bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving e-commerce order-fulfilment productivity: A case study
Authors: Peck John C. , Page Edward W. , Bate Jim , Harper Garry R. , Plassmeyer Joe
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a case study describing how a major online retailer of costumes and party supplies planned and implemented a new order-fulfilment system that increased picking speeds by more than 400 per cent while accommodating a peak-season surge in shipping volumes with significant reductions in direct labour costs. The paper first describes the changing nature of distribution resulting from the growing popularity of online shopping. The online retailer’s order characteristics and the legacy order-fulfilment strategy are then described. Next, the goals for a new order-fulfilment system are identified, and several specific recommendations for achieving those goals are discussed. The paper then describes a distributed database solution employing multimodal, batch-picking carts and optimised picking strategies. The implementation strategy is described in detail, and the results achieved by the new system are presented. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of the merits of the new system relative to the stated goals. In addition to achieving impressive improvements in the speed of order fulfilment, the new system requires significantly less time to train new workers, is readily scalable to meet changing workloads, and provides ample flexibility for meeting future needs as business volume grows.
Above ground damp proofing: How to improve detailing: Part 2 — Using air gap membrane systems
Authors: Burkinshaw Ralph F.
Published: July 2024

Part 2 of this paper shows examples of air gap membrane systems used in above ground scenarios. The membranes are versatile, as they suit both above and below ground applications, and can even be used to overclad buildings. There has been a lack of independent research into remedial damp proofing in the UK. Bench tests on damp proofing products do not prove that they work in a real building, that they are installed correctly, or are even necessary. There is not much attention paid to external support measures by the remedial treatment industry. A leaky umbrella will have a greater chance of keeping you dry if you turn down the tap that is splashing water on it. Technical opinions in this paper are based primarily on experience gleaned from hundreds of thorough dampness investigations, together with findings from a number of the author's own, mainly self-funded, practical tests — on measuring instruments, materials and damp proofing systems. And of course interfacing with expert colleagues who are willing to share their own experiences. There is not enough time in one surveyor's life to make sense of all the mysteries of dampness investigation, but by publishing the pieces of knowledge that are acquired along the way, a final completed jigsaw will become more and more of a reality.
Lead. Change. Invest. Repeat.
Authors: Torossian Lynn M.
Published: July 2024

If one starts with the premise that in healthcare the only thing you can count on is change, and the pace of that change will probably continue to accelerate, then it is critical that healthcare leaders develop skills not just to manage change but, most importantly, to lead change. Leaders must become more comfortable with change than they are with the status quo. The industry has known this for a while and has (mainly in the area of quality improvement and cost reduction) embraced various methodologies, including CQI, lean, Six Sigma and others. Frequently, these are initiatives that start with the executive team committing to a target and then either methodically training a group that trains the rest of the staff or training everyone at once – often spending an entire year, or more, in training. Then the projects begin, with teams sequestered for hours or days, to design new processes. When all the work does not produce significant results, the organisation either declares victory anyway or moves on to another initiative. Either way, change is not developed as a skill, and leaders are often left feeling that another initiative has come and gone without much to show for the effort. At Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital (HFWBH), a different approach was taken, on the premise that an organisation’s ultimate success is built on leading and making change among the core skills of an entire leadership team. This paper discusses Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital’s aim to ‘be the change’, to be flexible in making changes in the areas of accountability, speed and implementation.
Money evolution: How the shift from analogue to digital is transforming financial services
Authors: Laven Mike
Published: July 2024

The digital revolution is finally trickling down to the financial services industry. While banks have been responsible historically for many of the innovations in payments such as the credit card and online banking, their vertically integrated business models are ill-suited for today’s multichannel world brought about by the internet, the smartphone, big data, social media and cloud computing. This paper contends that internet-enabled financial technology firms are acting as a catalyst to the digitisation of money by offering a genuine alternative to the customer-facing payments services of banks and traditional institutions. Leveraging technology, lean business models and widespread dissatisfaction with traditional banking, ‘New Finance’ firms focus on optimising specific components of the financial value chain and delivering improved customer service, lower costs and greater efficiencies for end users. Their entry is forcing both businesses and consumers to redefine what they expect of financial services. The paper examines some of the trends bringing about the digitisation of financial services, current innovations in payments and how banks should manage their relationships with financial technology start-ups to adapt to the transition to digital services.
High-impact AI: How to achieve business goals while making the world a better place
Authors: Griffin Michael , Kotvis Hailey , Miner Josephine , Poulsen Kayla
Published: July 2024

