maines (1940-2021), one of the most important sociological scholars of the 20th and 21st centuries, constructed a vast area of research to advance the field of symbolic interactionism during his career. Highlighting the significance of Maines’ works in symbolic interactionism, Festschrift in Honor of David R. Maines documents his most celebrated areas of scholarship, including social structure, narrative sociology, social interaction, dialectic perspective, temporality, and mesostructure.

Including stories from individuals who knew Maines via kinship, friendship, or professional relationship, the chapters conclude with two new empirical studies to reflect Maines’ interest in continually advancing the field with cutting-edge research. The collection also features a list of Maines’ selected works for further reading to guide other symbolic interactionists in their research endeavors.

Volume 57 of Studies in Symbolic Interaction is a source of both consolation and celebration for those who knew David R. Maines, as well as those who have just begun to discover his inspiring work.

Winning through Platforms achieved #1 bestseller status, and is a Best Business Book Awards winner for 2024. It is your new go-to guide for modern competitive advantage.

Digital platforms are no longer for just the tech elite. They’re spreading to every company and industry, powered by the growth of customer sensors, streaming data, and artificial intelligence—lighting the valuable customer Use journey that was formerly dark.

How will you succeed when your markets get platform-crowded? Three senior advisers to the world’s leading technology companies reveal how to win through platforms when every competitor has one.

Winning Through Platforms decodes growth moves from a decade of platform competition, communicates them through a platform playbook. It’s a treasure trove of 24 proven platform strategies—such as customer coalition design, in-use enrichment, AI branding, and much more. These playbook strategies are delivered through engaging stories of over 50 companies, plus proprietary frameworks and workshop-style questions that lead you to act.

This game-changing playbook will teach you how to:

• Revitalize your business through strategic use of platforms
• Design platforms that are compelling to customers and hard for competitors to match
• Accelerate in-market growth through brand-and-demand excellence that spans your customer’s entire platform journey
• Innovate in high-impact benefit areas to differentiate your platform
• Elevate your customer’s personal platform experience
• Transform your enterprise and operations to drive superior performance

Every CEO, innovator, go-to-market leader, and aspiring professional will gain valuable insight through this book. Whether your company is just starting on its first platform journey or is a born platform disruptor, this book will transform your ability to win.

Learn the platform playbook. Find and apply your plays.

This book forms part of the American Marketing Association (AMA) leadership series.

Empirical Design in Structural Engineering explores the history, applicability and uses of empirical design. This book aims to show that empirical design is practised much more widely than is generally understood, that it can make a particularly valuable contribution to your structural engineering design, and that it can be found embedded within the procedures of rational engineering design. Through examples of practices from North America, Europe and Asia, the author investigates the capabilities of the key materials for structural engineering – steel, concrete, wood and masonry – and how they connect to engineering, especially the engineering of building structures.

This book also considers the value of prior experience in determining the configuration and size of designed structures including bridges, buildings and other structures. With case studies that focus on historic structures, forensic engineering and reinforced concrete, this book explores: philosophical empiricism and rationalism; engineering empiricism and rationalism; empirical builders and their products; contemporary building codes; ethical issues in the application of empirical design; and contemporary uses of empirical design.

This book will be of interest to any student or practising engineer interested in the role that empirical design can play in their project. It will have additional appeal to those interested in or engaged with architecture, construction management and buildings management..

Public Administration, Civic Engagement, and Spanish-Speaking Communities builds on the first bilingual (Spanish–English) special session at the National Academy of Public Administration’s 2022 Social Equity Leadership Conference. Expanding on the themes of that groundbreaking conversation, this interdisciplinary volume addresses the urgent need to center multilingual voices in the pursuit of social equity in public administration. It examines the lived experiences and systemic challenges faced by Spanish-speaking communities in the United States—from language and cultural barriers to generational divides and unequal access to technology—while also highlighting innovative approaches to inclusive service delivery and democratic participation.

With 31 contributors representing diverse identities and disciplines, this volume models walking the social equity talk. Most chapters are coauthored by teams of scholars, students, and practitioners at different career levels, bringing forward the voices of Spanish-speaking communities alongside allies and social equity champions.

Designed for faculty, students, researchers, and practitioners alike, the book offers both breadth and depth: each chapter can be read on its own, yet together they create a comprehensive portrait of civic engagement, governance, and social equity in Spanish-speaking contexts.

Humans are fundamentally social beings who crave belonging, mission, and meaning, especially at work. Drawing on the increasing prevalence of remote work in the post-pandemic era, this book asks how organizations can overcome workplace loneliness and create a sense of belonging.

Prioritizing the need to create authentic workplaces to promote inclusion and empower employees to feel comfortable being themselves, chapters present strategies for addressing workplace loneliness based on interviews with remote employees and an examination of successful organizational practices. How, contributors ask, have remote employees experienced workplace loneliness in their organization? What is the role of belonging in tackling this? How can leaders and HR practitioners foster this belonging among remote employees? How does social identity affect employees’ abilities to connect within their organization?

Rooted in real-world research and insights, Overcoming Workplace Loneliness envisions a world of work where all employees feel valued for their authentic selves and are able to experience the encouragement and comradery of office connection from the comfort of their homes. This pioneering book not only sheds light on workplace loneliness of remote employees, but also provides an in-depth literature review of workplace loneliness to inspire future research.

Acting as a follow up to Volume 41 of Studies in Symbolic Interaction (2013), Symbolic Interaction and Inequality explores further the concept of Radical Interactionism, a perspective of researching domination and subordination introduced by scholar Lonnie Athens.

Demonstrating advancements made in Radical Interactionism over the past decade, chapters examine the omnipresent and insidious nature of inequality as well as its social construction among family members, cisgender and gender-diverse people, as well as university students and personnel, particularly college athletes.

Highlighting fruitful accomplishments achieved by a range of symbolic interactionists, this volume exhibits the significance of studying inequality, a venture that not only enriches symbolic interactionism but human life as a whole.

As the record number of forcibly-displaced persons in the world continues to rise, more people of differing origins are sharing space and learning to live together. Prolonged displacement has turned into permanent resettlement and citizenship. To reflect this geopolitical transformation, education too must transform. Beyond Refuge explores abstractions, practicalities, impediments, and assets proffered by research participants to illustrate what an educational transformation should and could look like via a theoretical framework for emancipatory education of forcibly-displaced youth.

Interviews, focus groups, and participant observations gather data from participants across local, state, national, and international levels of educational influence, resulting in a collection of diverse perspectives. The results of Swisher’s study are presented in narratives and discussions upon which educational leaders can build. An emancipatory education of forcibly-displaced youth must begin with an examination of ourselves, our systems, and our societies and be sustained by leadership, policies, and practices based in love, empathy, listening, learning, and community.

A central text for the next steps in inclusive and equitable education, Beyond Refuge appeals to researchers, teachers, leaders, community figures and participants, and policymakers wanting to create lasting and impactful change in their local and national societies.

Have you ever known colleagues who the minute they stepped into the conference room, on stage, or onto the playing field, elevated the performance of everyone around them? Someone whose impact within the team could be seen in nearly everything that was said and done.

These individuals are catalysts - they spark excellence in the behavior and the performance of the entire team. 

The Catalyst Effect identifies the behaviors and skills needed to lead from wherever you are, regardless of your role or title. It describes powerful leadership and teamwork principles—12 clearly defined competencies, based on field research with professionals in business, sports, the arts, and non-profit organizations—that will elevate the performance of individuals, teams, and your entire organization. 

This essential guide will show you how to learn and practice these catalytic competencies and help your group and organization achieve greater success, improve team dynamics, and help teammates grow in stature while magnifying their value.

Over the course of more than 70 years, students of symbolic interactionism have demonstrated how a resourceful and conceptually rich perspective can generate variegated lines of research. However, many have expressed concerns over the sheer wealth and quantity of "lines of research" and the promotion of a "chaos" that lacks a cohesive focus on the fundamental issues, processes, and concepts that define the essence of symbolic interactionism.

Answering David Maines’ call for a forum to define and describe different lines of research, Volume 59 of Studies in Symbolic Interaction allows symbolic interactionists to demonstrate how and why their respective lines of research contribute to the quality and substance of symbolic interactionism. Examining key issues across their respective specializations, authors analyze their importance, historical development, and relevance to this field.

Seeking a concise and substantial vision of symbolic interactionism, Essential Issues in Symbolic Interaction manifests the crucial research endeavors and key elements that contribute to the vitality of the interactionist theoretical framework.

Sustainable development aspires to reduce current societal challenges by creating wealth for everyone within the limit of the planet productive capacity, in this way, ensuring that future generations can meet their own needs. This is largely because sustainable development refers to the “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Activists, corporations, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs and politicians must all be involved in achieving sustainable development.

Academics and policymakers have also recognized the potential of entrepreneurs for tackling current societal challenges with their businesses because entrepreneurs are able to fill the voids left by the other individuals and organizations. However, who are these entrepreneurs? How can they provide solutions and tackle current societal challenges with their business?

Exploring the transformative powers of sustainable entrepreneurs, How Entrepreneurs are Driving Sustainable Development also demonstrates how family, women and immigrant entrepreneurs can tackle current societal challenges, break inequalities and bring about change.

Business fluency is essential today for effective strategic communication. To fulfill the mandate of trusted counselors and advisors to executives and the C-suite, communication professionals must no longer just have excellent communication skills, but they must understand and speak the language of the business world. The challenge is that many communication graduates and professionals did not go to business school and do not hold an MBA.

Business Acumen for Strategic Communicators: The Workbook provides the essential practical learning needed to help upskill communication professionals into bona fide business leaders and advisors. Through briefs, exercises and discussion activities, readers will learn to analyze and interpret key business materials produced by companies and nonprofit organizations, including CEO letters, annual reports, financial statements, earnings releases, CSR, DEI and ESG reports, and more. A revised and expanded glossary is provided, as are answer keys for the exercises.

Drawing on the success of Ragas and Culp’s prior books, this innovative workbook offers hands-on learning opportunities to help put newly acquired business acumen knowledge into practice.

The Houston Chinatown’s dramatic transformation from a Chinese enclave decades ago to a continually expanding multiethnic boomtown today contrasts development stagnation in many other traditional American Chinatowns. This pioneer study delineates the evolution of Houston’s two Chinatowns, from the emergence and decline of Old Chinatown to the subsequent development and vibrant growth of New Chinatown – spanning nearly a century.

