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ORAL PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
Adam Witt (PhD, BUBS) Determinants of the gold price My thesis is on the determinants of the gold price. There are three main factors which influence the gold price. These are inflation hedging, speculation and macroeconomic determinants. This thesis also includes determinants of the silver price, a more niche area of research which forms the research gap. I model for volatility and correlation between gold and silver prices over regime periods. No paper has used the modelling specification within this thesis to estimate volatility and correlation between gold and silver price. The results are compared to similar models. Overall, this entire thesis links to a greater worldwide macroeconomic setting to discover whether fiat currency worldwide since 1971 which severed the link between gold and currency has meant that the worlds reserve currency (US Dollar) has been successful given the 100% failure rate of all fiat currencies used throughout history. Traditionally, gold and silver are seen as safe havens.
Aziean Binti Jamin (PhD, BUBS) Are we there yet? A perspective from people without disabilities to support disability inclusion practices in a workplace This research addresses a gap in the literature on inclusion practises for people with disabilities in service sectors. To date, existing HRM research has concentrated on policies and organisational practices from managerial and employer levels. To strengthen inclusive practises, further investigations into employee attitudes and the elimination of discriminatory behaviour is obligated. Therefore, the research question investigates how people without disabilities positively improve the inclusion of people with disabilities in the organisation. The research methodology is interpretivism in nature, focusing on semi-structured interviews to elicit information about treatment towards people with disabilities in the workplace. A case study approach will frame conversations with co-workers and supervisors. The findings have significant implications for understanding individuals and groups behaviour within an organisation, particularly with regards to creating an inclusive work environment for this marginalised group. The study will contribute to social and attitude changes, strengthens employee relationships, and increases productivity.
Bronwyn Sherriff (PhD, FHSS) Perceived influence of contextual factors for chronic low back pain: Is there consensus? Placebo mediated analgesia is a reduction in pain arising from elements within the clinical context, including patient’s and practitioner’s characteristics/beliefs, the patient-practitioner relationship, treatment characteristics, and the healthcare environment. This study aimed to explore the perceived influence, validity, and self-reported usage of these contextual factors (CFs) by UK-based private-practice manual/physical therapists during routine care for patients with chronic low back pain. A two-round online Delphi-consensus survey was employed to generate expert ideas, evaluate identified approaches, and subsequently rate agreement levels. All five main types of CFs were perceived as valid approaches capable of influencing patient’s outcomes, but there were varied opinions, and no overall agreement regarding four sub-categories (i.e., practitioner expertise/credibility, appointment features, visual/verbal feedback, décor). Furthermore, low levels of confidence were reported for specific techniques (e.g., cognitive-behavioural approach) particularly in the absence of supplementary training. These findings have notable implications for higher education, continuous professional development, and translational research.
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