The rise of digital commerce, smartphones and social media and now the tsunami of artificial intelligence have led to the digital transformation of organisations and everyday life, creating anxiety about privacy. Privacy becomes a matter of public concern, as organisational systems are compromised, data misappropriated and our personal choices commoditised. We are left with the vain hope privacy carries some meaning in a digitalised world. This book seeks to humanise the digital privacy debate, expose different pathways to considering digital privacy, try out a collection of critical lenses to see if anything strikes a chord and suggests new insights and a way forward.

This volume pursues a range of disciplines, metaphors and historical contexts to try to find different ways of thinking about digital privacy and expand the landscape we work in both theoretically and practically. It examines a range of technologies, including generative AI, blockchain and augmented reality. Privacy is treated as lived experience, something that requires a phenomenological orientation. Hence, this book offers a new definition of privacy. It proposes a different approach to digital privacy through the practice of virtuous privacy. It draws on a toolbox of theoretical lenses and counters the temptation to abstraction through metaphors.

This book will be useful for courses on digital transformation, digital ethics and digital privacy. It will appeal to privacy researchers in both management and computer science, as well as privacy consultants and data controllers in organisations.

In the swiftly transforming environment of the 21st century, businesses and organizations encounter unparalleled challenges and prospects. At the vanguard of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI), which has emerged as a pivotal catalyst for innovation across various sectors. By optimizing operational efficiencies, enhancing customer engagement, and facilitating data-informed decision-making, AI is fundamentally altering the operational frameworks of enterprises. Nevertheless, the incorporation of AI into business strategy transcends mere technological adoption; it entails a comprehensive reimagining of the business model to synchronize with the capabilities and potentialities of AI.

This new book, Contemporary Strategic Business Transformation: AI Frontiers, investigates the confluence of modern strategic business transformation and AI. It scrutinizes the principles and methodologies that organizations must implement to adeptly navigate the intricacies of the contemporary business milieu. Through the analysis of empirical case studies and the provision of pragmatic insights, the book helps to empower leaders with the necessary knowledge and tools to leverage AI for enduring growth and competitive superiority.

This volume highlights various aspects of AI in business strategy, such as the role of artificial intelligence in combating climate change, the impact of machine learning and artificial intelligence on strategic management, the new tech-focused age of humans-the Technopocene, digital adaptation in the educational sector, deepfakes in media, and more, all of which are very related with the present business world.

Offering chapters on diverse topics on AI in business transforming, this volume will be a rich resource for business and IT professionals in many sectors who hope to harness the power of AI for future growth and success.

Learner agency plays a pivotal role in education by empowering individuals to take charge of their learning and self-development. This book explores the dynamics of learner agency among high-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in China's secondary education system.

Adopting an ecological perspective, the author delves into the English learning histories of over 20 high-level EFL learners from a secondary school in East China. She examines how these learners strategically navigate their learning journeys by engaging with temporal (past experiences/future aspirations) and relational (family/teacher/peer/societal) resources within a high-stakes ecosystem. Specifically, the book studies the multidimensionality of learner agency, including its cognitive, behavioral, and psychological manifestations; the interplay between individual agency and ecological contexts; and the practical cultivation of learner agency in EFL settings.

This book offers empirical insights for EFL learners, educators, parents, researchers, and policymakers seeking to foster learner agency in diverse educational environments.

This book analyses the financial policies and institutions developed under the Franco regime over nearly four decades and how key actors - banks, savings banks, the foreign sector, the Banco de Espana and public debt management - were used to support the regime's economic objectives.

Situating Francoist financial policy within the broader European context of post-World War II financial repression, it highlights the distinctive features of the Spanish case, shaped by a political dictatorship that profoundly influenced both policy design and institutional practice. By combining institutional analysis with the study of regulation, financial mechanisms and historical evolution, the book offers a nuanced account of the financial history of Francoism and places Spain within broader postwar European patterns of financial interventionism.

Offering new empirical evidence, critical interpretations and comparative perspectives, this volume targets a broad academic audience, including undergraduates seeking an introduction to the Franco regime's financial system, postgraduate and PhD students requiring in-depth analysis for advanced research in economic history, as well as researchers and scholars interested in transnational approaches to economic policy and institutional development.