Zheng and Zou delve into the distinctive character of New Chinatown, underscoring its innovative progress that sets it apart from the nation’s oldest major Chinatowns, a quintessentially Houston story. They also probe the immigrant experience, political landscape, and socioeconomic dynamics that influenced the Chinatowns’ metamorphoses. Scanning the community’s collective response to the dire impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on New Chinatown, the chapters examine the latest development trends in the New Chinatown areas, shedding light on the extent to which they are upholding, or deviating from, traditional practices. Furthermore, the book explores the significance of these trends to the local community and beyond, alongside their wider implications.

Amidst the growth challenges encountered by numerous Chinatowns across America, this timely work offers insightful perspectives on a sustainable model for urban and community development, as demonstrated by the transformative journey of Houston’s New Chinatown.

The ebook edition of this title is Open Access and freely available to read online.

Over past decades, scholars and practitioners around the world observed an emergence of professionals, research managers and administrators (RMAs) who play an essential role in the advancement of academic research. RMAs have extensive knowledge of the research ecosystem, including funding opportunities, proposals, budgeting and pricing, ethics, open research, project management, finance, negotiation, strategy, systems, and assessment. Until now, limited efforts have been made to investigate RMAs in a cross-regional, comparative manner, or to understand the recent surge of the profession in a larger policy context.

Addressing this gap, an international group of experts share diverse perspectives to provide a comprehensive account of RMA as a profession, offer an analytical framework to understand their role in higher education and academic science. Covering countries in Africa, Australasia, East Asia and India, Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America, the work provides trans-cultural coverage of the profession. Drawing on theories from related fields, it also provides insights and understanding of RMAs as a social phenomenon.

The Emerald Handbook of Research Management and Administration Around the World is the most comprehensive book about practitioners working in research management and administration. The book provides basic knowledge for students and professionals considering a career in this field, and serves as reference material for policymakers as well as academic researchers. By presenting evidence-based observations from around the world and discussing global trends, this text promotes social awareness of RMAs, shares state-of-the-art knowledge on the profession, and offers insights into the future of academic research.

As society becomes increasingly digitized, the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds blur, giving rise to a dynamic fusion of art, culture, and creativity within the creative industries. In the realm of visual arts, VR and AR have sparked a renaissance of experimentation and expression. The influence of VR and AR extends beyond art, extending its transformative touch to fields like music, literature, and even cultural heritage preservation within the creative industries. The book introduces readers to the roots and evolution of VR and AR, exploring the pioneers, breakthroughs, and influential developments that have paved the way for their integration into everyday life.

The book includes case studies and real-world examples showcasing how these cutting-edge technologies have revolutionized cultural experiences within the creative industries. From virtual museums that transport visitors to distant historical eras, to augmented reality installations that merge digital art with physical spaces, the book uncovers a myriad of innovative applications within the fields of design, media, fashion, gaming, and more.

The profound societal implications of these technologies within the creative industries are examined in detail and the research addresses the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding VR and AR within the creative industries. The book culminates with a compelling vision of the future, exploring how these technologies are set to reshape culture and creativity within the creative industries in the years to come.

This volume explores education in the Deep South, with a focus on LGBTQ students and educators, and on queer theoretical perspectives in education. The topics in this volume include teaching LGBTQ issues and queer studies in the Deep South, educational policy and practice in the Deep South as related to queer issues, and efforts to introduce queer literature to libraries and queer collections to archives. Authors in this volume examine what realities exist in education in the U.S. South currently, and what possibilities might be imagined in the future.

Racism by Another Name: Black Students, Overrepresentation, and the Carceral State of Special Education is a thought-provoking and timely book that provides a landscape for understanding and challenging educational (in)opportunities for Black students who are identified for special education. This book provides a historical and contemporary analysis through the eyes of Black children and their families on how they navigate and push against inequitable schooling, ways they are reframing discourse about race, dis/ability, and gender in schools, how educators, administrators, and school counselors contribute to disproportionality in special education, and ways that parents are collectively organizing to dismantle injustices and the carceral state, or criminalization, of special education.

Each chapter provides a ground level view of what Black students with dis/abilities experience in the classroom, and examines how the intersection of race, dis/abilty, and gender subject Black students to dehumanizing experiences in school. This book includes qualitative and quantitative approaches to exploring the material realities of Black students who are isolated, whether in separate or general education classrooms. Drawing from Critical Race Theory, DisCrit, Critical Race Feminism, and other race-centered frameworks this book challenges dominant norms of schools that reinforce inequality and racial segregation in special education.

At the end of each chapter the authors present practitioner-based notes and resources for readers to expand their knowledge of how Black students, their family, and guardians advocate for themselves and their own children. This book will leave educational advocates for Black children with a clearer understanding of the obstacles and successes that they encounter when striving for a just and equitable education. Furthermore, the book challenges readers to be active agents of change in their own schools and communities.

The ebook edition of this title is Open Access and freely available to read online.

Racism remains a pervasive issue worldwide, affecting individuals and communities in both overt and subtle ways. In Norway, a country often seen as a model of equality, the challenges faced by Black individuals reveal the deep-seated nature of racial biases. This broader societal problem encompasses themes of white privilege, visibility, and systemic injustice, demanding urgent attention and action.

Too Black to Be Here? Exploring Racism in Norway through Four Critical Case Studies offers an authentic perspective on race in Norway from a Black-Norwegian academic, a voice rarely represented in the literature. Author Paul Thomas explores four high-profile cases: the murder of Benjamin Hermansen, which starkly exposes the deadly impact of unchecked racism; Anders Breivik’s attacks, highlighting the violent anxiety rooted in white supremacy; Sumaya Jirde Ali’s racial abuse, revealing the silence and complicity surrounding racial injustice; and Johanne Ihle-Hansen’s adoption case, examining the structural racism in adoption practices. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that draws from critical race theory, whiteness studies, post-structural, and postcolonial theories, this work provides a nuanced and thorough analysis of these issues, offering both a scholarly and personal narrative.

This important work is not only an academic inquiry but also a call to action, aiming to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Educators, policymakers, advocates, and anyone committed to racial justice and equity will find valuable insights to inspire meaningful change and promote racial literacy in the global context.

The rise of White nationalism has been a global phenomenon, drawing more attention to race and racism, and creating a heightened sense of White identity. As demographics in North America shift, White people are becoming increasingly aware of the racist structures and sentiments that have been embedded in society for centuries. While mainstream political rhetoric appears moderate on the surface, it also appeals to extremist views. There is an increase in hate speech and hate crime targeting members of equity-deserving groups.

White therapists and clients are overrepresented as counsellors and psychotherapists, while Indigenous, Black and People of Colour are significantly underrepresented. Multicultural counseling often tends to prioritize “others” from “different cultures”, while the training in multicultural practice crucial it tends to underemphasize systemic forces. Social justice considers power differentials and systemic contributors, but with a broad focus on anti-oppressive practice. Antiracist practice explicitly targets White supremacy and its effects on marginalized communities. There is relatively little written for White therapists about how they and their White clients can dismantle White supremacy.

Structural barriers rooted in White supremacy have a detrimental effect on all people, but the most disadvantaged are Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour. By drawing attention to this issue, and building support among White practitioners, Jason Brown aims to dismantle White supremacy in professional activities with clients, in the profession itself, and in public policy.

In a post-COVID-19 pandemic era of cost-of-living crises and global displacements of people due to conflicts and climate challenges, food poverty is a growing and ever-pressing issue across both the Global North and the Global South. Presenting a collection of cases drawn from higher education research, teaching and learning, as well as campus and community-based initiatives, Higher Education and SDG2 addresses food security, nutrition, sustainable and resilient agriculture, and ending hunger for all.

Featuring chapters and cases from Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Italy, Malawi, Northern Ireland, Peru, Turkey, the UK, the USA, Vietnam and Zimbabwe, this edited collection demonstrates the fundamental role Higher Education has in helping deliver Zero Hunger. The chapters cover education, research and community engagement initiatives that aim to address how this issue impacts the nations that face the most widespread and severe effects of hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition, and unsustainable food systems. Focusing on opportunities for Higher Education to positively influence academic, innovation, and policy agendas, this synthesis of global approaches is an inspirational call to action for increasing meaningful engagement by universities and colleges to address SDG2 Zero Hunger.

Higher Education and the Sustainable Development Goals is a series of 17 books that address each of the SDGs through the lens of higher education. Adopting a solutions-based approach, each book focuses on how higher education is advancing delivery of Agenda 2030. The series is edited by Wendy Purcell, Professor with Rutgers University and Academic Research Scholar with Harvard University; Emeritus Professor and University President Emerita.

Genderwashing is the process whereby organizational rhetoric differs from the lived experiences of workers, creating the myth of gender equity in the workplace. Genderwashing in Leadership considers how the process of genderwashing highlights hidden biases in organizational policies and procedures, and patriarchal cultural practices.

International scholars from diverse areas such as leadership, organizational studies, sociology, and education explore how genderwashing occurs from various perspectives, including leadership, power and privilege, identity, and career recruitment and selection. Uncovering epistemological assumptions that underpin and sustain genderwashing practices, the ways in which genderwashing intersects with embodiment and intersectionality and how genderwashing policies and practices restrict women’s advancement into leadership, the editors host a space for dialogue and debate.

The Transformative Women Leaders Series is published in collaboration between the International Leadership Association (ILA) and Emerald Publishing. Celebrating women leaders and the leadership styles they employ to achieve success, the books in this series highlight successful context-specific leadership approaches and the moral qualities of endurance.

Sustainable Water is a practical and accessible book for built environment professionals who play vital roles in creating and maintaining water services. It outlines a framework of fundamental principles, methodologies and approaches needed to deliver high quality, economical and sustainable infrastructure across the globe by approaching it from the time-limited, output-driven perspective of practical infrastructure engineers and practitioners. 

The applied examples from existent civil engineering projects identify the key sustainability issues and challenges for the water sector, their common principles and how these can be applied in practice.

As an invaluable resource Sustainable Water:

• Identifies the sector priorities for change to sustainability
• Uses the latest best practice
• Describes opportunities and methodologies with leading edge examples
• Discusses the barriers and potential ways to innovate
• Identifies opportunities and constraints
• Advises on the right questions to ask at each stage of project delivery

Sustainable Water identifies and applies the critical changes needed to provide more sustainable solutions, and to embed these into a tradition of excellent by delivering sufficient water through a good service, of the right quality and at an affordable cost, as straightforwardly as possible.

Modern day buildings are now expected to be low energy or near zero energy to reduce carbon emissions. A key step in making building low energy is to minimise heat transfer through the building fabric with insulation fabrics. However, how can a practitioner choose the most effective fabric for the job in hand? With so many thermal insulation materials on the market and each making claims associated with their performance, it is difficult for a specifier, contractor or an end user to select the insulation material most appropriate for a specific building project. Thermal Insulation Materials for Building Applications aims to address that problem.  

