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The use of student response systems is becoming more prevalent in higher level education. Evidence on the effectiveness of this technology can be an important resource for tutors seeking to engage with learners and raise the quality of learning experiences. Student response systems have been found to increase student engagement and participation in the classroom, yet few studies examine why this is so. This research seeks to explore the effects of student response systems on student participation in large classes. The methods used included both quantitative and qualitative data. A pre-test/mid-test/post-test design (quantitative approach) was deployed to examine the effects of a classroom response system on interactivity. Students involved in a final year undergraduate business course took part in investigating the use of student response systems from the student perspective. Qualitative data were collected to identify the strengths and weaknesses of using a classroom response system to enhance classroom interaction through semi-structured interviews. This research builds on previous studies by investigating why students become more participatory, interactive and engaged during learning sessions which utilise student response systems. Implications for teaching practice are discussed, and avenues for future research on student response systems and student engagement in large class scenarios are outlined.

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Purpose -This paper aims to examine the nature of service operations management and its application to the field of humanitarian logistics. The purpose of this paper is to assess developments in the humanitarian logistics (HUMLOG) literature over the last six years and to lay out some opportunities for the HUMLOG academic community in the area of services operations management. Design/methodology/approach -A systematic, quantitative review, consistent with suggestions that the methodological rigor of reviews of the management literature should be strengthened, was undertaken. Findings -The paper suggests that there is an opportunity for HUMLOG academics to engage in the service operations management arena and apply their knowledge and skills to answer fundamental questions in the areas of servitisation, service developments, service standardisation, and the role of humanitarian aid (HA) organisations as logistics service providers and to apply their expertise in business services.Research limitations/implications -The analysis was limited to 15 peer-reviewed journals with the word "humanitarian" and/or any of the phrases "disaster", "humanitarian aid", "humanitarian logistics", "humanitarian operations" or "humanitarian supply chains", in either their titles, abstracts or full texts. The results of this review and analysis, however, provide sufficient evidence to support the main arguments advanced in the paper. Originality/value -The paper contributes to the knowledge and applications of services operations management in HUMLOG research.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a greater understanding of the challenges of civil military logistical cooperation, coordination and collaboration in humanitarian relief logistics. Design/methodology/approach – Systematic literature review of academic journals. Findings – This paper has four main findings. First, a categorisation of humanitarian logistics literature is achieved through a systematic review. Second, a classification of military involvement in humanitarian relief logistics is presented. Third, the research substantiated systematic differences in the kinds of military cooperation not only due to stage of operations but also depending upon whether the disaster is “natural” or “manmade”. Fourth, the research identifies the challenges of civil military logistical cooperation, coordination and collaboration and posits recommendations to overcome the identified challenges. Research limitations/implications – This paper represents an exploratory study and provides the basis for further research on cooperation, coordination and collaboration between military and civilian agencies in humanitarian operations. The paper sets a research agenda for academics. Practical implications – This paper is the first to offer practical guidance to military commanders and managers of humanitarian agencies on solutions and recommendations to overcome the challenges to civil military logistical cooperation/coordination in humanitarian operations. Originality/value – The area of civil military logistical cooperation/coordination has received limited consideration within the humanitarian aid logistics literature to date. This paper is designed to redress this shortfall. As a result, it is hoped that it will act as a catalyst for further research and to widen and deepen the resultant debate with a view to improving the outcome for those affected by current and future disasters.