A vast amount of wealth has been generated by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled applications, and that wealth generation is accelerating. This paper describes how both monetary and non-monetary wealth — the kind of wealth that makes the world a better place — can be generated by the same intelligent application. The paper introduces the term ‘high-impact AI’, which is the practice of achieving business goals while simultaneously benefiting society. Novel and practical examples of achieving this lofty goal are described in the areas of manufacturing, where AI-powered software enables people with disabilities to perform jobs they would otherwise not be qualified to perform; healthcare, where the incredible complexity of practising medicine has been simplified to potentially improve the health and prolong the lives of millions of people; and psychology, where a tremendous variety of human interactions can be quantified and optimised in real time to assist strengthening and enhancing relationships of all kinds. Finally, this paper makes the case that practising high-impact AI will help businesses attract and retain talented people by giving them meaningful work that matters.
Community-led regeneration: Applying the experience of the ‘community facilitator’ in Iran to China
Authors: Kalantari Sedigheh , Huang Yaping
Published: July 2024

Over the last decade, there has been a growing emphasis on neighbourhood regeneration and community participation in China. The focus has been partly on promotion of community involvement in rule-making and decision-making processes. However, the issue of community participation in urban redevelopment has received little attention. In recent years the Iranian Government has placed new emphasis on urban renewal through participatory approaches. In Tehran and some other cities, renovation of deteriorated urban fabric has been initiated through neighbourhood facilitation offices. The facilitation tools guide participation processes over three main steps: (1) intent and belief of the planners and managers on community’s participation; (2) reducing the government’s share in the production system and increasing the role of supervision, guiding and facilitating; and (3) improving societies through building trust and attracting public participation. This paper considers the extent to which local communities in disadvantaged neighbourhoods have a difficulty in making an impact on decisions affecting the neighbourhood redevelopment. The paper concludes that community participation in neighbourhood redevelopment in China remains at the bottom of the ladder of participation. The paper analyses the principles of the facilitation office (local renovation office) in Iran, and it describes how renewal of the deteriorated fabric in disadvantaged neighbourhoods has gone forward. Finally, the paper aims to take advantage of the Iranian experiences in terms of the Chinese context. The discussion in this paper draws on evidence from multiple sources — existing literature, governmental reports and policy documents.
Reassessing the risks in emerging markets
Authors: Wise Richard
Published: July 2024

This short paper reassesses the risks inherent in emerging markets. By examining causes of the sharp increase in volatility across emerging credit markets, the paper concludes that a combination of idiosyncratic and systemic risks continue to present significant vulnerabilities to developing economies. While idiosyncratic risks are reasonably diversified across the emerging markets complex, a pre–emptive tightening in US monetary policy could once again trigger a correlated weakening in local currencies, erode investor confidence and induce a surge in capital outflows.
How to run a repository: Open documentation of 15 years’ experience
Authors: Faulder Erin , Delrosso Jim
Published: July 2024

To better coordinate a repository ecosystem of over 20 individual systems and synthesise decades of staff knowledge and expertise, a team at the Cornell University Library created an open manual of repository principles and strategies to support both new and existing repository managers. This case study will document the process of creating this manual, describing the identification of strategic areas of repository management; the composition and revision of manual sections in conjunction with experts throughout the library system; the development of both best practices and action steps for implementing them; and the publication of the manual in both an open wiki and an open access repository under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 licence to facilitate use, feedback and further revision. As the manual itself is intended to fill a gap in the existing repository manual toolset and engender a larger conversation about repository management practices, this case study can serve as the basis for a similar conversation about the openly shared documentation of those practices.
A look at the rapidly changing market infrastructure supporting the OTC derivatives markets
Authors: Hollanders Marc
Published: July 2024

Arguably the most important developments in the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets over the last few years are the creation of central trade repositories (TRs) and the introduction of central counterparties (CCPs). Both play an important role in strengthening the core financial infrastructure for OTC derivatives transactions. They contribute to the transparency, the safety and the efficiency of the OTC markets. This paper, after a brief look at the organisation of the derivatives markets, will first discuss the functioning of trade repositories and CCPs and then highlight the risks and benefits that need to be considered when TRs and especially CCPs are introduced. It will also emphasise the importance of strong international standards to ensure the safety and soundness of the clearing and settlement arrangements for OTC derivatives transactions.
Increasing investment in towns and cities
Authors: Reilly Jacquie , Aswat Mo
Published: July 2024