This book presents the variations, technical details and capabilities of state-of-the-art of thermal insulation materials for building applications. As a single source of information on all aspects of insulation materials, the reader can make an informed choice and select the necessary insulation accordingly.

Thermal Insulation Materials for Building Applications includes discussions on various properties of thermal insulation materials such as

• thermal conductivity
• heat capacity
•  moisture resistance
• moisture adsorption and absorption capacity
• role of thermal and hygric mass in dynamic hydrothermal boundary conditions
• sustainability with regards to insulation materials
• embodied and operational energy with regards to insulation materials
• bio-based and synthetic insulation materials
• durability of insulation materials
• acoustics and insulation materials and economics of insulation materials.

It is an essential purchase for any practitioner looking to understand and select the right modern thermal insulation materials for their building project.

Shell Structures in Civil and Mechanical Engineering, joint winner of the University of Cape Town Book Award for 2019, comprehensively covers the theories governing the membrane and bending behaviour of thin elastic shells. It applies these theories to obtain practical solutions for a wide variety of shell structures encountered in the civil and mechanical engineering disciplines. Through a detailed examination of the mathematical solutions, the treatment reveals important insights on the mechanics of the shell, allowing the designer to make more informed choices.

Shell Structures in Civil and Mechanical Engineering:

• presents a thorough discussion of the applicability and limitations of the membrane hypothesis in the context of the more general bending theory of shells
• develops the membrane and bending theories of shells, and presents a wealth of closed-form mathematical results for a wide range of shell structures, including junction problems
• includes design considerations and parametric findings for domes, shell roofs, cooling towers, pressure vessels, tanks, new shell forms for liquid containment and novel multi-shell assemblies
• presents the fundamentals of shell buckling and of finite element modelling of shells.

This new edition is intended for civil and structural engineers involved with the design of domes, architectural shell roofs, industrial barrel roofs, cooling towers, silos, elevated water reservoirs, liquid-containment structures at water treatment works, egg-shaped sludge digesters, oil-storage tanks, chemical storage vessels, and pipelines for water, oil and gas.

It will also be of interest to mechanical and industrial engineers involved with the design of pressure vessels, boilers, nuclear containment vessels and associated piping. The rigorous derivation of theory and inclusion of new findings will appeal to researchers and postgraduate students in these fields.

With easy-to-understand explanations of the basic concepts, Seismic Design of Foundations examines recent and worldwide research outputs and post-earthquake reconnaissance case studies, and offers practical means of applying them to the real world. Each case study also provides worked examples of new and innovative findings that reveal background information behind the codes of practice in various parts of the world as well as the lessons learned from recent large-scale earthquakes.

This book aims to

• explain the latest state-of-the-art research on seismic design of foundations and related issues
• breakdown and explain the codes of practice into easy-to-understand concepts
• showcase worked examples at the end of each chapter highlighting the concepts covered
• cover case studies from all over the world, including Japan, New Zealand, India and Taiwan amongst others.

Seismic Design of Foundations presents state-of-the-art information which will be ideal for any student studying postgraduate civil engineering or structural engineering as well as researchers and practitioners working in the field of earthquake geotechnical engineering.

Reservoir Management is the indispensable guide to managing all aspects of small to large reservoirs and dams. Reservoir managers now require a wealth of technical, environmental and legal knowledge alongside a background to key aspects of design, as well as safety know-how, in order to successfully manage their assets. There is also a need for reservoir managers to understand not just the technical fundamentals of reservoirs but to understand the impact they can have on the local environment. In this book, Andrew Pepper, with contributions from reservoir experts, covers all of the essential expertise and technical knowledge in one easy-to-read volume written with the practitioner in mind.

The book includes coverage of:

• the various functions which reservoirs perform
• roles and responsibilities of all involved in reservoir management
• hydrological and water quality aspects of reservoirs
• physical components and features of dams and reservoirs
• maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment
• ecology, amenity and recreation purposes of reservoirs
• reservoir safety
• incidents and emergencies
• sediment troubleshooting
• reservoir decommissioning.

This book will be an essential purchase for any reservoir manager, as well as for developers and designers looking to exercise good practice for the future management of new reservoirs.

A Guide to the Reservoirs Act 1975 provides expert guidance on the application of the Reservoirs Act 1975, reflecting the current views and practices of the dam engineering profession.

This fully updated second edition for reservoirs located in England incorporates the latest amendments introduced through the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, reflecting a more risk-based approach to reservoir regulation. The new edition also incorporates updates from the Water Act 2003.

Designing for Cycle Traffic compares and evaluates international principles and practices for designing for cycle traffic. It sets design for cycling in the wider context of public realm design, traffic planning, traffic engineering and traffic management. The book mainly draws on UK, Dutch, Danish and North American principles, and it enables readers to understand how effective design can create efficient transport systems that support economic vibrancy, social activity, and environmental sustainability. A key theme is that only distinct and separate provision for cycle traffic can ensure the creation of attractive and comfortable infrastructure for cyclists.

Coverage includes:

• principles for design to ensure inclusivity
• planning processes for cycle route networks 
• design approaches, including capacity calculations for links and junctions, roundabouts and crossings, and signal control
• modelling and level of service assessment approaches.
• each chapter is extensively illustrated, provides a concise overview of the topic, and includes an introductory overview and summary of chapter highlights.
• Written in an accessible style by an established international authority, Designing for Cycle Traffic is essential reading for students, designers and planners in the fields of traffic and highway engineering, spatial and transport planning, architecture and urban design.

Professional Perspectives on Banking and Finance is a collection of cutting-edge articles written by practitioners for practitioners. Addressing core topics such as risk management, corporate governance, and strategy, but with the emphasis on recent developments and their impact on the industry. These gathered chapters reflect a diverse global outlook, addressing issues of importance and relevance for all bankers.

With 100% emphasis on accessible, clear, and applicable advice Professional Perspectives on Banking and Finance provides suggestions to instil best practice in any commercial bank.

Humour is officially recognized in positive psychology as one of the 24 ‘character strengths’. However, laughter has an uneasy relationship with positive psychology, despite being key to communicating joy and happiness.The Positive Psychology of Laughter and Humour corrects this disconnect by combining academic insight with real-world experience. Drawing on the authors’ diverse backgrounds and expertise, this is the first academic volume dedicated to the rarely discussed topic of laughter and humour in positive psychology.

Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky, Merv Neal and Jerome Carson demonstrate how laughter and humour differ, and how both can be applied within positive psychology to boost mood and maintain positive outcomes.The Positive Psychology of Laughter and Humour includes case studies and real-world insight as well as providing a methodological and theoretical background to the topic, giving rigorous theoretical and methodological insight for researchers, and including pedagogical sections in each chapter useful for teachers and researchers.

Structural Design of Buildings: Elemental Design is the essential reference for all structural engineers involved in the design of buildings and other structures. The book forms part of the Structural Design of Buildings series and focuses on the introduction of building elements and materials. It also introduces retrofitting and materials for thermal upgrade of existing buildings.

Broken down into the key areas for understanding and undertaking structural design, and with a fully international approach, this book features coverage of

• concrete
• steel
• timber
• masonry
• aluminium
• glass
• thermal upgrading and life cycle impacts

The book provides a comprehensive and practical guide to the design of buildings from a structural perspective. It is a timely and essential read for consultants, designers, technicians and contractors tasked with a holistic approach to structural design.

Special education has changed over the years since its inception due to advocacy, litigation, legislation, trends, and research investigations. While it can be somewhat controversial depending on the disability the child might have or professionals involved in the process of instructing and planning his/her future education, it is a field that has values that has had measurable impacts on people’s lives. Special Education: Advancing Values focuses on values that are engrained in special education and how we can maintain, sustain, and advance them. It also addresses the most current viewpoints and perspectives on the traditions of special education for students with disabilities alongside new and innovative practices.  

Special Education: Advancing Values is a very comprehensive book. The chapters introduce the field of special education and how we can maintain and advance traditions in the education of students with learning disabilities, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, physical and other health impairments, students who are deaf/hard of hearing, students with visual impairments, and students with extensive support needs. Related topics include students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, general education teachers, school leaders and administrators, and parents.

Special Education: Advancing Values concludes with a summary chapter that addresses why special education is an important educational phenomenon that has fundamental values worthy of sustainability and advancements. This volume is an excellent resource for special education professionals who teach and serve learners with disabilities, and other related professionals involved in the educational process such as administrators, school counsellors, and psychologists.

While the physical and emotional trials of waiting on transplant lists are featured in popular media, the struggles recipients face years after surgery are not. Voices of Teenage Transplant Survivors introduces illness narratives from an unrecognized patient population: recipients of heart, liver, and kidney transplants. Offering unique narratives by adolescents who use poetry to explore issues surrounding the changing body, independence, identity, and mortality, the book showcases a message of healing and voices of hope amid uncertainty.

Illuminating the physical, psychological, and existential challenges confronted by adolescents for which organ rejection and side effects loom in their future, Sample details the poetry workshops where these adolescents articulated experiences silenced by family, friends, and the culture of medicine. She includes close readings and analyses of their writings, along with writing prompts and references to narrative medicine theory. This powerful book offers something new for medical and health professionals, medical humanities researchers, students, and the public.

African Leadership is an edited collection enriched by the people who have lived and experienced indigenous leadership first-hand, demonstrating how African leadership is distinctive from usual Western hegemonic paradigms.

Providing an indepth discussion of the components, context, followers, and skills that contribute to the success of African leaders, African Leadership concludes with meaningful applications for 21st-century leaders globally.

Real and meaningful educational ethnography requires researchers to grapple with how they come to know what they know. In Black Boys' Lived and Everyday Experiences in STEM, KiMi Wilson invites us to understand the experiences of four Black boys attempting to learn mathematics and science in K-12 spaces. How do mitigating circumstances and fraught relationships impede on their journey to sharpening their mathematical and scientific skills?

Taking us on a sociocultural trek of the best and worst elements of public education, Wilson provides access to a bird's eye view of how Black boys experience schooling on a day-to-day basis. Through phenomenological interview, readers are let into the minds of students Carter, Malik, Darius, and Thomas, and given the opportunity to understand how they identify themselves. Showcasing a mixture of revelations, we learn how some of their perceptions come from an authentic place, while others were out of their own control, and decided by individuals blind to their potential. Imagining a world where Black boys are encouraged to work on STEM goals rather than abandon them, this important book is for educators, researchers, teachers, administrators, and superintendents who want to create school cultures that value Black boys, and want to reimagine teaching spaces for them.

This volume of Research in the Sociology of Health Care analyses a variety of important social factors and their relationship to health and health care inequities in both the United States and the rest of the world.