Effective strategic management education and practice must focus on the whole team rather than the individual - this book guides readers toward collaborative excellence in strategizing and decision-making by taking such an approach.

Organized into four interlinked parts, this book offers readers the conceptual resources to critically rethink how strategic leadership capability can and should be developed in top management teams, along with practical interventions to implement this vision. Each chapter begins with a clear justification of its importance, asserting alignment and relevance. By laying out the objectives and drawing connections between chapters, teams are better positioned to see both the individual trees and the overarching forest of strategic management. A myriad of field-based insights and team-focused examples serve as a launchpad for collaborative discussions grounded in real-world dynamics. Readers will learn how to implement strategic management principles effectively, maximizing both individual and collective potential.

With chapters supporting a modular executive education program, this exciting new title will also be a valuable resource for MBA students, advanced undergraduates, future business leaders, consultants, and reflective practitioners.

The work is fully supported by a variety of online resources including downloadable participant handouts and templates for key exercises, together with an adaptable core slide deck.

Recent trends in rural and heritage tourism in Southeast and South Asia reflect a dynamic shift toward sustainability, digital integration, and an increased focus on local experiences and wellness. Southeast Asian countries are prioritizing sustainable tourism to mitigate the negative impacts of poorly managed tourism. Initiatives under the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan aim to promote greener infrastructure, local engagement, and policies encouraging sustainable practices.

This new volume explores the vibrant heritage of Southeast and South Asia and considers the prospects of rural tourism across this culturally rich and naturally beautiful region. Chapters of the book explore various themes, including vocational tourism education, marketing strategies tailored for rural and heritage contexts, the socio-economic impacts of global phenomena such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical role of sustainable practices. Explorations extend to the interplay of marketing communication and demographic characteristics in heritage tourism, the influence of social media on traveler behavior, and the profound implications of terrorism on tourism dynamics. The volume also considers topics such as women empowerment through rural tourism, challenges in entrepreneurship, and innovative approaches to sustainable development.

Each chapter contributes to a deeper understanding of how tourism can drive economic growth, facilitate cultural exchange, and promote environmental stewardship. This book underscores the importance of tailored strategies to unlock the full potential of rural and heritage tourism sectors.

Rural and Heritage Tourism in Southeast and South Asia: Practical Insights and Perspectives provides practical insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders and emphasizes collaborative governance, community empowerment, and responsible tourism practices as essential for preserving heritage and fostering sustainable development. Through scholarly contributions, the volume not only enriches our understanding of rural and heritage tourism but also inspires actionable strategies to leverage tourism potential for inclusive growth and cultural preservation. It serves as a valuable resource for academics, practitioners, and policymakers alike, which will help impactful advancement in tourism management and sustainable development across the region.

"As the sun rises over the towering peaks of the Himalayas, casting its golden hues upon the rugged terrain, one cannot help but be captivated by the sheer magnificence of this ancient mountain range. With Mount Everest and eight other of the world highest peaks proudly adorning its skyline, the Himalayas stand as a symbol of both natural wonder and human ambition."

Here is a comprehensive volume focusing on adventure tourism in the Himalayan region. This volume is a collaborative effort to bring together insights from seasoned researchers, passionate adventurers, and dedicated conservationists. Spanning the countries of India, Nepal, China, Tibet, Pakistan, and Bhutan, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the intricate dynamics of adventure tourism in the region.

The volume addresses the challenges of preserving the very environment that draws adventure tourists to the Himalaya. From overdevelopment to environmental degradation, the threats posed by unsustainable tourism practices are manifold. Through rigorous research and insightful analysis, this book sheds light on these challenges and paves the way for a more responsible approach to adventure tourism in this region. The book explores a diverse array of themes, ranging from sustainable tourism development to cultural exchange, from wildlife conservation to disaster management. Each chapter offers a unique perspective, supported by empirical evidence and real-world examples, illustrating the complexities of Himalayan tourism and the opportunities it presents for both growth and preservation.

The diverse topics cover environmental impacts and management, local governmental efforts, culinary allure and destinations, trekking tourism and solid waste management, spiritual and wellness tourism in the Himalaya, the promotion of sustainable cultural exchange and education, Himalayan pilgrimage tourism, along with case studies of specific endeavors to manage sustainable ecotourism in this region.

