bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the relationship between corporate social responsibility, law and development in an African context
Authors: Okoye Adaeze 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore the problematic question of government's role in ensuring corporate social responsibility in an African context. This question may initially appear paradoxical yet it is becoming increasingly relevant in the face of linkages between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and development. The article uses the example of Nigeria's attempt to pass a CSR bill mandating contributions towards development to identify several questions arising in such contexts. It advises a contextual approach to identifying CSR objectives and recognises the need for frameworks which law can provide.Design/methodology/approachThis article adopts a conceptual approach analysing the current debates about CSR and its linkage with development as well as the implications and issues raised by the attempted CSR law.FindingsThe main findings suggest that though CSR in general refers to business and society relationships, its content and targets need to be defined in context. Attempts to pass mandatory CSR laws (even where they do not succeed), hint at the need to concretise objectives particularly where CSR is linked to development. This can be done through frameworks which include the use of law in all its forms.Originality/valueThis article identifies a new direction that CSR may be taking in developing countries. It uses the Nigerian example to show that larger questions are looming for CSR, especially in connection with development. While current attempts to adopt a structured approach to CSR through legislation may not be wholly successful, they cannot be entirely ignored as this suggests the need for frameworks and concrete objectives in an African context like Nigeria.
Political risk insurance, CSR and the mining sector
Authors: Webb Kernaghan 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe aims of this paper are: to explore the nature of political risk insurance (PRI) contracts as a form of regulation in the context of mining projects in developing countries; to examine how PRI providers factor corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and practices of applicants in their initial decisions to provide PRI; to examine how CSR criteria are reflected in the terms of PRI contracts; to understand how failure to exercise good CSR practices by recipients of PRI affects insurance coverage; to shed light on how good CSR practices which minimize risk to companies and communities can be or are rewarded through PRI contracts; to identify opportunities for reform.Design/methodology/approachThis article adopts a conceptual approach through analysis of the practical effects and public policy implications associated with use of PRI contracts as a regulatory mechanism to promote good CSR practices.FindingsPRI contracts represent a form of proactive risk management used by investors. Because of the significant regulatory effect of the CSR provisions of PRI contracts provided by state‐based agencies, there is considerable potential for and value associated with greater transparency in the implementation of such contracts.Originality/valueThis article sheds light on the regulatory dimensions associated with the CSR provisions of PRI contracts. This represents a new contribution to the literature on CSR contracts, which until this point has focused largely on the CSR aspects of supply chain contracts.
Who has the final say?
Authors: He Ling‐Yun , Xie Wen‐Si 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThere is a distinct separation of price discovery from pricing power in China's sugar spot and futures markets. The purpose of this paper is to identify the reasons and provide plausible explanations for this stylized phenomenon. Therefore, the research may deepen the understandings of the operational mechanisms and internal efficiency of China's sugar spot and futures markets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze the historical spot and futures price time series from China's sugar spot market and China's Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange (CZCE) within a co‐integration framework.FindingsIt is found that China's sugar spot market has the pricing power, even though the futures market leads the spot market in price discovery. The phenomenon of observed separation of price discovery in spot market from pricing power in futures market may be caused by: irrational speculation in CZCE sugar futures market; oligopoly and local government politics; or the operational efficiency of the wholesale spot market, especially for its comparative advantages of information accessibility in the sugar producing areas. The results are compared with other empirical findings in many other commodities markets to obtain deeper understandings.Originality/valueThe paper uncovers and provides the earliest econometric evidence of the observed stylized phenomenon and also provides plausible explanations for this phenomenon.
Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of a laser peening fatigue life enhancement process
Authors: Singh Gulshan , Cortina Miguel , Millwater Harry , Clauer Allan 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate probabilistic and regional importance sensitivities of fatigue life, with respect to the laser peening (LP) parameters applied to a Titanium turbine disk.Design/methodology/approachThe sensitivities were calculated from Monte Carlo (MC) analysis of 21,000 simulations and probabilistic sensitivity methods.FindingsThe probabilistic sensitivity results indicate that the peak pressure and the mid‐span are the most important variables. The regional importance sensitivity results indicate that probability of failure is the most sensitive to the left tail of peak pressure and middle region of mid‐span and the fatigue life mean is the most sensitive to the left tails of the peak pressure and the mid‐span.Practical implicationsThe sensitivity results of this research indicate that more time and energy should be focused on managing peak pressure and mid‐span, as compared to the remaining variables, to design and improve the laser peening process.Originality/valueThe paper presents four sensitivity analysis approaches which were formulated and employed to estimate fatigue life sensitivities with respect to the LP variables.