Although many town and city centres have existed for hundreds of years they need to evolve and adapt continually if they are to remain competitive. Fundamental to this will be an increase in investment. To achieve this, we need to engage with and support self-reliant and proactive business communities by developing easily accessible mechanisms which offer them freedom, money and the opportunity to manage their own local issues. Town Centre Management and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) offer businesses clarity and control and therefore the incentive to engage. These models already have a proven track record of success.
How Appian developed and delivered a successful business-to-business social media strategy
Authors: Khodarahmi Ehsan
Published: July 2024

To develop a social media strategy that delivers results, organisations must consider how they will interact and engage with their target audience. This requires building a solid infrastructure through strategic organic social media management and a systematic advocacy programme for brand awareness and content engagement purposes. It is also important to incorporate paid social media in the mix to expand reach, build brand awareness and improve social selling and lead generation. This article explains how Appian, a cloud computing and enterprise software company, increased social media operational efficiency by more than 40 per cent and reduced costs in less than two months, while improving performance across key measurements.
Winter blues at European airports: The need for airport responsibility and corporate foresight
Authors: Abeyratne Ruwantissa
Published: July 2024

The chaos at European airports, particularly London Heathrow, in the winter of 2010, wrought by pummelling snowstorms and ice, not only caused cancelled flights and stranded passengers but also resulted in a tremendous cost for the airport authorities. Airports operator BAA has released the figure of £24m (c. US$38m) as the cost incurred by the Spanish-owned firm which operates six airports in Britain. This cost includes a reduction in profit as a result of the decrease in passenger numbers by 11 per cent over a few days. As this paper discusses, the handling of the crisis by BAA drew widespread criticism from both legislators and airlines, the former considering the adoption of legislation against airports and the latter threatening to withhold charges due to the airports. It also asks whether airports should be held responsible for service failure brought about by a natural phenomenon and whether airports should have had what in modern business parlance is called ‘corporate foresight’ to deal with the natural phenomenon. This leads to a discussion on the kind of foresight an airport should have to deal with such situations as well as the obligations of a state to provide functional airport services in its territory. In conclusion, the paper posits that, as regards corporate foresight, an airport has to start with a culture of corporate foresight and adopt a dynamic and comprehensive emergency management process. More importantly, it recommends that airports work jointly and in partnership with airlines and air navigation service providers in developing their corporate foresight.
Effect of building forms on energy consumption in coastal rural communities in Egypt
Authors: Hegazy Ibrahim Rizk , Moustafa Wael Seddik , Akl Mokhtar Hosny
Published: July 2024

Current attention on rural regions electrification has highlighted the significance of linking its development with useful usages for energy. It is argued that it is essential to promote the pace of rural electrification and decrease its concentration on a relatively small number of developing countries. Notwithstanding this emphasis, improvement in electrifying remote rural areas has been slow. In this context, recent global research pays recognisable attention to the implementation of approaches that promote sustainable design in the built environment and ensure energy efficiency. In this regard, housing building forms is considered an important parameter which significantly affects the energy consumption for residential neighbourhoods. Therefore, this research paper endeavours to investigate the influence of housing building forms on energy efficiency, taking into account the hot climatic conditions in one of the urban regeneration projects in Egypt. To accomplish the research aim, a comparative analysis is performed using parametric numerical analysis — DesignBuilder energy analysis — to compare different parametric hypothetical proposals of various building configurations. Due to the difference in unit floor areas and building ratio, energy use intensity (EUI) is used as the comparative factor between the alternatives. The study identifies that energy efficiency in buildings is greatly dependent on their forms, which would help designers and urban planners to suggest the best energy performance of housing building forms at the conceptual design phase. This also has implications for other environmental, social and economic urban planning issues.
The revised lease accounting proposals: Aesop's Fables revisited
Authors: Maiona Marc A.
Published: July 2024