With distinct sections for vaccination and other related topics, the chapters unveil the health care inequities that exist across a broad range of scenarios such as residential segregation, rurality, caregiving during COVID-19, the effects of stress on patients of color with chronic illnesses, cochlear implants in children, community health centers and viral load testing.

Employing a sociological and broader social sciences approach, Social Factors, Health Care Inequities and Vaccination draws on a variety of contexts, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to explore wider trends in healthcare and the impact they may have on historically disadvantaged communities.

Welcome to Bardstown, KY: The Bourbon Capital of the World®

Bourbon’s popularity is now a global phenomenon, but you need only look at Bardstown, Kentucky, to see its remarkable and evolving impacts. This historic city of 13,500 people is booming as a result, but it’s also enduring growing pains.

The economic impacts from a massive influx of tourists to what is now America’s bourbon epicenter are positive on many levels, but with those crowds comes pressure on infrastructure, services and accommodations. The demand for hotels, bars and restaurants is at an all-time high, and investors from across the globe are addressing those needs.

Still, as a two-century-old Kentucky cultural and entertainment center long before it was discovered by bourbon drinkers ;– many locals want to ensure the traditional Bardstown experience doesn’t disappear amid novel entertainment options.

Teacher attrition and burnout have been researched in school districts all over the country for several decades. Characterised by physical and psychological exhaustion, cynicism (as an interpersonal and emotional indication of built-up aggression), and a sense of helplessness and low self-efficacy, burnout can lead to anxiety, depression, diminished job performance, absenteeism, and attrition.

Drawn to the Flame investigates incidences of burnout and burnout avoidance among educators in both K-12 and higher education spheres during the COVID-19 pandemic – a period that saw an intensification and increased frequency of polarizing sociocultural and socio-political conditions, resulting in psychosocial and emotional strain among those invested in education. Through narrative inquiry, the chapters present the stories of teachers in a variety of settings (e.g. urban, suburban, rural) and sociological conditions (economic, racial, sex/gender), who experienced first-hand the impact of the pandemic and the chaotic transition to remote learning, the impact of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and racial strife, on students and curricular planning processes.

Using Technology to Enhance Special Education, Volume 37 of Advances in Special Education, is a logically, thoughtfully organized, and well-sequenced text. It focuses on how general and special educators can use technology to work with children and youth with disabilities.

This cutting-edge book involves researchers, scholars, educators, and leaders who are knowledge producers in the field. It is written to respond to today’s changing world where technology has become a very powerful force. As it stands, the world is getting smaller and smaller; and what is happening in a location quickly becomes known everywhere. For example, during the tense periods of the global COVID pandemic, technology became the livewire of our world. This book begins with an introduction to technology and students with disabilities; and the remaining chapters focus on the role of technology in the education of students with learning disabilities, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, physical and health impairments, hearing impairments/deafness, visual impairments, and traumatic brain injuries.

In addition, some chapters focus on the role of technology in achieving equitable and inclusive education, building culturally and linguistically responsive general and special education, and creatively using digital comics to improve written narratives. In the end, this book concludes with a chapter that forward looking ways to infuse technology in special education. We feel that this volume is an excellent resource for special education researchers, scholars, practitioners, and professionals who teach and serve students with disabilities.

Over the past three decades, guidance on the selection of art in hospitals has suggested realistic art that depicts soothing and comforting images such as tranquil waters, green vegetation, flowers, and open spaces. Based on these findings, curators have been cautioned to avoid art with uncertain meaning that risks upsetting viewers in stressful states. However, some hospitals exhibit ambiguous or abstract art and cite anecdotal evidence of its appropriateness for healthcare settings. More recent research is going beyond anecdotal evidence, and indicates that the ambiguity of meaning in abstract compositions can have positive effects.

'Purpose-built' Art in Hospitals is built on an international study of artwork in hospitals around the globe. Exploring 'purpose-built' (specially commissioned) artwork in hospitals through the dual lens of an artist and healthcare professional, Rollins identifies 15 specific 'purposes' of visual artwork in hospitals and presents a compelling case for their use that is grounded in research. The book builds the reader's understanding of the many functions of artwork in hospitals, with the goal of encouraging greater variety in art offerings to better serve the many diverse needs of patients, families, visitors and staff within the hospital environment.

As the volume and complexity of mental health needs of school-aged children has grown, the capacity of schools to meet those needs has been challenging at best. School closures and social isolation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated disconcerting trends regarding levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidality in children and adolescents. As resources continue to be strained for many schools, innovative approaches to addressing school mental health are necessary.

Promising Practices for Engaging Families and Communities around Mental Health in Schools is part of the Family School Community Partnership Issues series. This volume explores promising practices for engaging families and communities around mental health in schools. Through compelling case studies, it highlights collaborations that creatively engage systems of care to help schools respond to mental health concerns.

This book also introduces new paradigms for whole child support within the school-family-community context. It offers thoughtful analysis of the ethical, policy, and practical tensions that arise when addressing mental health in partnership with families and communities. Promising Practices for Engaging Families and Communities around Mental Health in Schools is an essential resource for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers seeking inclusive, collaborative solutions to today’s school mental health challenges.

Worker organizing has long been a cornerstone of efforts to secure fair pay, decent working conditions, and protection against the insecurities of market economies. By acting collectively, workers have historically been able to counterbalance employer power and win improvements to work and life. Yet such gains have always been partial and contested, and the settlements between labour and capital remain under constant pressure. In the wake of rapid social, political, technological, and environmental change which is reshaping work and challenging the institutions and practices that have underpinned worker collective action, this edited volume explores the evolving landscape and practices of worker organizing in the twenty-first century.

In the context of developments that have exposed the limits of existing models of worker representation and protection – from the erosion of union density in many countries, to the rise of precarious and platform-based work, to climate crisis and pandemic fallout – the chapters in this volume examine the innovative strategies, organizational forms, and solidarities that workers are forging in response to intensified inequalities and new modes of exploitation. The contributions draw on diverse theoretical perspectives and examine a range of empirical settings to shed light on the forms, dynamics, and outcomes of worker collective action in contemporary contexts.

Recentring worker organizing as a vital force in shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and democratic world of work, Worker Organizing is a timely and compelling volume for scholars of the sociology of work and labour, organizational studies, social movements, and beyond.

As the volume and complexity of mental health needs of school-aged children has grown, the capacity of schools to meet those needs has been challenging at best. School closures and social isolation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated disconcerting trends regarding levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidality in children and adolescents. As resources continue to be strained for many schools, innovative approaches to addressing school mental health are necessary.

Promising Practices for Engaging Families and Communities around Mental Health in Schools is part of the Family School Community Partnership Issues series. This volume explores promising practices for engaging families and communities around mental health in schools. Through compelling case studies, it highlights collaborations that creatively engage systems of care to help schools respond to mental health concerns.

This book also introduces new paradigms for whole child support within the school-family-community context. It offers thoughtful analysis of the ethical, policy, and practical tensions that arise when addressing mental health in partnership with families and communities. Promising Practices for Engaging Families and Communities around Mental Health in Schools is an essential resource for educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers seeking inclusive, collaborative solutions to today’s school mental health challenges.

Curriculum Windows: What Curriculum Theorists of the 2010s Can Teach Us About Schools and Society Today is an effort by students of curriculum studies, along with their professor, to interpret and understand curriculum texts and theorists of the 2010s in contemporary terms.

The authors explore how key books/authors from the curriculum field of the 2010s illuminate new possibilities forward for us as scholar educators today: How might the theories, practices, and ideas wrapped up in curriculum texts of the 2010s still resonate with us, allow us to see backward in time and forward as well – perhaps all at the same time? How might these figurative windows of insight, thought, ideas, fantasy, and fancy make us think differently about curriculum, teaching, learning, students, education, leadership, and schools? Further, how might they help us see more clearly, even perhaps put us on a path to correct the mistakes and missteps of intervening decades and of today? Or even create the possibilities for a bold, just, robust future for all, supported by outstanding educational access and experiences for all?

The chapter authors, all doctoral students at Miami University in the Department of Educational Leadership in Oxford, Ohio, interpret several of the most important books in the curriculum field of the 2010s. The book’s Foreword is by renowned curriculum theorist and friend of the Curriculum Windows series, William H. Schubert.

Emotionally Intelligent Digital Learning explores how AI can transform digital education by supporting both academic success and student well-being. Instead of focusing solely on cognitive performance, this book introduces emotionally aware technologies that recognize student emotions in real time, offer personalized emotional support, and build mental resilience.

Through real-world case studies, ranging from virtual empathy training in nursing to tools that reveal emotional manipulation on social media, the authors explore how AI can foster emotional intelligence, empathy, and digital self-awareness.

Blending insights from psychology, computer science, and education, this work offers a practical framework for creating emotionally intelligent learning environments. It’s a vital resource for educators, developers, and researchers committed to creating psychologically sustainable educational environments.

Curriculum Windows: What Curriculum Theorists of the 2010s Can Teach Us About Schools and Society Today is an effort by students of curriculum studies, along with their professor, to interpret and understand curriculum texts and theorists of the 2010s in contemporary terms.

The authors explore how key books/authors from the curriculum field of the 2010s illuminate new possibilities forward for us as scholar educators today: How might the theories, practices, and ideas wrapped up in curriculum texts of the 2010s still resonate with us, allow us to see backward in time and forward as well – perhaps all at the same time? How might these figurative windows of insight, thought, ideas, fantasy, and fancy make us think differently about curriculum, teaching, learning, students, education, leadership, and schools? Further, how might they help us see more clearly, even perhaps put us on a path to correct the mistakes and missteps of intervening decades and of today? Or even create the possibilities for a bold, just, robust future for all, supported by outstanding educational access and experiences for all?

The chapter authors, all doctoral students at Miami University in the Department of Educational Leadership in Oxford, Ohio, interpret several of the most important books in the curriculum field of the 2010s. The book’s Foreword is by renowned curriculum theorist and friend of the Curriculum Windows series, William H. Schubert.

Building on the foundation established in volume 1 of Statistical Analysis Techniques, this second volume delves deeper into advanced statistical techniques, providing comprehensive guidance for students and researchers working with SPSS Statistical Software. In addition to the continuation of statistical analysis topics, this volume includes valuable supplementary materials, such as references to support further study and additional statistical tables for practical application.

The book serves as both an instructional guide and a reference manual, making it a vital resource for students, researchers, and professionals in business and economics. Its emphasis on practical implementation, coupled with its clear integration of SPSS examples, empowers readers to strengthen their data analysis skills and make data-driven decisions in an increasingly analytics-focused world.

