Middlesex University

About: Middlesex University is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 4203 authors who have published 10964 publications receiving 247580 citations.

Sexual orientation discrimination: Exploring the experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees in Turkey

Abstract: This article explores workplace sexual orientation discrimination in the context of Turkey, a developing country displaying a unique set of gendered intersectionalities permeating the employment sphere. Using a multifarious theoretical backdrop steeped in a combinatorial analytical approach sustained by post-structural constructs, queer theory and relational perspectives, this study locates homophobic practices at work in terms of their variegated determinants, instantiations and possibilities for transformation. Open-ended, unstructured, probing interviews support the exploratory effort in gaining an authentic sense of meaning as evidenced by personal experience, and conditioned by contextual detail in the working lives of 20 lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. This allows for the emergence of an account of how sexual orientation discrimination is diffused through a plethora of work environments in Turkey and at what particular ideational levels of signification emergent processes may combat such discriminatory practices.

The benefits of external support to SMEs: “Hard” versus “soft” outcomes and satisfaction levels

Abstract: Purpose – Aims to provide an assessment of the role of external business advice for small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), comparing “soft” outcomes (improved ability to manage, ability to cope), “hard” outcomes (profitability, turnover, reduced costs), and overall satisfaction levels.Design/methodology/approach – A telephone survey using a stratified random sample frame provides a representative sample that allows comparison of the benefits of advice to SMEs in different size categories.Findings – The paper demonstrates a large and varied supply of advice with no evidence of reluctance by owners/managers to seek advice. “Hard” and “soft” outcomes tend to be combined for many SMEs, but the widest effects of external advice seem to be intangible, such as reassurance or reducing uncertainty. There is less variation between SMEs of different size than expected, but strong variation between types of external suppliers of advice. The level of regulation of suppliers and extent of their reputation or brand a...

Integrating sciences to sustain urban ecosystem services

Abstract: Effective water management within urban settings requires robust multidisciplinary understanding and an appreciation of the value added to urban spaces by providing multifunctional green-blue spaces. Multifunctional landscapes where ecosystem service provisions are 'designed-in' can help 'transition' cities to more sustainable environments which are more resilient to changing future conditions. With benefits ranging from the supply of water, habitat and energy to pollutant removal, amenity and opportunities for recreation, urban water bodies can provide a focal point for reconnecting humans and nature in otherwise densely built-up areas. Managing water within urban spaces is an essential infrastructure requirement but has historically been undertaken in isolation from other urban functions and spatial requirements. Increasingly, because of the limits of space and need to respond tonewdrivers (e.g. mitigationofdiffusepollution), more sustainableapproaches tourbanwater manage- ment are being applied which can have multiple functions and benefits. This paper presents a review of ecosystem services associated with water, particularly those in urban environments, and uses the emerging language of ecosystem services to provide a framework for discussion. The range of supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem services associated with differing types of urban water bodies are identified. A matrix is then usedtoevaluatetheresultsofaseriesofsocial,ecologicalandphysicalsciencestudiesco-locatedonasinglestretch of a restored urban river. Findings identify the benefits of, but also barriers to, the implementation of a transdisci- plinary research approach. For many, transdisciplinary research still appears to be on the edge of scientific respectability. In order to approach this challenge, it is imperative that we bring together discipline specific exper- tise to address fundamental and applied problems in a holistic way. The ecosystem services approach offers an exciting mechanism tosupport researchers in tackling researchquestionsthat require thinking beyond traditional scientific boundaries. The opportunity to fully exploit this approach to collaborative working should not be lost.