A close study of the newly proposed lease accounting changes from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) brings to mind the lessons in many of Aesop's best-known fables. While the FASB and IASB's recently issued Revised Exposure Draft documents on lease accounting contain many significant changes from their original proposals in August 2010, these new proposals will require CRE executives and their counterparts in finance significantly to change the way in which they analyse, negotiate and structure leases going forward in order to avoid learning — or remembering — many of those lessons the hard way. For example, assuming two different leases with identical gross cash flows will have an identical impact on the tenant's balance sheet and income statement may result in the tenant wishing it had looked before it leapt. Understanding the full financial statement impact from any lease helps illustrate how changes in the structure and negotiation of that lease may likewise change its financial statement impact, for better or for worse. Moreover, the subjective nature of many elements of these newest proposals increases the need for CRE and finance executives to be able to deal objectively and consistently with those elements in order to avoid unintended financial consequences. While the FASB and IASB have clearly attempted to assuage the concerns many raised about their original proposals from 2010, some criticisms of these revised lease accounting proposals remain, though a more thoughtful analysis shows that many of them appear exaggerated. Those concerns notwithstanding, the combination of significant and varying financial statement impacts, numerous subjective issues and, in many cases, incomplete data on existing leases means the worlds of CRE and finance will need to begin working more closely together than they have in the past. In fact, many will find they should have already begun doing so in order to be prepared to transition to these new standards in time.
Evolution of risk management from risk compliance to strategic risk management Part II: The changing paradigm for the risk executive and Boards of the Canadian banking and insurance sectors
Authors: Ozdemir Bogie
Published: July 2024

Part I of this paper examined the risk function’s evolution in response to (i) financial disclosures becoming increasingly risk-based, (ii) an increasing need to optimise capital management and business mix to enhance Return on Equity (ROE). The optimisation frameworks to determine the optimal ‘risk strategies’ need to be established by the risk function, which is now at the core of financial disclosure, technology and strategy. Part II examines the necessary competencies for the risk executives, in particular Chief Risk Officers (CROs), to be effective and lead the evolution. These are analytical, digital and strategic competencies. For the leadership roles in well-established finance, accounting, actuarial functions, and in engineering, it is recognised that professional qualifications, advanced content knowledge and experience are required for the leaders to be effective. We observe that this is often not the case for bank risk executives. It is not uncommon to see a leader without specific risk expertise and experience holding senior risk executive, even CRO, roles. CRO roles also have limited upwards mobility and can be the last stop, bridging the executive to retirement. We examine the potential causes, including the historical reasons, insiders’ bias, cognitive biases, pigeon-holed career paths and misuse of power. We make suggestions for improvements and opening the path for the next generation of risk professionals to fill the executive and board roles and lead the necessary evolution.
#SocialTV: Engaging viewers through social media
Authors: Burkhalter Janée N. , Wood Natalie T.
Published: July 2024

This exploratory study examines consumers’ engagement with a television programme through entertainment communities within social media. Using electronic word-of-mouth data about the television drama ‘Scandal’, both the content (ie topics, valence and interaction goal) and the structure (ie the use of conventions such as @, RT, # and URLs) of viewers’ engagement with the television drama ‘Scandal’ are investigated. The study reveals that Twitter is the most popular platform, allowing various types of community members — viewers, program, network, media, cast and crew — to engage with one another. In addition to the program, the network is a prominent member of the community. Recommendations are offered on appropriate strategies for engaging with viewers on social media with the goal of maintaining and growing viewership.
Accelerating the settlement cycle: An opportunity to modernise across the industry
Authors: Walley Robert
Published: July 2024

The financial services industry has analysed the benefits and barriers of accelerating the US securities markets to trade date plus one day (T + 1). The focus of this paper is on the areas impacted and the need for driving industry modernisation efforts through technological advancement and operational scalability while at the same time seeking to mitigate risks and operational inefficiencies in the capital markets infrastructure. The purpose of the paper is to provide the reader with an understanding of the impacts across the different brokerage functions, businesses, behaviours that need to be considered, in order for individual firms and the industry as a whole, to transition to a T  + 1 settlement. Firms will need to prepare for the anticipated transition scheduled for September 2024 (pending SEC rule adoption).
Getting to grips with the difficult issue of security for expenses under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Authors: Harry Mike
Published: July 2024