Poetry as Knowledge in Librarianship draws on poetry to illustrate its role in library and information science professionals' intertwined personal and professional streams of life journeys.

The edited collection explores the power of poetry as a “voice” in transforming librarians’ lives and shaping their motivations, directions, choices, and actions at intertwined personal and professional nexus of intersection from all around the globe. Chapters provide an opportunity for librarians and information professionals worldwide to discuss the use of poetry and its transformational potential within and beyond the academy. The authors draw on the theoretical construct of “voice” as an instrument of self-consciousness, narrative development, storytelling, and discourse analysis.

The extractive industry is crucial in this energy transformation age, where the world is concerned about emissions reduction and more sustainable businesses. The extractive industry has two objectives: meeting the rising demand and extracting natural resources in a sustainable way. However, the industry usually deals with community rejection and social conflicts wherever they are, and this dire situation is a barrier for new extractive projects worldwide. Understanding why social conflicts are generated and transformed into shared-value projects is crucial to designing extractive projects that consider the community's concerns and integrate these issues into the final project. In addition, getting and keeping the social license to operate (SLO) is important in the extractive industry, so companies must monitor the SLO during the operation's life cycle to prevent social conflict. That is why it is important to have a way to measure the SLO. This book presents a framework that allows companies to analyze social conflicts and propose better projects to obtain the social license to operate. It also presents a methodology for calculating the SLO that shows how the company-community relationship is going.

Entrepreneurship often brings to mind innovation, ambition, and strategic acumen, but it is also a field dominated by gendered narratives and masculine associations. Women entrepreneurs worldwide are breaking down these barriers, redefining entrepreneurial success, and developing strategies that reflect their unique experiences within gendered landscapes. Their journeys provide a valuable counterpoint to traditional stories of entrepreneurship, shifting the focus toward resilience, resourcefulness, and positive contributions that women bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This edited collection presents an in-depth examination of how women entrepreneurs across diverse global contexts navigate, challenge, and redefine the gendered dynamics of entrepreneurship. Drawing on a range of case studies and interviews from around the world, this volume is rooted in post-structural feminist theory and interpretative phenomenology to delve into the social constructions of gender and the subjective experiences of women entrepreneurs.

Backed by the Women and Economic Renewal Research Chair from the triple-accredited business school, Grenoble Ecole de Management, in Grenoble, France, Los Angeles-based Azusa Pacific University School of Business and Management in the United States, and an extensive international research network, the collection captures the voices of women who use local institutions, cultural practices, and their networks to succeed in sectors as varied as business, technology, and social enterprise.

From Africa, United States, Pakistan, France, Japan, India and China, these narratives collectively enrich the global conversation on women’s entrepreneurship. Ideal for scholars, policymakers, and students of entrepreneurship and gender studies, this work offers a fresh perspective on the strategies and successes of women entrepreneurs, inspiring new avenues for research and practical approaches for supporting women in business worldwide.

Statistical Analysis Techniques offers a comprehensive and practical guide to statistical analysis, with a focus on utilising SPSS software for research in business administration and economics. Designed to meet the growing demand for accessible data analysis tools in both academic and professional settings, the work seamlessly bridges theory with practical application. Real-world business examples—such as assessing customer behaviour, evaluating organisational success, and analysing employee performance—offer readers valuable hands-on experience with data sets. Each chapter includes step-by-step SPSS walkthroughs, ensuring readers can efficiently apply statistical techniques using the software.

The book serves as both an instructional guide and a reference manual, making it a vital resource for students, researchers, and professionals in business and economics. Its emphasis on practical implementation, coupled with its clear integration of SPSS examples, empowers readers to strengthen their data analysis skills and make data-driven decisions in an increasingly analytics-focused world.

In a world of accelerating technological progress, environmental pressure, and social change, leadership has become a defining factor for organisational success and human development alike. Today’s leaders must not only respond to transformation—they must anticipate it, navigating uncertainty with vision, empathy, and resilience. This challenge transcends traditional boundaries: leadership is no longer the exclusive domain of large corporations but a strategic necessity for small and medium-sized enterprises, family businesses, startups, and sports organisations.

This book explores leadership as an evolving social and organisational process rather than a fixed set of traits or techniques. Drawing from academic theory and real-world case studies, it analyses how different leadership models—transformational, situational, and sustainable, among others—interact with motivation, performance, and innovation. It highlights emerging contexts often neglected in leadership literature: amateur sports, where collective values meet competitive logic; motorsport, where technology, ethics, and performance intertwine; and startups, where leadership must balance agility, inclusion, and long-term vision.

In doing so, it draws “lessons learned” from these distinctive contexts to offer practical insights and transferable approaches that can inform leadership development across a wide range of organisational settings.

Managing Innovation in Business Strategy, Marketing and Finance has a goal of contributing to understanding the role of business innovation from the perspective of three key functional areas: strategy, marketing and finance.

Social Media Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia explores the economic empowerment and social transformation of Saudi women entrepreneurs in the wake of Saudi Vision 2030 (SV2030), which aims to modernise the Saudi economy and enhance women's participation.

Focusing on the transformative potential of digital entrepreneurship for Saudi women within the framework of SV2030, this study presents Saudi women entrepreneurs as agents of social change, exploring how they use social media platforms, particularly Instagram, as tools for economic empowerment, self-representation, and activism. Chapters go on to explore how these women confront structural constraints and tackle digital platforms to build socio-economic capital in new and innovative ways.

Focusing on the intersection between digital labour, visual self-representation, and gender within the unique socio-political landscape of Saudi Arabia, Abeer Bajandouh presents insights into gender and economic transformation in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the fields of digital media, visual culture, gender studies, and Middle Eastern studies. Utilising digital visual labour theory to explore a context traditionally limited by cultural norms, Bajandouh offers an innovative reading of Islamic feminism in digital spaces, including insights into social media and self-representation by exploring innovative perspectives on online branding.

Academic Talk for Higher Education brings together several current debates around oracy, dialogic teaching, and the role that academic talk can play in both widening access to higher education and creating more equitable learning opportunities.

Exploring the notion that a focus on purposefully using academic discourse in university classroom settings can support students to better engage, argue, and connect with their learning, peers, and educators, Academic Talk for Higher Education examines the relationship between academic discourse, equity, and student preparation for higher education and provides a theoretical and empirical account of enabling education, policy drivers, and widening participation cohorts. Working with extensive prior research conducted by the authors focused on ‘alternative pathway’ teaching contexts—Enabling Education in Australia and Foundation Programmes in the UK, chapters draw on teachers’ and students’ perspectives and experiences of academic preparedness to conceptualise the need for more explicit pedagogic focus on academic talk.

Concluding with an agenda for both policy and practice to value academic talk as a vehicle for equity, the authors offer recommendations for how to explicitly embed academic talk into the higher education curriculum, particularly in preparatory and foundation courses. This is significant at a time of great turbulence in the higher education sectors in both the UK and Australia, and when activities to support widening participation, retention and progression of all university students are needed more than ever.

The world of work has changed considerably since the second edition of Merit Pay was published. Advances in technology, changes in job design, alternate forms of work processes, differences in workforce demographics form many of these changes. In addition, compensation (in general) and merit pay (in particular) also have experienced changes based on these trends and events. The third edition addresses how these occurrences have introduced new theory and research impacting merit pay plans.

While much has changed in the compensation world since the second edition, merit pay remains popular – with perhaps as many as 90% of U.S. firms using it despite its controversial nature. The timeliness of this edition could not be better, occurring on the heels of major events and trends. Readers will benefit from over 230 new references added to the third edition. Moreover, this edition provides study questions and case studies to increase understanding of concepts, principles, and applications. Finally, in selected areas of the book, we added a new feature - current events in merit pay. These events explore innovative and often provocative subjects, aiming to leave readers with meaningful ideas to reflect upon.

Merit Pay is essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students studying compensation administration, as well as professionals working in pay administration, human resource management, industrial and organizational psychology, and labor economics.

International Handbook of Sustainable Tourism Economy is a timely and comprehensive handbook that responds to the growing global demand for sustainable practices in the tourism industry. With increasing awareness of tourism’s environmental and social impacts, this timely volume offers a holistic and multidisciplinary exploration of sustainable tourism, integrating economic theory, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Designed for tourism stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers, it provides practical strategies and actionable insights to support long-term sustainability and resilience in the sector.

A key contribution of the handbook is its emphasis on circular economy principles, including waste management, resource efficiency, and regenerative practices tailored to tourism. It also explores responsible tourism approaches that prioritise community engagement, cultural preservation, and biodiversity conservation. Through case studies and applied frameworks, the contributing authors illustrate how innovation and technology—including emerging areas such as space tourism—can be harnessed ethically to advance sustainability goals. This publication serves as a vital resource for shaping a balanced, inclusive, and future-ready tourism economy.

Modern Political Marketing and Relational Capital offers a comprehensive examination of how digital transformation is reshaping political marketing strategies. This edited volume explores the evolving landscape of political engagement, emphasising the role of digital relational capital—trust, loyalty, and connections between political actors and their audiences. By delving into emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, augmented reality, and social media-driven campaigns, the authors provide valuable insights into how political leaders and parties can effectively navigate the digital frontier to enhance their outreach and influence.

Bridging perspectives from political science, psychology, and technology, this book critically analyses the challenges and opportunities of modern political marketing in an era of rapid digital expansion. It examines how advanced tools such as cloud computing and AI-driven communication are revolutionising campaign strategies, while also addressing the uncertainties of digital engagement. With a focus on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, this volume fills a crucial research gap by exploring the long-term effects of digital marketing on relational capital. Modern Political Marketing and Relational Capital is an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, political strategists, and students seeking to understand the complexities of political marketing in the digital age.

Dynamics of Niche Tourism in Malaysia explores the evolving landscape of Malaysia’s tourism industry, with a particular focus on the potential of niche tourism to drive sustainable growth. The book examines a wide range of specialised tourism segments—including nature based tourism, experiential travel, medical and wellness tourism, responsible, luxury, wedding, Muslim-friendly, and gastronomic tourism —and evaluates their role in reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a diverse and distinctive destination. Drawing on national strategies such as the Malaysia Truly Asia campaign and the Tourism Malaysia Marketing Plan 2022–2026, the text highlights the efforts of various stakeholders in navigating ongoing challenges related to business rejuvenation, infrastructure, and policy alignment.

Combining industry data, strategic analysis, and technological insights, the book also investigates how digital transformation is reshaping tourist engagement and service delivery. Key chapters address the socio-cultural, environmental, and economic impacts of niche tourism, as well as the implications for long-term sustainability. An essential resource for scholars, students, policymakers, and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping Malaysia’s tourism sector and the strategic opportunities within niche markets to achieve sustainable tourism development.