For scholars and researchers, Himalayan Mountain Tourism: Toward Sustainable Adventure Tourism provides a wealth of knowledge and analysis, offering valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of adventure tourism in the Himalayas. For policymakers and industry professionals, it serves as a roadmap for sustainable development, outlining strategies for mitigating environmental impact and fostering community engagement.

The contemporary business landscape is characterized by data-driven decision-making, the automation of routine tasks, and the quest for efficiency. In this context, robo-advisors-employing advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning systems-are becoming increasingly prevalent within HR departments, ushering in a new era of HR management. This new volume, Robo-Advisors and Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources Management: Revolutionizing HR, provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between technology and the concept of HRM and their impact on the nature of work in the future, focusing on how AI and robo-advisors help businesses with strategies to enhance efficiency, introduce new methods, and make the best use of employees in the rapidly growing business environment of today.

Presenting diverse viewpoints, insights, and case studies, the volume explains the concept of robo-advisors, or automation with the help of artificial intelligence, and offers an all-encompassing view of these technologies and how they can be effectively used in the HRM environment. This book delves into this transformative shift, shedding light on the profound changes that robo-advisors are bringing to the HR landscape and their implications for businesses, employees, and HR practitioners.

Topics address using robo-advisors in human resources for smart and efficient hiring processes and for recruitment marketing, for augmenting employee quality of work-life and well-being, for evaluating job satisfaction in connection with gender diversity in leadership, for enhancing employee engagement and improving organizational performance, for analyzing shifting consumer purchase intentions, for enhancing wealth and investment management skills and financial literacy, and more.

The volume provides a groundbreaking journey that offers insight into the potential and the challenges of integrating these innovative technologies into human resource management.

Exploring the crucial convergence of corporate sustainability and modern business management, this new volume offers a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the incorporation of sustainability principles into many aspects of contemporary corporate operations. It brings together a collection of chapters from notable scholars, professionals, and educators who share their valuable viewpoints and practical knowledge to effectively traverse this dynamic field, covering the topics of corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate governance, sustainability-driven marketing, supply chain management, finance, business models, the condition of climate change, and innovation.

The volume first provides analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its dynamic function within modern corporate strategy, examining its evolution from a philanthropic endeavor to a fundamental component of organizational strategy. It discusses ethical deliberations, societal obligations, and environmental conservation. The book goes on to focus on corporate governance and explores its significant influence on the long-term viability of organizations. The book also emphasizes the need for sustainability-driven marketing management, which explores methods that align with the values of today's environmentally and socially aware consumers. It thoroughly examines the transition toward sustainable marketing practices, which includes ethical branding, consumer interaction, and responsible advertising.

The integration of sustainability into supply chain management is also considered, covering such aspects as ethical sourcing, the application of circular economy principles, and the reduction of environmental consequences while simultaneously maximizing operational efficiency. Sustainable finance and value creation are addressed as well, revealing novel financial frameworks and investment tactics that foster the promotion of sustainability. The book provides guidance to organizations on how to effectively balance their financial objectives with the societal and environmental consequences of their actions. Other topics include disruptive technologies, shifts in company models, and new strategies that effectively link profitability with sustainable development goals.

Corporate Sustainability and Business Management: An Integrative Approach provides significant value to scholars, corporate executives, legislators, and professionals by presenting a comprehensive perspective on the integration of sustainability principles across all aspects of business management.

This fully revised and expanded third edition presents an overview of the criminal justice system for social workers, exploring the networks and institutions that comprise it. Integrating social work ethics and a commitment to social justice, each chapter explores social work practice roles to address social problems within the criminal justice system while promoting the development of knowledge, skills, and critical reflection.

This textbook covers four key areas for social work practice (legislation, law enforcement, courts, and corrections) as well as providing insights into police social work, forensic social work, and correctional social work. The revised edition has also been updated to include four new chapters on:

• The global criminal justice and social work collaboration issues associated with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers
• Social worker safety in criminal justice settings
• Vulnerable populations with a discussion on risk and resilience
• International criminal justice social work

Every chapter concludes with a helpful summary of social work practice implications, alongside key terms and suggestions for further reading. Examining the challenges and opportunities of social work practice in the criminal justice system, this is the ideal textbook for social work instructors, students, and practitioners working in this field.