The topic of security for expenses is a matter that the author is increasingly having to address under referral as third surveyor. This paper briefly examines the roots of the security for expenses provision, noting how the provision has evolved since first introduction within the Metropolitan Building Act 1855 where the provision was less commonly applied; then making its way through the various Acts with subtle but meaningful changes that have resulted in much more common and (in the author’s view) over-use of the provision within the current Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (the Act). The paper highlights the lack of parliamentary guidance provided to support the use of the provision, which the paper suggests will have flowed from the limited parliamentary time that was allowed back in 1996 for the hearing of the Bill, which, in the event, caused the Bill to be rushed through Parliament with some rough edges, to say the least. The paper finds that added to the lack of legislative guidance within the current Act is a gulf that is yet to be filled by the usual (but in this case lacking) onslaught of case law that tends to address the unanswered questions posed by parliamentary legislation. The article casts light upon some of the more contentious aspects of the provisions, unpacking those aspects and providing some practical ‘how to’ guidance to practitioners who have to deal with the matter on a regular basis.
Airport technical efficiency: Evidence of privatised airports in Latin America
Authors: Olariaga Oscar Díaz , Dupeyrat Wolfgang , Aguirre Julio , Delgado Felipe , Rocha Carlos Henrique
Published: July 2024

Since the mid-1990s, the main airports in Latin America have been privatised. This is the result, on the one hand, of the liberalisation of the aviation industry in almost all the countries of the region, and on the other hand, of the application of an extensive and uninterrupted programme of air public policies, currently underway. Based on this, this paper first analyse how public policies have influenced the development of airports in Latin America, generating the privatisation of the most important in the region (in a context of structural reform still in progress). Second, it studies how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the technical efficiency of the privatised airports in the region. Therefore, in this paper, the measurement of technical efficiency is carried out (using only technical variables, that is, infrastructure and aeronautical or air traffic variables) on a representative set of Latin American privatised airports, both in the pre-pandemic period (2017–19) and in the severest pandemic period (2020). The methodology used to carry out the study is data envelopment analysis (DEA). The main results of the research reveal high, and in some cases ideal, technical efficiency indices in the pre-pandemic period, and not very severe drops in technical efficiency in the pandemic period.
The business value of an innovative building
Authors: Marson Matthew
Published: July 2024

Smart buildings promise to deliver for businesses across a broad spectrum of value levers, but in many cases the technology has been difficult to implement, so it has failed to meet expectations. By considering the trends affecting businesses, including consumer perceptions and the complex delivery process of a smart building, this paper shows how holistic designs can be — and have been — successfully deployed in both new builds and retrofits.
An overview of current issues and practice relating to local government cyber security in England and Wales
Authors: Brett Mark
Published: July 2024

This paper explores some of the current issues around cyber security and resilience relating to local government in England and Wales, covering the period of the current National Cyber Security Programme from 2015 to 2020. The paper outlines the structure of cyber security and resilience and explains the linkages at a regional and devolved administration level in the case of Wales and UK national level. The paper introduces the concept of a cyber asset taxonomy to quantify cyber artefacts, to aid the early warning of organisations with particular type of equipment, systems and services. There is also discussion around a volunteer-led CyberShare Node/Fusion Cell structure to aid incident response in a cost-effective way. Finally, there is a description of current research which will result in future papers.
The new model of governance and risk management for financial institutions
Authors: Bugalla John , Kallman James , Lindo Steve , Narvaez Kristina
Published: July 2024

The paper proposes a new model of governance and risk management consisting of four components: (i) board risk oversight responsibilities, (ii) a board level risk committee, (iii) an executive risk committee and (iv) an individual with responsibility for overall risk management. Some companies are subject to the Dodd–Frank Act and are forming a stand-alone risk committee; other companies still have the option of adopting these best practices. The paper contends that the new model promotes greater risk disclosure, the audit committee should complement the risk management committee, the board level risk committee should have an independent member with extensive risk management experience, the board should develop a clear risk position, management should form an executive risk committee, have a chief risk officer, create an internal risk intelligence function and, if these are done, institutions will enjoy higher stock prices.
Best practices in payments infrastructure investment
Authors: Campbell Eric
Published: July 2024

This paper explores how to invest strategically in payments infrastructure, identifying where the need is greatest and most urgent, with an explanation of the available options. For many companies, getting a solid payment processing foundation in place could mean more than simply saving money and eliminating fraud potential. The right foundation might actually enable business scalability or provide funda­mental client satisfaction criteria affecting the overall success of the business. It is important to understand that the word ‘payments foundation’ is appropriate because it sets up a platform where continuous improvements can be made over time as part of an ongoing programme, where each phase will bring additional return on investment (ROI). The payments environment is constantly evolving, with new risks, compliance challenges and changes in standards occurring regularly. An organisation without a comprehensive payments foundation could find itself in a bad situation owing to factors completely out of its control; in a worst case scenario, the distribution of the problem may make it unsolvable in a timely manner. Getting the first project off the ground and laying down the foundation is critical. The right combination of problems must be identified in the first phase to yield an ROI. It is the intention of this paper to help the reader to identify that list of issues as well as provide a background for organisational buy-in and presentation of a successful business case.
Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS): Making best use of them
Authors: Lewry Andy
Published: July 2024