The world of work has changed considerably since the second edition of Merit Pay was published. Advances in technology, changes in job design, alternate forms of work processes, differences in workforce demographics form many of these changes. In addition, compensation (in general) and merit pay (in particular) also have experienced changes based on these trends and events. The third edition addresses how these occurrences have introduced new theory and research impacting merit pay plans.

While much has changed in the compensation world since the second edition, merit pay remains popular – with perhaps as many as 90% of U.S. firms using it despite its controversial nature. The timeliness of this edition could not be better, occurring on the heels of major events and trends. Readers will benefit from over 230 new references added to the third edition. Moreover, this edition provides study questions and case studies to increase understanding of concepts, principles, and applications. Finally, in selected areas of the book, we added a new feature - current events in merit pay. These events explore innovative and often provocative subjects, aiming to leave readers with meaningful ideas to reflect upon.

Merit Pay is essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students studying compensation administration, as well as professionals working in pay administration, human resource management, industrial and organizational psychology, and labor economics.

The need for flexible work arrangements has become essential in today’s evolving work environment. As hybrid workplaces gain traction, flexible working hours allow employees to better balance their professional and personal lives, leading to improved work-life balance, productivity, and overall well-being. This shift is vital for fostering positive work environments globally.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Global Insights delves into the transformative power of flexible work hours, focusing on their impact across diverse cultures and economies. The editors of this collected edition, showcase how different countries and industries navigate the challenges of creating flexible work policies, particularly in hybrid environments. Drawing from global case studies, this work addresses the complexities of work-time laws, the influence of technology, and the critical role of flexible work in promoting gender equity, improving mental health, and fostering productivity. Highlighting the interplay between flexible schedules and sustainable development, this concise study also presents key insights into the role of flexible work arrangements in reducing carbon footprints, supporting gender equality, and promoting economic growth. Ultimately, it offers a comprehensive approach to creating a healthier, more inclusive work culture that enhances employees’ Quality of Life Index.

This work is useful for policy makers, business leaders, and HR professionals seeking to understand and implement flexible working policies. It offers practical insights and evidence-backed strategies for creating work environments that not only enhance employee satisfaction and productivity but also align with global sustainability goals.

Decolonial Epistemologies in Comparative and International Education: Anticipating the Cultural Turn? examines the current state of the field of comparative and international education (CIE) by addressing colonial and Eurocentric structures and advancing a decolonial approach. The chapters integrate frameworks from indigenous epistemologies, racial capitalism, and pluriverse thinking to question and reimagine existing paradigms in CIE.

This edited volume interrogates the level of coloniality and racial capitalism present in modern analyses of CIE. As such, the chapter authors unpack questions such as: Is CIE as a field too white? Are its theories and methodologies still too Eurocentric? How do we treat others as we study them? How do we accommodate differences, and how is inclusion dealt with? How might new epistemologies, ontologies, and axiologies help us decolonize the field?

Decolonial Epistemologies in Comparative and International Education: Anticipating the Cultural Turn? is valuable for academics in CIE and related fields, practitioners interested in decoloniality in education, administrators and policymakers in higher education, and graduate students in CIE, higher education, and educational leadership. It offers insights into current discussions on decoloniality and education, helping these groups understand and navigate the complexities of these themes in educational contexts.

The legal and societal implications for individuals experiencing infertility and considering various types of assisted reproductive technology have become increasingly complex in recent decades. New regulations surrounding surrogacy agreements have attempted to provide more protection to both surrogate mothers and prospective parents. To better understand this nuanced experience, this multidisciplinary volume focuses on families navigating these methods of reproduction.

In Pursuit of Parenthood: Infertility, Assisted Reproductive Technology, and Surrogacy covers a wide array of topics including infertility (e.g., psychological consequences, the social context, and relationship coping; surrogacy (international and domestic surrogacy, formal and informal surrogacy negotiations, LGBTQ+ families choosing surrogacy,) and fertility treatments (decisions to pursue in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, and sperm donation, including financial, religious, and political limitations).

Cultural marginalization – which is defined in this volume as the exclusion of individuals, organizations, or communities based on their unique shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and practices, which diverge from the prevailing norms of the dominant culture – is not only widespread but also occurs globally. The purpose of this book is to conceptualize cultural marginalization by considering its inherent complexity and to show why it matters, particularly from a human standpoint. Grounded in this human ethos, the volume builds a theoretical foundation for scholarly debate in management and organizational studies on how the marginalized can engage in the processes of cultural survival and autonomy and how we can pave the way toward societies and organizations where we can pursue hope.

Representing a collaborative endeavor, Cultural Marginalization in Communities and Organizations: Seeds for Peace, includes contributions from diverse and vibrant contexts worldwide to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacy of cultural marginalization and how actors such as individuals, organizations, and communities navigate and overcome these challenges to cultivate ways of being that promote peace across cultural divides.

The global landscape of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has shifted dramatically in recent years. Protectionism, COVID-19, and the push for sustainability have disrupted traditional FDI flows beyond traditional manufacturing sectors and created new opportunities and challenges. With emerging economies increasingly competing for investment and developed countries reassessing their roles in global supply chains, there is a need for a fresh perspective on how FDI is adapting to this new reality. Amadi sheds light on the varying impact and strategies of FDI in different economic settings, including case studies from key countries like Nigeria, India, the UK, Kenya, and Vietnam, offering comparative insights into how FDI is reshaping all economies.

The International Studies in Small Business and Entrepreneurship Research Series opens a new chapter, as it seeks to advance discussions that consolidate conventional knowledge. The purpose of this initiative is to invite new reflections on the nature of entrepreneurship and small business across contexts. The collections in this series aim to improve the theoretical rigour and practical relevance of the field. The emphasis is to advance contemporary contributions that matter for small business and entrepreneurship, directing us to underexplored and under-theorised contexts.

Academic Talk for Higher Education brings together several current debates around oracy, dialogic teaching, and the role that academic talk can play in both widening access to higher education and creating more equitable learning opportunities.

Exploring the notion that a focus on purposefully using academic discourse in university classroom settings can support students to better engage, argue, and connect with their learning, peers, and educators, Academic Talk for Higher Education examines the relationship between academic discourse, equity, and student preparation for higher education and provides a theoretical and empirical account of enabling education, policy drivers, and widening participation cohorts. Working with extensive prior research conducted by the authors focused on ‘alternative pathway’ teaching contexts—Enabling Education in Australia and Foundation Programmes in the UK, chapters draw on teachers’ and students’ perspectives and experiences of academic preparedness to conceptualise the need for more explicit pedagogic focus on academic talk.

Concluding with an agenda for both policy and practice to value academic talk as a vehicle for equity, the authors offer recommendations for how to explicitly embed academic talk into the higher education curriculum, particularly in preparatory and foundation courses. This is significant at a time of great turbulence in the higher education sectors in both the UK and Australia, and when activities to support widening participation, retention and progression of all university students are needed more than ever.

Assessment Tools for Successful Library Evaluations is an essential guide for professionals involved in evaluating library operations or teaching assessment methods. Contributions offer clear, detailed descriptions of key assessment and evaluation techniques, complemented by practical examples that demonstrate how these principles can be applied and adapted to any library setting.

Various performance measurement tools are evaluated, such as ethnographic techniques, focus groups, interviews, observations, surveys, and usability testing. Chapters provide examples of how librarians have used these methods, along with guidance on applying each method to assess different aspects of library operations. This helps describe the library’s value and supports data-driven decision-making for strategic improvements. Examples of each assessment method are drawn from different types of libraries worldwide, including academic, public, school, government, and medical libraries.

This is a valuable resource for library managers and assessment librarians across all sectors. For those with assessment experience, it provides a quick refresher of the learning and skills related to library evaluation. For those teaching or learning about assessment as part of an MLS program, Assessment Tools for Successful Library Evaluations is a reference resource that will help instructors present methods and students to learn and apply the methods.

Creating Learning Systems for Higher Education: A Quantum Field Framework presents a groundbreaking approach to education that integrates quantum physics, competence, differentiated thinking, and individual performance proficiencies into a multidimensional, dynamic, and self-organising learning field. This innovative work is designed to prepare learners to know, perform, and understand personal, professional, and social competence.

Drawing on sciences, learning models, and human technologies, Moye's ‘Psychophysical Learning System’ propels learners toward success by bringing the competences required for specific disciplines into a coherent framework. This system is not discipline-specific, making it adaptable across various fields of study, making it a must-read for educators, curriculum designers, and anyone interested in the future of learning.

Explore the interconnectedness and interdependencies within the knowledge, performance, and integration of information that generate competence. Delve into the concept of Proprioception of Thought, which emphasises the importance of competent thinking in driving competent actions. Understand the contingencies of performing within a discipline through Human Performance Technologies, and discover how Quantum Design Models can create a resonance between the learner and natural learning events.

The ebook edition of this title is Open Access and freely available to read online.

Environmental sustainability and social responsibility are of key importance for organizations in the 21st century and beyond, but business models are not achieving this, nor the expectations of consumers.

The book addresses the critical need for innovative, research-based and practice-oriented approaches to tackle vulnerabilities and challenges of the current business environment by incorporating sustainable practices into business and place strategies. These practices are guided by principles such as the circular economy, inclusivity, stakeholder participation, place authenticity, and regeneration. These principles/practices are essential for transitioning businesses and places towards sustainability, making them more resilient to external shocks and more beneficial to local communities.

The Entrepreneurial Behaviour series is dedicated to communicating innovative and multi-disciplinary new research that advances theory and practice in Entrepreneurial Behaviour. The series is focused on expanding the scope of Entrepreneurial Behaviour theory and analysis and enriching practice by encouraging multi-theoretical, multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary approaches.

Healthcare faces immense challenges. Ensuring both clinicians and the public remain healthy to negotiate a world of increasing complexity, misinformation and uncertainty is urgent. Does scientific knowledge help them do this?

In Thinking, healthcare professionals and researchers Brown, Harvey Bluemel, and Coccia explore how philosophy can help us think differently about health. Drawing from history, culture, literature, and lived experience, they trace the deep connections between ideas, healing, and human flourishing. Each chapter offers accessible explanations of key philosophical ideas, with examples and exercises to help readers bring those ideas into their own lives.

This book invites readers to slow down and give thinking the attention it deserves. Thinking is a guide, but also an invitation to ask better questions; make space for reflection; and to rediscover the value of thought in an age that prizes speed and certainty over depth and understanding.