This book examines modern American farmland preservation, arguing that its policies must address the social, identity, and psychological issues facing American farmers.

As American farmland is disappearing rapidly, this crisis not only jeopardizes American agriculture but also threatens rural communities. While the American farmland preservation movement has focused on conservation easements, permanent land restrictions that work within the American legal system's preference for inalienable property rights, the author argues for a new era of farmland preservation based on stakeholder-led solutions. The book showcases how rapid development is escalating farmland loss in urbanizing parts of the country, meaning the problem facing much of rural America is the loss of farmers and farm communities, not farmland. Drawing on the author's career as a farmland preservation specialist, the book evaluates America's current farmland preservation policies framed through the "politics of place," a term describing the role of place in local politics and civic engagement. Utilizing interviews with farmland preservationists, the book highlights a broader, more holistic approach to farmland preservation than mere land protection. By featuring these prominent examples from around the country, the book puts forward a new vision for farmland preservation that more insightfully addresses the social and economic issues facing America's farming communities and fosters a more engaged rural citizenship.

This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of food and agriculture, rural sociology, and environmental management, as well as professionals working in farmland management, conservation, and preservation.

Many social workers and policymakers feel frustrated by the revolving door of cases closing, only to be reopened, or by stalemates that stand in the way of the desired progress. The Trauma Root of Social Work provides social workers and social policymakers with an accessible understanding of trauma, where it comes from, and the benefits of trauma-proactive social work.

This book explains the concept of the trauma wall, its appearance in our lives and work, and how it can be broken down by recognising and addressing root causes to achieve better and more sustainable outcomes in social work. It describes the mechanisms involved in high stress levels and brain development to explain the reactive behaviour and attitudes encountered in social work. Practical approaches aid social workers in supporting people with unresolved trauma in case work. The book leaves readers better equipped to know how to break down the trauma wall, enabling them to develop more effective policy and practice to really resolve and close cases.

This book is an invaluable resource for social workers and social policymakers involved in creating the structures, frameworks, and regulations for social work at all levels. Additionally, it is useful for anyone looking to break down the trauma wall at individual, family, community, and societal levels to promote positive change and address the current polycrisis.

This new book, Agroforestry and Climate Change Mitigation: Harnessing Multitrophic Interactions for Sustainable Plant Protection and Ecosystem Resilience, explores the fascinating world of multitrophic interactions in agroforestry systems and their implications for sustainable plant protection. Agroforestry, the integrated management of trees and crops or livestock on the same piece of land, is increasingly recognized as a sustainable agricultural practice that offers a range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. This volume brings together a diverse range of ecological, agronomic, and economic viewpoints to provide a comprehensive overview of agroforestry and its impact from climate change.

The chapters cover the role of biodiversity in pest control, the impact of agroforestry practices on multitrophic interactions, the use of natural enemies for pest management, the potential of agroforestry for enhancing ecosystem services, and more. The volume looks at agroforestry in connection with climate change mitigation, environmental stress mitigation, beneficial insects, the role of detritivores in nutrient cycling and soil health, multitrophic pollination networks, plant-microbe synergy, root-mediated interactions, and much more.

Exploring the intricate web of relationships among organisms in agroforestry systems to unlock new strategies for managing pests and promoting the health and resilience of agroforestry landscapes, this volume is a valuable resource for researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding and harnessing the power of multitrophic interactions for sustainable plant protection.

This new book, Demystifying Sustainable Farming Using Smart Technologies, helps to bridge the gap between traditional agricultural practices and the technological innovations that are revolutionizing the field, focusing on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in agriculture.

Covering myriad topics that encompass the essence of smart agriculture, the book highlights the concept of Agriculture 5.0, covering its scope and challenges. It looks at sustainable agriculture from various angles, proposing technological means for increasing efficiency with regard to supply chain, pest control, farming techniques, climate change, irrigation, and more. From precision farming and predictive analytics to automated machinery and IoT-enabled devices, each chapter unveils the practical applications of technology in agriculture. These innovations are not only making farming more efficient but are also paving the way for more resilient and adaptable agricultural systems.