The control of energy in buildings is generally poor, despite the availability of a range of tried and tested systems. Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) are commonplace in larger buildings and are rapidly becoming standard. This has been recognised by the industry, culminating in the publication of BS EN 15232:2012 (Energy performance of buildings — Impact of building automation, controls and building management). This European Standard is aimed at the design of the systems and not at how to maintain and operate them. The impact, in practical terms, is that the design of such systems is generally very good and commissioning is acceptable. However, the understanding and operation of such systems at the user level is generally poor. As a result, the need to maintain these systems to realise the ongoing saving potential is not generally recognised by the end user and/or the engineering services provider, which often means that the systems are not maintained to the level required. In addition, the settings are not reconsidered and revised when significant changes occur to either the building or how it is used.1
How online video is changing the way B2B marketers engage and convert prospects
Authors: Litt Michael
Published: July 2024

Online video has quickly emerged as a preferred content medium for business-to-business (B2B) marketers around the world. Savvy businesses are now using engaging videos at all stages of the sales cycle to educate, entertain, inspire and engage potential customers. While marketers continue to invest more in video production and promotion, they lack the tools to track the overall performance of their video assets, identify their viewers and determine the direct return on investment from their video initiatives. Innovations in the area of video marketing are now closing this gap, enabling B2B marketers to use video content to generate new sales leads, convert existing prospects and measure video's impact on the bottom line.
Creating and promoting an expertise-driven brand
Authors: Frederiksen Lee , Tyreman John
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the unique challenges professional services firms face when promoting their expertise-driven brands, and presents research-based strategies to strengthen these brands. To demonstrate these strategies, the authors share a case study of a successful branding initiative at their own firm. They explain how the firm embarked on a nine-month process to overhaul its content strategy, and the demonstrable results that this effort produced. Readers will gain insight into how to re-examine their current marketing programmes with a fresh eye and improve them using proven methods.
Emerging trends in airport–airline use and lease agreements in the USA
Authors: Messina Joseph F. , Smith Eric T.
Published: July 2024

Over the past several years the negotiation strategy and goals of airports in the USA have changed significantly with regard to agreements with their airline partners. Increased volatility and changing airline and airport business models have resulted in the displacement of the traditional term periods for use and lease agreements, resulting in much shorter agreements that are designed and anticipated to meet the needs of the parties for the near term only. Given this new context, it is important to understand where the use and lease agreement fits within the overall financial framework of the airport. This paper identifies some of the most important considerations in drafting a use and lease agreement in the current climate, including rate-setting methodologies and restrictions, cost centres, control over revenue and capital expenditures, access and competition, and risk allocation. In the end, it is important for each airport operator’s negotiating strategy to clearly reflect its financial, operational and developmental goals, and to account for the practical strengths and limitations of the airlines with which it is negotiating. This paper will be particularly useful to new chief financial officers, controllers and airport property personnel, as well as persons on airport governing bodies.
The role of bank–FinTech partnerships in creating a more inclusive banking system
Authors: Chernoff Alan , Jagtiani Julapa
Published: July 2024

FinTech firms are often viewed as competing with banks. Instead, more recently, there has been increased partnership and collaboration between FinTech firms and banks. These partnerships have allowed banks to access more information on consumers through data aggregation, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and other tools. This paper explores explore the demographics of consumers targeted by banks that have entered into such partnerships. Specifically, the paper tests whether banks are more likely to extend credit offers (by mail) and/or credit originations to consumers who would have otherwise been deemed high risk, either because of low credit scores or lack of credit scores altogether. The paper uses data on credit offers based on a survey conducted by Mintel, as well as data on credit originations based on the Federal Reserve’s Y-14M reports. Additionally, the paper analyses a unique data set of partnerships between FinTech firms and banks compiled by CB Insights to identify the relevant partnerships. The paper concludes that banks are more likely to offer credit cards and personal loans (and grant larger credit limits) to the credit-invisible and below-prime consumers after the FinTech partnership period. Similarly, it finds that FinTech partnerships result in banks being more likely to originate mortgage loans (and grant larger loan amount) to nonprime homebuyers. Overall, the paper concludes that bank/FinTech partnerships could help to move towards a more inclusive financial system.
Energy pathology : Measuring a dwelling’s energy performance using smart meter and IoT data
Authors: Fitton Richard
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to introduce and give an understanding of the process of determining a building’s energy performance using smart meters and ‘on-board’ equipment such as sensors found in smart thermostats or even low-cost sensing equipment. The rationale for this type of examination of a dwelling is given, alongside figures around accuracy, cost and timescale. These are compared with the current and more complex methods of measuring this type of performance indicator.
Lessons learned during the 2005 Alberta floods
Authors: Grimes David , Goos Tim , Little Magda , Shannon Brad
Published: July 2024

