Emotional authority in presenting the later Covid-19 strategy: the speeches and statements of Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon

Recent research on the performance of political leaders during the early stages of Covid-19 measures suggests that women leaders place more emphasis on emotional engagement and address their publics at the individual level. This chapter analyses the discursive management of emotion and authority in the post-lockdown stages of the pandemic, focusing on then-Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. A critical discourse analysis approach reveals elements of conversationalisation and political discourse. These varied across parliamentary speeches and public statements, but were consistently managed in a manner that balanced emotionality with a conventional language of authority. It finds that while Sturgeon displayed the emotional engagement associated with other women leaders, this was alongside a sustained commitment to a lexicon of governmental power and control

Novice Chinese Bariatric Nurses’ Perceptions of Their Role as Bariatric Case Managers: a Qualitative Study

Introduction: Bariatric Case Managers (BCM) are integral healthcare team members for patients undergoing bariatric surgery in China. As the demand for bariatric surgery increases in China, the number of BCMs has also risen. However, more is needed to know about the perceptions of novice bariatric nurses towards their role as case managers. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of novice Chinese bariatric nurses toward their roles during the early stages of their careers. Methods: This qualitative study employed semi-structured individual interviews with 15 novice bariatric nurses who received training as BCMs. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed line-by-line, and analyzed thematically. The study was conducted in a bariatric surgery center of a public tertiary hospital in Southern China. Results: Three themes emerged from the data related to the perceptions of being a BCM: "negotiating the ambiguity of the BCM role’, ‘establishing a core set of behaviors for the BCM role’ and ‘identifying areas of competence to develop a BCM role framework.’ The novice bariatric nurses expressed both positive and negative feelings towards their role. They highlighted the need for further training to improve their qualifications and the importance of support from colleagues, and hospital management. Conclusions: The findings illuminate the role of the BCM in China. Future research should investigate effective and acceptable job descriptions and cooperation modes between BCMs, colleagues and hospital management. We recommend using these findings to develop training programs for novice BCMs and improve their capacity to provide quality care to patients undergoing bariatric surgery

Management of new procedures' implementations risks in the hotel industry: A case study from Crete, Greece

In a continuous changing world, where the innovation is highly demanded for companies to remain powerful players in the global game of competition, risk management attracts more attention and higher interest. The establishment of new processes in the hotels’ operation enhances the concept of uncertainty that risk is related to, and the implementation of a risk management plan, is considered extremely important for the prevention of any unexpected worrying results (Wut et.al, 2021). It is globally accepted, that tourism industry is vulnerable in risks, as it is a combination of several factors that affect its efficient operation. Focus on the hotels, which are key components in touristic activities, they have to deal with several aspects to win their competitive advantage in the market (Alzoubi & Jaaffar, 2020). Their success is related to innovative processes and consequently to the risks that might occur after their application in a hotel’s day-to-day operation. In the context of hospitality, employees have a vital role in the daily efficient operation of a hotel and the concept of teamwork impacts their performance (Phuong & Huy, 2022). The highly engaged employees, increase job satisfaction, provide effective customer service and produce better hotel outcomes (Rabiul et.al, 2023). Essential element for a pleasant working environment that is attractive and enhances a hotel’s competitive advantage is the management team and specifically the person whose role is the leader of that team – the hotel manager. A hotel manager is the motivator of creativity and team spirit, and it is the main decision maker that is based not only on technical but also effective social skills and knowledge (Ushakov et.al, 2020) (Kainthola, 2021). As the indicators of new processes in a hotel’s operation, the most valuable point is their effort for personal growth and up-to-date information. Their self-improvement will enhance the “out of the box” way of thinking and it will point out the importance of continuous staff training regarding not only the daily hotel procedures but also the need for potential risks’ evaluation and assessments procedures (Olimovich et.al, 2020). Nowadays and through the use of technology, the continuous self- update regarding the new trends in the market, is considered as an easily achievable target. The development of several means of technology allow hotel managers to follow the movements in the tourism market, apply changes in their hotels and explore the beauty of innovative procedures that can bring higher profit in their businesses. The several hotel review platforms and the opportunity that tourists have to expressfreely their opinions and the advantage they have to choose their future holiday based on a range of available prices, creates a new perspective for the hotel competition as well as, it draws a new era for the hospitality industry in general (Pappas, 2015). What it should be taken into consideration is that continuous technological achievements mean more innovative ideas and consequently more potential risks. The aim of this study is to investigate hotel managers’ knowledge regarding risk management and to highlight the importance of creation of risk management action plans, related to the implementation of new services. As the touristic activity of the island of Crete, contributes to a high percentage to the national GDP of the country, this research was conducted among the four regions of the island, and it is based on qualitative data collection through individual interviews with 35 hotel managers. All participants had to respond to 22 open questions regarding teamwork, competency, competition, personal development and risk management. The interview were conducted in person and the duration of each one was about 25 – 30 minutes. The findings positively indicates a strong connection between teamwork and efficient hotel operation. Additionally, it is highlighted the necessity of innovation for the hotels’ improvement, and it points out the impact of technology on the market competition. From the other point of view, the results show limited awareness of risk management and the necessity for the creation of a risk management plan that could be applied when an innovative idea takes plac

Chromascopic

Chromascopic 29 February - 17 March 2024 Thurs to Sun, 12-5pm Private View : Saturday 2nd March, 12-4pm This exhibition examines an exploration of colour its history and the multifarious ways in which contemporary artists have employed it to extraordinary effect. Participating artists: Frank Bowling Jane Harris Iain Davenport Imogen Wetherell Lothar Goetz Laurence Noga Mary Webb Jason Martin Mali Morris John Crossley Ben Gooding Erin Lawlo