Technologies covered in the book include agricultural drones and robotics, the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, image processing-based applications, smart monitoring devices, augmented and virtual reality applications, data-driven mobile apps, and more.

By harnessing the power of these technologies, we can optimize crop yields, enhance resource efficiency, and make informed decisions that promote sustainability. This volume highlights the integration of AI and ML into farming practices to address some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today.

Offering a wide range of case studies, this new book highlights the practical applications of integrating quality management, data analysis, and multidisciplinary research for solving urgent environmental challenges, improving public health and company operations, and more. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, it emphasizes the transformative power of data and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex challenges and driving innovation.

This book highlights many methods and applications for data analysis and interdisciplinary research, including various statistical methods, CUSUM (Cumulative Sum) control charts, Poisson distribution models, the Bayesian approach, software programs like Mathematica, machine learning algorithms, big data, and more. The book applies data analysis approaches in addressing complex challenges in many areas, including for environmental problems such as measuring air pollution; in socioeconomic issues like insurance costs and dynamics; in healthcare such as for analyzing epidemiological data (such as from the COVID-19 pandemic); in the agricultural sector, such as to understand and forecast agricultural trends and to enhance agricultural sustainability; and more.

Strategies for Sustainability brings together authors and perspectives from different industries, practice areas, and geographies within a unifying story thread to inform critical discussions and communication of contemporary ecological strategies relevant to business and marketing needs.

Anchored in diverse areas of study such as communication, technology innovation, strategy, policymaking, operations management, financial inclusion, and organizational research, it features a range of sectors including energy, transportation, finance, automobile manufacturing, construction, retail, urban planning, policymaking, and the blue economy, bringing unique insights from across the world from academia and practice. It aims to take a balanced approach, exploring the positive and the less flattering aspects of sustainability efforts. Each chapter starts with a thought-provoking warm-up question, prompting the reader to revisit their current notions of ecological sustainability and critically assess the gaps between sustainability strategy and actual sustainability efforts. Throughout this book, chapter objectives, themes, case studies, and discussion questions support student learning.

Written in a simple, concise manner, this book is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of business strategy, marketing, international relations, and sustainability-related fields, as well as practitioners from a range of different industries.

Rich in quantitative techniques and economic theory, American Economic History demonstrates how understanding our past illuminates today's economic issues. With engaging language, this text walks readers through four centuries of political, social, and economic history, focusing on laws and institutions while emphasizing current economic topics.

Adopting an analytical approach, the ninth edition has been heavily updated to incorporate new literature and reflect modern economic historians' tools and methodologies. Coverage of slavery, population growth, migration, the Great Depression, the New Deal, wartime prosperity, and the new millennium has been expanded and revised. A new chapter examines the Great Recession and its aftermath. The book also includes a discussion of econometrics and causal inference, which has become a critical tool in the toolbox of economic historians. Teaching support includes instructor resources, such as PowerPoint slides, a test bank, and a range of cases, providing students with the opportunity to work with real data.

Using minimal math and assuming little previous background in economics or history, this classic text suits all study levels. Bridging historical analysis with contemporary economic understanding, it simplifies complex concepts, making them accessible to everyone - from first-year students all the way through to economics majors.

A central concern of economists, policymakers and civil society in recent years has been the persistent and widespread slowdown in global productivity growth.

This stands in stark contrast to the robust productivity performance and associated prosperity witnessed across advanced economies in previous decades. The productivity slowdown represents a significant concern because it underpins the tensions emerging from income and wealth inequality, an expanded corporate profit share and geopolitical friction as established and emerging economic powers vie for global market supremacy. History offers numerous examples of technological advancement coinciding with heightened economic uncertainty and political discontent, yet these were also predominantly periods of accelerated productivity growth. This volume delivers a guide to the contested terrain through a diversity of perspectives spanning mainstream economic analysis to institutional and political economy frameworks. It encompasses topics ranging from the definition and measurement of productivity to the function of research and innovation, financialization and business dynamism, management quality and workplace relations and the existential implications and opportunities presented by climate change.

Understanding Productivity targets policymakers, students across multiple disciplines and readers eager to examine the productivity "black box," to participate in an informed exploration of theory and evidence-based perspectives and to formulate their own conclusions about this critically important dimension of contemporary economic discourse and debate.