In Canada, weather-related disasters and extreme events continue to place increasing burdens on society and the economy. Climate change scenarios described in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report predict more frequent and more severe high-impact events. Indeed, data from the Canadian Disaster Database indicate that flooding disasters alone are four times as frequent today as they were 50 years ago. Management of major emergency events requires collaboration among all levels of government as mandated responsibilities become less distinct during crisis periods. This paper focuses on the role of the Meteorological Service of Canada in the management of flood and high-impact rainfall events through an analysis of lessons learned during the 2005 Alberta floods, showing that the Meteorological Service of Canada's risk-based environmental forecasting, warnings and mission-critical operational consultations are key to citizen-focused emergency management services.
Identifying cyber security risks in Spanish airports
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: July 2024

Spanish airports are exposed to a series of threats associated with the massive use of information and communications systems, which support the vast majority of their business processes. This study focused on cyberattacks that may occur from malicious actions in the future, as the incorporation of smart applications in airports introduces new vulnerabilities. With the motive to increase cyber security awareness to all airports’ stakeholders, we have tried to expose in a simple and understandable way the key issues of cyber security at airports. This is a continuous and mutable battle that destabilises physical and digital security, privacy and data protection, cyberattacks and national operability. Two key factors are influencing the security of the airport environment and the tourist destination: the Internet of Things (IoT), and a deficit of interoperability and regulation when communicating a vulnerability. There are no 100 per cent safe spaces: the risks exist and we have to prevent them. The objective of this research project is to study the dangers and vulnerabilities of Spanish airports, to classify which enemies we face, in order to increase the levels of security and make better decisions in an environment where the control of logistics and passenger safety are vital.
Adopting enterprise mobility: Advancing the discussion from theoretical to implementable
Authors: Gill Tony
Published: July 2024

The idea of mobility or telecommuting has gained significant momentum, particularly over the past decade. In order to get the attention of management, the first advocates of the idea of working from an offsite location (usually in the home) armed themselves with a ready toolkit of benefits that could be used to make the notion of mobility sellable. They were often quick to point out an array of benefits, including better work/life balance, compressed commute times, better resilience in terms of business continuity, and attraction and retention of workers. Early proponents created a value proposition generally based upon these sound bites but, in retrospect, the very nature of these benefits was largely qualitative and tended to frame the discussion in terms of something that seemed theoretical, which, if one day attained, would make for a better workplace. In this sense, they had the air of those who used to marvel at the man wearing a back-mounted jet pack at a world exposition, thinking that, if all the pieces somehow come together one day, they would be able to fly. Bridging the divide between something that remains theoretical and something that can actually be implemented is always the challenge. Mobility has in fact reached a point where that divide, for the most part, has been crossed, and this is largely due to a technological platform that has exponentially exploded over a relatively short period. It was only a few years ago that IT help desks were largely tasked with trouble-shooting issues associated with either a laptop computer or a BlackBerry. Today the range of devices, not to mention the connectivity infrastructure, has exploded. This paper advances the notion of mobility to the point where those technologies are described and a practical implantation toolkit is offered.
Why it is important for B2B brands to find their why: A case study of Akamai Technologies
Authors: Salem-Jackson Kim , Aziz Afdhel
Published: July 2024

Soon after being named EVP and CMO of Akamai Technologies in March 2021, Kim Salem-Jackson realised that the brand was missing its ‘why’ — the reason it exists beyond profit. Working in partnership with Afdhel Aziz, Chief Purpose Officer at the purpose consultancy Conspiracy of Love, Salem-Jackson introduced a new purpose statement for the company: ‘We make life better for billions of people, billions of times a day.’ This paper analyses how the tech company selected its brand purpose, the strategies employed to bring leaders and employees along on the journey in an engaging and authentic way, and the unique role marketing plays in activating purpose for all stakeholders to drive growth and profitability.
Branding an academic superbrand
Authors: Weinpress Alon , Bieler Atara , Gelbetz Rava Eleasari , Or Ehud
Published: July 2024