In an era where health encompasses not just physicality, immersive wellness has emerged as a multidimensional paradigm, encompassing the mental, emotional, technological, nutritional, organizational, and experiential aspects of well-being. The Immersive Wellness Spectrum: Trends, Technologies, and Transformations brings together an eclectic mix of interdisciplinary insights that explore the evolution and redefinition of wellness through technology, workplace dynamics, sustainability imperatives, and customized interventions.

Today, wellness is not just the absence of illness, but rather environments, systems, and experiences structured to empower individuals and institutions for sustenance. Whether it is multisensory HR innovations at work, AI-monitored personalized nutrition, digital detox initiatives, emotionally intelligent education, or sustainable wellness tourism, this volume captures the contemporary narratives in which immersive technologies and human-centric values are melded together.

The chapters contributed by academic scholars, industry experts, and wellness practitioners from around the world, areas of discussion include corporate sustainability, mental health, immersive marketing, supply chain innovation, and reform in higher education. In each domain, a chapter presents the transformative force of immersive wellness through conceptual frameworks, case studies, empirical findings, and directions for the future.

The Advances in Digital Technology and Data-Driven Business Practices series aims to shed light on the rapid developments, significance, benefits, and practical applications of evolving digital technologies and data-driven decision-making practices in businesses.

The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by the transformative forces of the Integrated Industrial revolution (4^th-5^th Industrial Revolutions)—a new era where data, connectivity, and human-machine interaction define progress. For libraries, this revolution presents both challenges and opportunities, demanding innovation in services, technologies, and strategies.

Both Volume 1 and 2 of Innovating in Libraries explore how academic libraries can harness emerging technologies, integrate Human-Tech synergistic and reciprocal solutions, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on education, industry innovation, and reducing inequality. Contributions from leading experts and practitioners—many drawn from across the globe and selections from the Zimbabwe University Library Consortium’s 5th Biennial International Conference—offer global insights into spatial design for digital libraries, platform capitalism, open science, ethics, change management, and more.

With an international perspective and forward-thinking approach, Innovating in Libraries is essential for library professionals, educators, and policymakers navigating the future of information access in an era of rapid change.

Circular Happiness: Building Sustainable Workplaces for the Next Generation explores how businesses can merge sustainability and employee well-being by applying circular economy principles to create eco-friendly, fulfilling work environments. Focused on the needs of Gen Z, the book provides a framework for organisations to foster both environmental sustainability and mental health, offering practical strategies for enhancing workplace happiness while addressing climate change challenges.

In response to growing demands for sustainable practices and increasing workplace mental health issues, this contributed volume offers actionable insights for integrating circular economy models with employee well-being initiatives. At the heart of the book lies the concept of “Haptitude” — a fusion of Happiness, Attitude, and Result. It represents a measurable, action-oriented approach to cultivating sustainable happiness practices within organisations. By embedding Haptitude-driven strategies into workplace culture, leaders can create environments that not only enhance well-being but also drive long-term engagement, creativity, and organisational resilience. Circular Happiness is an essential guide for building a thriving workplace that benefit both people and the planet.

Healthcare faces immense challenges. Ensuring both clinicians and the public remain healthy to negotiate a world of increasing complexity, misinformation and uncertainty is urgent. Does scientific knowledge help them do this?

In Thinking, healthcare professionals and researchers Brown, Harvey Bluemel, and Coccia explore how philosophy can help us think differently about health. Drawing from history, culture, literature, and lived experience, they trace the deep connections between ideas, healing, and human flourishing. Each chapter offers accessible explanations of key philosophical ideas, with examples and exercises to help readers bring those ideas into their own lives.

This book invites readers to slow down and give thinking the attention it deserves. Thinking is a guide, but also an invitation to ask better questions; make space for reflection; and to rediscover the value of thought in an age that prizes speed and certainty over depth and understanding.

Rooted in ancient traditions, spiritual journeys have long served as powerful catalysts for self-reflection, cultural understanding, and personal growth. With an emphasis on the cognitive transformation that often accompanies such travels, this contributed volume provides both historical context and practical advice to navigate the complex landscape of contemporary spiritual tourism.

A Guidebook to Ethical Spiritual Travel: Innovation and Global Insights synthesises age-old teachings with modern perspectives, offering readers a comprehensive framework for travellers on meaningful spiritual journeys. By presenting case studies and practical guidance, it encourages mindfulness and intentionality in travel, while addressing critical challenges like cultural appropriation, sustainability, and the commercialisation of sacred sites. Aimed at both academics and industry professionals, the international team of authors emphasises the importance of respect, responsibility, and cultural sensitivity, fostering global empathy and personal transformation through well-guided spiritual exploration.

This book considers the effects of place and space on a variety of environments and work. In the 21st century, where an organization or a function is positioned, how easy it is to access, whether it has a visible presence at the community level is now a critical design issue. In the 21st century, technological advances are redefining what businesses and organizations do and how they do it. Customers expect increasingly customized products and services. Customers expect more significant direct interaction with product and service providers. These changes translate to increased integration of functions for the workforce, increased fragmentation of responsibilities, and an expansion and blending of roles. The authors suggest that organizations constrained to traditional place and space designs may encounter challenges adapting to these shifts.

The series covers a wide range of knowledge management concepts methods and strategies that enable decision makers to understand engage in and drive organization-wide efforts to build those capabilities required to remain competitive in the knowledge economy. From designing to implementing different types of knowledge-based strategies and measuring their success the series becomes a valuable resource for decision makers contributing to the sustainable transformation of business and society. By encouraging critical review and discussion among practitioners the series also generates important feedback for knowledge management academics and researchers. Experience applying core concepts and theories in a range of real-world scenarios creates opportunities to critically evaluate research topics and agendas methods and results.

This volume (Parts A and B) contains 16 new studies that shed light on key aspects of immigration: the drivers of immigration, the factors fostering or hindering immigrant integration in the host country, and the impact of immigration in the host countries. The studies span a wide range of countries in Europe, North and South America and use novel administrative, regional and survey data to offer insights into historical and contemporary episodes of migration. Together, they enrich our understanding of the determinants and consequences of migration and provide an evidence base for policy discussions.

The volume covers three broad themes. In both Part A and B are eight papers on the integration of immigrants in the host society, focusing on the acquisition of human capital, labor supply, family formation, and returns to skills. Part B also studies the impact of immigration on outcomes that often dominate the public debate, namely employment, education, and crime. Published twice per year in conjunction with the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) Research in Labor Economics contains new cutting edge peer reviewed research applying economic theory and econometrics to policy related topics pertinent to worker well-being often with an international focus.

Amid growing calls for inclusivity and representation in research, the role of diversity leadership is becoming central to fostering robust, innovative, and socially impactful research and research environments. Diversity in research is more than just a metric or policy; it enhances the quality and relevance of scientific inquiry and advances the credibility of research in society. As research institutions worldwide establish professional standards and develop roles for research managers and administrators (RMAs), there is a need for RMA professionals to possess a nuanced understanding of diversity across cultures, disciplines, and institutional frameworks.

In Diversity Leadership for Research Managers, author Jakob Feldtfos Christensen addresses this need head-on by equipping RMAs with essential tools and frameworks for integrating diversity leadership into all phases of research management. This comprehensive work provides hands-on strategies for diversity leadership, tailored specifically to the RMA profession, and is the first of its kind to contextualize diversity as a practical, core competence. Christensen’s volume covers everything from pre-award to post-award stages and delves into personal and organizational leadership, helping RMAs foster inclusive research environments. By building a shared vocabulary and a set of global principles, the work aims to empower RMAs to advance diversity in research and research management, responsibly navigate cultural challenges, and create pathways for sustainable, impactful change.

Offering actionable insights for RMAs and research leaders alike, Diversity Leadership for Research Managers is an indispensable resource for anyone in research administration seeking to make a meaningful impact on the inclusivity and excellence of research.

This volume (Parts A and B) contains 16 new studies that shed light on key aspects of immigration: the drivers of immigration, the factors fostering or hindering immigrant integration in the host country, and the impact of immigration in the host countries. The studies span a wide range of countries in Europe, North and South America and use novel administrative, regional and survey data to offer insights into historical and contemporary episodes of migration. Together, they enrich our understanding of the determinants and consequences of migration and provide an evidence base for policy discussions.

The volume covers three broad themes. In both Part A and B are eight papers on the integration of immigrants in the host society, focusing on the acquisition of human capital, labor supply, family formation, and returns to skills. Part B also studies the impact of immigration on outcomes that often dominate the public debate, namely employment, education, and crime. Published twice per year in conjunction with the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) Research in Labor Economics contains new cutting edge peer reviewed research applying economic theory and econometrics to policy related topics pertinent to worker well-being often with an international focus.

The rapid rise of immersive wellness experiences has revolutionized the way individuals approach their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From spa retreats to virtual reality meditations, these experiences offer unique opportunities to deeply enhance one's sense of self and connection to the world. As more people seek comprehensive wellness solutions, the demand for well-researched and practical guidance in this area has grown significantly.

The research explores integrational prospects of immersive wellness experiences across various domains, emphasizing the potential for transformative impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It explores how immersive wellness can be incorporated into different sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, technology, and tourism. By examining principles of designing immersive spaces, integrating advanced technologies, and ensuring inclusivity and accessibility, the chapters provide a roadmap for professionals to create effective and engaging wellness experiences. Furthermore, it addresses ethical considerations and sustainable practices, ensuring that these immersive experiences contribute positively to both individuals and the environment. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical guidance, the book aims to inspire innovative approaches and future trends in the field of immersive wellness.

The Advances in Digital Technology and Data-Driven Business Practices series aims to shed light on the rapid developments, significance, benefits, and practical applications of evolving digital technologies and data-driven decision-making practices in businesses.

Higher Education and SDG12 focuses on how higher education institutions worldwide are furthering Sustainable Development Goal 12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’ through the integration of knowledge and practice toward sustainability in their campuses, curriculum, collaborations, and cultures.

Offering an international view, the chapters present research findings, recommendations, and practical insights from countries in the Global South and North addressing challenges relating to campus operations, changes in the curriculum, collaborations with industry and communities, and cultural change. Real world examples of innovative approaches globally are offered in teaching and learning, community involvement, partnerships with industry, activism and the empowerment of students, with academics and communities leading change on the SDG12 agenda. A dedicated resource for fostering sustainable development in higher education, the book offers a structured approach to identifying and developing sustainability practices. Showcasing a wide array of responsible consumption and production solutions, this insightful text equips educators, administrators, and policymakers with the necessary resources to drive meaningful change.

Higher Education and the Sustainable Development Goals is a series of 17 books that address each of the SDGs through the lens of higher education. Adopting a solutions-based approach, each book focuses on how higher education is advancing delivery of Agenda 2030. The series is edited by Wendy Purcell, Professor with Rutgers University and Academic Research Scholar with Harvard University; Emeritus Professor and University President Emerita.