This publication is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Social Security Administration. The information contained in this publication can be found free of charge at www.ssa.gov

The Social Security Handbook: Overview of Social Security Programs provides information about Social Security programs and services, and identifies rights and obligations under the Social Security laws. This completely updated Handbook, organized by section number, is a readable, easy-to-understand reference for comprehending complex Social Security programs and services and contains information on several topics relevant to Social Security policies:

?How Social Security programs are administered
?Who is and isn't covered under retirement, survivors, disability, and hospital insurance programs
?Who is responsible for submitting the necessary evidence to support a claim
?How claims are processed by the Social Security office
?What Social Security benefits are owed to you
?How to obtain information about your rights under Social Security policy

The Handbook is designed to help users understand the gray areas of the Social Security Act, and to provide critical information about rights and obligations under Social Security laws.

The Handbook outlines how to:
?Protect your benefits and avoid benefit loss;
?Monitor government agencies and get information about policy changes that will affect your benefits;
?Make the most of hospital and Medicare coverage;
?Determine the amount of benefits that are subject to federal income taxes;
?Check Social Security earnings and benefits; and
?Get up-to-date news about future Social Security programs and services.

The book examines the intersection of politics, economic development, and environmental sustainability of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Ecological impacts of coffee production are analyzed through the lens of mitigating damage to the region's biodiversity.

Sustainable Coffee in Costa Rica: Solutions for People, Economic Development, and Biodiversity analyzes the intersection of politics, economic development, and environmental sustainability in coffee production. Coffee has long been central to understanding Costa Rican politics and society. From the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, coffee was the most important economic engine for the country and coffee growers held a great deal of political power. Beginning with the historical and socio-economic importance of coffee in Costa Rica as well as the broader region, this book argues that long-term economic success for the Costa Rican coffee industry is enhanced and catalyzed by economic, social, political, and especially ecological sustainability. This book also explores the ecological effects of coffee growing, from creating plantations to the disposal of waste products, to examine how these effects can be mitigated to lessen the impact on the region's incredible biodiversity.

In Latin America, and other historically exploited former colonies, people were told to unlearn their language and culture in order to acquire what some privileged voices classify as "valid" or "legitimate" ways of thinking.
Throughout history, various teaching approaches and methodologies have emerged, each bringing unique insights to foreign language classrooms all over the world. These methods have played a pivotal role in shaping language pedagogy, enhancing learners' experiences, and fostering communication in an increasingly interconnected world. As societies become aware of the need for cultural inclusivity and equity, educators are recognizing the importance of adopting praxiologies that honor diverse languages and perspectives.
In the last couple of years, language educators have seen an unprecedented expansion of discussions related to the questioning of naturalized practices in language education. Nowadays, these questions are the core of language teacher education programs in Latin America. Educators have developed and implemented another way experiencing and assessing language education; one that is not focused on the mere application of predetermined methods and techniques, but that is born from-and sensitive to-the local contexts, and which considers context-dependent struggles, hopes, needs, and agency (or lack thereof). In such a manner, the concept of praxiologies seems to be central, as understood by Paulo Freire as the inseparable connection between action and reflection. In the context of Latin American language education, praxiologies refer to the constant action-reflection that extends beyond the implementation of pre-determined methods and techniques created by those who have never interacted with the local contexts.

This book offers library and archive professionals a comprehensive guide to optimizing processes, with a focus on improving efficiency, speed, effectiveness, and reliability.

Professionals in libraries and archives often are asked to take on decades old processes and are not provided the tools to rework those processes. This book gives readers practical insight into how they can analyze and re-design their work processes to be more efficient, faster, more effective, and more reliable. Readers will learn methods for getting more done while reducing stress and burnout.

Librarians, archivists, and paraprofessionals who find themselves managing a process will find this book an excellent companion. By integrating process management techniques with the specific needs of libraries and archives, this book bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing actionable strategies to streamline workflows. Ultimately, Efficiency by Design contributes to making library and archive management more productive, sustainable, and mindful of the challenges professionals face today.

Now in its fifth edition, Exploring Medical Anthropology provides a concise and engaging introduction to medical anthropology. It presents competing theoretical perspectives in a balanced fashion, highlighting points of conflict and convergence. Concrete examples and the authors' personal research experiences are utilized to explain some of the discipline's most important insights, such as the idea that biology and culture matter equally in the human experience of illness and disease and that medical anthropology can help alleviate human suffering.