In spring, 2013, Tel Aviv University — an Israeli higher education superbrand that had never been branded — embarked on a branding process in pursuit of its defining narrative. This decision was taken despite the leadership’s awareness of the many challenges in academic branding, with some processes resulting in success and others in ringing failure. What prompted a de facto superbrand to seek formal branding? How did a thorough strategic process manage to make dry academic research relevant and accessible to children, students, parents and donors alike? What did it take to implement the branding in a complex organization, as well as deal with internal objections and serious crises along the way? The story of Tel Aviv University’s branding is applicable to any institution that is considering branding or rebranding, especially academic ones and NGOs. This paper takes you step by step on a journey that begins with identifying problems and needs, dives deep into a fascinating strategic process; and continues through the systematic implementation of the brand.
Should your brand take a stand? Comparing the impact of brand activism and CSR on brand equity
Authors: Herzberg Mathea , Rudeloff Christian
Published: July 2024

In a changing world, consumers’ expectations of business corporations are growing. Thus, numerous firms are taking a stand on societal challenges, a phenomenon known as brand activism. In contrast to corporate social responsibility (CSR), brand activism tends to polarise. For this reason, companies that engage in brand activism risk damage to their brand equity due to potentially negative consumer responses. Against this background, the aim of this study is to compare the impact of brand activism and CSR on brand equity. For this purpose, we conducted an online experiment (n = 215) and noted a positive impact of brand activism on brand equity. The impact, however, was not greater than that achieved through CSR. Moderation analyses revealed gender effects on behavioural intentions. We derive the theoretical and managerial implications from these conclusions. This paper seeks to explore how BA, in comparison with CSR, affects brand equity.
Community resilience assessment and literature analysis
Authors: Weiner John M. , Walsh, John J.
Published: July 2024

Earlier and current disaster-related research emphasised the sociological/behavioural perspective. This led to a significant amount of literature devoted to descriptive context of natural, man-made and technological disasters and sequelae. This paper considers a next step involving a more expanded approach in research methodology. The phases include: (1) the development of a comprehensive database of ideas provided by authors of scholarly and scientific papers; (2) the development of computer-supported algorithms to prepare an array of scenarios representing relationships, gaps and inconsistencies in existing knowledge; (3) a process for evaluating the scenarios to determine a feasible and interesting next research strategy or programmatic action that will provide enhanced description of the problems as well as possible insights to their correction by interventions. The intent is to develop interventions as an essential component for better prevention, mitigation, rehabilitation, reconstruction and problem-solving affected by disaster events. To illustrate this approach, community resilience, a relatively new and important idea was studied. The phrase was used to describe relationships and omissions. The ideas associated with this central idea were considered in the building of a new instrument for evaluation of community vulnerability and readiness. This methodology addresses the time constraints realised by practitioners and investigators. The methods should eliminate tedious, clerical functions and focus on the intellectual functions representing optimal use of human energy.
Cross-border securities settlement in Europe: Improvements so far
Authors: Van Wageningen Ariena J.
Published: July 2024

The post-trade market in Europe is still fragmented. Differences in market practices have led to inefficiencies in a cross-border context. Integration of the European post-trade industry should lower cross-border settlement costs to the level of domestic transactions, while breaking down the Giovannini barriers by market parties should improve European Union (EU) clearing and settlement arrangements. This paper focuses on the efforts of the post-trade industry regarding the Giovannini industry-related barriers and what has been achieved so far. The market parties are well on track. The post-trade industry has introduced several standards and harmonised procedures to which they have committed themselves. Costs and prices of both domestic and cross-border transactions have come down. Regulation (Central Securities Depository (CSD) Regulation, Securities Law Legislation etc) can help to further improve efficiency in the post-trade environment and enhance market integration, in addition to the Eurosystem TARGET2-Securities (T2S) platform, which will provide cross-border securities settlement as of June 2015 in Europe in central bank money (e). Further harmonisation — both within and outside of the context of T2S — is needed, which ultimately should lead to more efficiency and lower costs in the EU.