Higher Education and SDG12 focuses on how higher education institutions worldwide are furthering Sustainable Development Goal 12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’ through the integration of knowledge and practice toward sustainability in their campuses, curriculum, collaborations, and cultures.

Offering an international view, the chapters present research findings, recommendations, and practical insights from countries in the Global South and North addressing challenges relating to campus operations, changes in the curriculum, collaborations with industry and communities, and cultural change. Real world examples of innovative approaches globally are offered in teaching and learning, community involvement, partnerships with industry, activism and the empowerment of students, with academics and communities leading change on the SDG12 agenda. A dedicated resource for fostering sustainable development in higher education, the book offers a structured approach to identifying and developing sustainability practices. Showcasing a wide array of responsible consumption and production solutions, this insightful text equips educators, administrators, and policymakers with the necessary resources to drive meaningful change.

Higher Education and the Sustainable Development Goals is a series of 17 books that address each of the SDGs through the lens of higher education. Adopting a solutions-based approach, each book focuses on how higher education is advancing delivery of Agenda 2030. The series is edited by Wendy Purcell, Professor with Rutgers University and Academic Research Scholar with Harvard University; Emeritus Professor and University President Emerita.

Working-class academics often experience difficult and turbulent times during their journey into and through academia. The terms working class and academic are somewhat paradoxical, as the assumption is, since becoming an academic, they have moved away from their class. For some, this may be true, for others, not so.

Presenting a collection of life stories written by Irish-identifying working-class academics, Notions explores the lives of those not born into the elite but occupying an elite position in higher education — how they got there, what their journey was like, what their experiences were, if they faced any struggles, and if they had to, or still do, (re)negotiate their identities.

The first autoethnographic collection of working-class experiences of academia in Ireland, Notions is a valuable contribution to the existing body of literature on social class, inequalities, widening participation and higher education that will be of interest to any reader interested in Irish society and culture.

Rooted in ancient traditions, spiritual journeys have long served as powerful catalysts for self-reflection, cultural understanding, and personal growth. With an emphasis on the cognitive transformation that often accompanies such travels, this contributed volume provides both historical context and practical advice to navigate the complex landscape of contemporary spiritual tourism.

Spiritual Tourism and Landscape synthesises age-old teachings with modern perspectives, offering readers a comprehensive framework for travellers on meaningful spiritual journeys. By presenting case studies and practical guidance, it encourages mindfulness and intentionality in travel, while addressing critical challenges like cultural appropriation, sustainability, and the commercialisation of sacred sites. Aimed at both academics and industry professionals, the international team of authors emphasises the importance of respect, responsibility, and cultural sensitivity, fostering global empathy and personal transformation through well-guided spiritual exploration.

Travel and Wellness: A Renaissance of Nature-based Health Tourism explores the growing intersection between travel and wellness, focusing on the resurgence of nature-based health tourism.

This interdisciplinary work delves into the historical roots of wellness tourism, tracing its evolution from ancient practices to contemporary trends that emphasize the healing power of nature. Through a combination of qualitative research, cultural analysis, and stakeholder collaboration, Travel and Wellness Tourism provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how health tourism is a catalyst for both personal and community wellness.

Appealing to both scholars and practitioners, particularly in tourism, health sciences, environmental studies, and cultural heritage, Travel and Wellness offers insights that encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue and innovation.

Working-class academics often experience difficult and turbulent times during their journey into and through academia. The terms working class and academic are somewhat paradoxical, as the assumption is, since becoming an academic, they have moved away from their class. For some, this may be true, for others, not so.

Presenting a collection of life stories written by Irish-identifying working-class academics, Notions explores the lives of those not born into the elite but occupying an elite position in higher education — how they got there, what their journey was like, what their experiences were, if they faced any struggles, and if they had to, or still do, (re)negotiate their identities.

The first autoethnographic collection of working-class experiences of academia in Ireland, Notions is a valuable contribution to the existing body of literature on social class, inequalities, widening participation and higher education that will be of interest to any reader interested in Irish society and culture.

The field of climate econometrics has undergone rapid development in recent years, shaped by the growing demand for empirical methods that can rigorously assess the multifaceted interactions between the economy and the climate system. Situated at the intersection of climate science and econometric methodology, this field responds to the urgent need for tools that quantify the economic impacts of climate variability and long-term climate change. Rising policy interest, data availability, and the increasing frequency of extreme events have collectively motivated the expansion of climate econometrics as a recognized and distinct research area.

This volume appears at a particularly timely juncture. The contributions assembled here reflect the current momentum in climate econometric research, both in theoretical development and empirical application.

Advances in Econometrics publishes original scholarly econometrics papers with the intention of expanding the use of developed and emerging econometric techniques by disseminating ideas on the theory and practice of econometrics throughout the empirical economic business and social science literature.

Gender and Inclusive Development offers a timely and comprehensive exploration of gender mainstreaming across diverse sectors, domains, and regions. Drawing on global experiences and grounded in the framework of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 5—this volume critically examines the evolution of gender equality strategies from Women in Development (WID) to Gender and Development (GAD). It highlights the transformative potential of gender-sensitive policy design and implementation, emphasising the need to dismantle discriminatory institutions and foster inclusive participation in political, economic, and social spheres.

Through interdisciplinary contributions, the book engages with pressing questions around gender roles, decision-making, and inequality in development contexts. It presents empirical and theoretical insights that unpack the complexities of gender mainstreaming, offering a nuanced analytical lens to understand its challenges and opportunities. With a focus on real-world impact, the volume aims to inform policy, practice, and academic discourse, providing a blueprint for inclusive and transformative gender mainstreaming that can accelerate progress toward global gender parity.

Global Perspectives on Gender offers a multidisciplinary exploration of gender as a global, dynamic, and deeply embedded social construct. Coming 30 years after the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, this book examines the construction of gender roles and related influences, including culture, history, religion, and structural inequality. The first section introduces key theoretical frameworks, using the biopsychosocial model, and addresses global patterns for women, men, and gender diverse individuals.

The second section analyzes gender within major societal domains, including violence, health, religion, and climate change, highlighting how gender inequities are reinforced or challenged across institutions. The third section presents region-specific case studies from India to Oceania, exploring how colonization, modernization, policy, and local traditions impact gender ideals and experiences. Additional topics addressed throughout the book include gender-based violence, intersectionality, the enduring impact of colonialism, the role of technology, and building resilience in marginalized communities.

Global Perspectives on Gender concludes by posing the question: Will gender become so fluid that it becomes increasingly irrelevant? Readers of all backgrounds, from scholars to students to practitioners, are invited to analyze present constructs to advance gender equity worldwide.

In the intricate web of socio-environmental crises across diverse geographical landscapes, grasping the intricacies of geographies and socio-spatial ecologies in disaster risk reduction practices is indispensable for global socio-ecological sustainability. In response to this imperative, this volume pioneers the development of disaster risk reduction understanding within the disaster research domain.

This authored volume is structured into two parts. The initial part extensively explores the fundamentals of geographies in disaster risk reduction practices, encompassing concepts, methodologies, and challenges in disaster management, disaster preparedness, response, relief operations, resource allocation, disaster medicine, information dissemination, recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. It also delves into various applications and emerging trends, management techniques, applied practices through contemporary case studies, socio-ecological challenges in disaster risk reduction, and sustainability considerations in management practices.

The latter part focuses on real-world case studies within geographies and socio-spatial ecologies to examine scenarios of disaster risks, management practices, and community challenges specific to coastal regions. These case studies encompass topics such as mangrove vegetation health risks and stress, climate change adaptation strategies at the local level, shoreline change and vulnerability assessments, geographies of coastal hazards, societal vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as analyses of natural hazards and disaster risks, among others. This work enriches the scientific and practical understanding of mitigating disaster risks, and advocating for stakeholder integration in disaster policy planning among planners, scientists, researchers, professionals, government officials, students, and anyone else engaged in disaster research globally.

Global Perspectives on Gender offers a multidisciplinary exploration of gender as a global, dynamic, and deeply embedded social construct. Coming 30 years after the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, this book examines the construction of gender roles and related influences, including culture, history, religion, and structural inequality. The first section introduces key theoretical frameworks, using the biopsychosocial model, and addresses global patterns for women, men, and gender diverse individuals.

The second section analyzes gender within major societal domains, including violence, health, religion, and climate change, highlighting how gender inequities are reinforced or challenged across institutions. The third section presents region-specific case studies from India to Oceania, exploring how colonization, modernization, policy, and local traditions impact gender ideals and experiences. Additional topics addressed throughout the book include gender-based violence, intersectionality, the enduring impact of colonialism, the role of technology, and building resilience in marginalized communities.

Global Perspectives on Gender concludes by posing the question: Will gender become so fluid that it becomes increasingly irrelevant? Readers of all backgrounds, from scholars to students to practitioners, are invited to analyze present constructs to advance gender equity worldwide.

The rapid expansion of data in every facet of modern life from research and education to public policy and private industry demands a critical re-examination of how data is collected, analyzed, interpreted, and used. Bias and Beyond: Rethinking Data Practices and Inspiring collective dialogue responds to this call by exploring how bias enters the data lifecycle and how inclusive, reflexive, and equity-centered methodologies can improve the validity and impact of data-driven decisions.

Structured around the four stages of the data lifecycle including problem formulation, data collection, analysis, and use, this volume brings together diverse voices to interrogate systemic inequities and offer practical strategies for inclusive data practices. Drawing from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, each chapter highlights the role of researcher positionality, power, and representation in shaping outcomes and knowledge.

Bias and Beyond is anchored in a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), not only as aspirational values but as methodological imperatives that must inform every aspect of data practice. It will serve as a timely and essential resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and students committed to data justice and ethical inquiry.

The rapid expansion of data in every facet of modern life from research and education to public policy and private industry demands a critical re-examination of how data is collected, analyzed, interpreted, and used. Bias and Beyond: Rethinking Data Practices and Inspiring collective dialogue responds to this call by exploring how bias enters the data lifecycle and how inclusive, reflexive, and equity-centered methodologies can improve the validity and impact of data-driven decisions.

Structured around the four stages of the data lifecycle including problem formulation, data collection, analysis, and use, this volume brings together diverse voices to interrogate systemic inequities and offer practical strategies for inclusive data practices. Drawing from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, each chapter highlights the role of researcher positionality, power, and representation in shaping outcomes and knowledge.

Bias and Beyond is anchored in a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), not only as aspirational values but as methodological imperatives that must inform every aspect of data practice. It will serve as a timely and essential resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and students committed to data justice and ethical inquiry.