This text has been thoroughly updated for the fifth edition, including new material on intersectionality, reproductive health, and public health (including Covid-19); additional material on theory and methods, including rapid ethnographic assessment; and additional ethnographic case examples and anthropological scholarship.

It contains a range of pedagogical features to support teaching and learning, including images, text boxes, a glossary, and suggested further reading.

The sixth edition of A Beginner's Guide to Structural Equation Modeling has been redesigned to consider the medium-term needs of a beginner in structural equation modeling (SEM) to guide them through their research.

This new update includes thorough insights on theory testing, data analysis, and results interpretation; a focus on using LISREL, Mplus, and R programs; and an increased focus on SEM terminology, output, model types, and analyses. It also includes two new chapters on reproducing results in SEM journal articles and conducting a Monte Carlo analysis. Examples with real data make theory easier to understand and allow SEM beginners to conduct, interpret, and write up analyses for observed variable path models to full structural models. Exercises at the end of each chapter strengthen the utility of the book for beginners.

This book is intended for beginners in SEM and designed for introductory graduate courses in SEM taught in psychology, education, business, and the social and health care sciences. It also appeals to researchers and faculty in various disciplines. Prerequisites include correlation and regression methods.

This timely volume addresses the interpersonal, institutional, and structural factors underpinning inequities in healthcare access, experiences, and outcomes among racialised communities living in the United Kingdom (UK) today.

Bringing together researchers from the UK and Ireland, ranging from established scholars and early-career researchers to those working at the interface of research and community health, this volume assembles their trailblazing work to examine the complex relationship between race, racism, and health. Organised according to the following six themes: Questioning, Research and Data, Maternal Health, Mis/Trust in Services, Chronic Conditions and the Social Determinants of Health, and Beyond Resilience, the chapters uncover how racially unjust systems and practices generate unequal outcomes, while outlining the urgent changes needed to redress these systemic inequities. By examining how racial inequities are produced, sustained, and compounded across key domains of society, healthcare, and health research, the volume offers a critical guide for understanding and, more importantly, addressing racial and ethnic inequities in health in the UK.

This unique and important book is essential reading for educators, students, and policy makers within public health, medical education, public policy, and beyond.

'Traditional' language teaching has come to be equated with old, dysfunctional, outdated, or backward pedagogies. But is that really all there is to it? This book breaks through the disinterest in tradition and challenges taken-for-granted assumptions about the realm of the traditional in language education, gradually revealing that the common and dismissal of traditional language teaching is inadequate and flawed - a fabrication.

To disrupt this fabrication of traditional language teaching, The Fabrication of Traditional Language Teaching argues for the reclaiming and reframing of tradition as a crucial concept in language education and scholarship. It provides an in-depth investigation of applied linguistics scholarship and the knowledge that it has produced about traditions, relates this to interdisciplinary perspectives on tradition that have been advanced in the social sciences, philosophy, education, and cultural studies. By tracing the ways in which traditional language education has been, and continues to be, fabricated, it reveals how this fabrication affects and impedes our understanding of language education and research.

Azerbaijanis speak a Turkic language close to the Turkish of Turkey and live in a vast historical landscape between Russia's Dagestan, eastern Georgia, and Iran's capital, Tehran.

The nation declared independence in 1918, but Russia reoccupied the country by force in 1920. In 1991, Azerbaijan regained its independence for the second time. The oil-rich republic of ten million people is located at a geopolitically important crossroads between Russia and Iran. Predominantly Shiite Muslim and highly secular, Azerbaijan is Turkey and Israel's closest ally in the region. A post-Soviet country the size of Austria on the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan faces numerous socio-political problems rooted mainly in its communist past (1920-1991). Azerbaijan's economy has been based on oil and gas exports for three decades, providing alternative fossil-fuel supplies for Europe. At the same time, the non-oil sector remains relatively underdeveloped.

Historical Dictionary of Azerbaijan, Third Edition contains a chronology, an introduction, an extensive bibliography, and cross-referenced entries on important personalities as well as aspects of the country's politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Azerbaijan.