Mental health and challenging behaviour: an overview of research and practice
Authors: Thakker Yogesh , Bamidele Kunle , Ali Afia , Hassiotis Angela 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore the current evidence base in understanding the relationship between mental health and challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe article discusses how challenging behaviour is associated with psychiatric disorders. Common aetiological factors between challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorders and diagnostic issues are considered. The article ends with a review of the assessment and management of challenging behaviour within the context of mental health.FindingsSeveral studies have highlighted common aetiological factors that are responsible for challenging behaviour and psychiatric disorders in people with intellectual disabilities, and although there is an overlap in the symptoms, both are thought to be different phenomena. Treatment of the psychiatric disorder should ameliorate the challenging behaviour, although a functional analysis of the behaviour may still be required in order to understand the purpose of the behaviour. There is evidence for a range of different treatment approaches.Originality/valueThe article will assist professionals working with people with intellectual disabilities to understand the complex relationship between mental health and challenging behaviour. It also gives guidance on principles of management of people with complex mental health and behavioural needs.
Editor's perspective
Authors: Khilji Shaista E. , Matthews Candice D. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper (editorial) is to take a stock of the research focused upon South Asia, in order to evaluate if it has produced useful results, and to discuss its future directions as per the scope and mission of the South Asian Journal of Global Business Research. In view of pleas for greater attention to context effects, the authors use the concept of contextualization as the basis for analysis.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative content analysis of research published in 21 top‐tier business journals is employed, including a total of 96 articles focusing upon South Asia or any South Asian country.FindingsA contextualization typology is presented, related to purpose (whether context guides the research or not) and methodology (whether new or old framework and/or scales are used) and continuum of attention to contextualizations for hypotheses and/or research questions, and research findings in order to discuss the status of published South Asian research.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors discuss limitations of their philosophical underpinning and epistemological standing that have influenced their analytical approach and results.Originality/valueThis paper presents a contextualization typology as a starting point to discuss contextualization in international business theory and practice. The paper also provides directions for future research for scholars interested in South Asian research.
Personal perspective
Authors: Jenkins Antoinette C. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share a personal perspective on the 2012 Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) International Research Conference in the Americas held in Denver, Colorado. It explores the author's reflection on her experiences attending AHRD conference sessions related to companies based in India.Design/methodology/approachThe author's reflection was based on participant observations from a constructionist perspective.FindingsThis paper argued that attending AHRD conference sessions related to South Asia enhanced the author's worldview.Originality/valueThis paper offers the personal perspective of an American doctoral student based on her observations as an attendee of AHRD conference sessions focused on business issues in South Asia.
Balancing growth and innovation in Indian biotech firms
Authors: Khilji Shaista E. , Mroczkowski Tomasz , Assudani Rashmi 
Published: August 2012

PurposeBiotech companies are generally faced with the paradoxes of simultaneously managing growth and innovation, as well as addressing explorative and exploitative aspects of innovation. Scholars have urged them to re‐evaluate their business model. The purpose of this paper is to explore how biotech companies in emerging economies address these paradoxes, focusing upon the nascent biotech industry in India, in order to investigate their growth and innovation patterns, as well as identify the challenges that they may face.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative data collection, using in‐depth interviews with representatives of organizations that deal directly with improving the quality of the business environment for biotech industry in India, as well as biotech entrepreneurs and leaders were undertaken. A total of 13 interviews provided insights related to innovation and growth that is discussed in the paper.FindingsData indicate that Indian biotech companies are ambidextrous and have managed to transcend the aforementioned paradoxes by developing and maintaining distinct organizational capabilities. They were found to pursue an integrated model of efficiency and innovation and utilize both exploitative and explorative aspects of innovation to fuel growth and innovation. The authors also found evidence of some of the characteristics of the “India Way”, proposed by Cappelli et al.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors conclude that Indian companies offer an opportunity for learning for American biotech companies with respect to building new competencies and balancing growth and innovation in today's competitive environment.Originality/valueDespite being labeled as the “industry of the decade”, biotechnology has been neglected in technology and innovation literature. It is hoped that the paper's findings will generate interest in the study of biotech industries in emerging economies, to help scholars develop interesting new theoretical models of innovation and aid managers in coping with the innovation and change paradoxes that they are faced with in developing new products and services.
BoP at ten: evolution and a new lens
Authors: Follman Joe 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to synthesize the first ten years of research on the Bottom (or Base) of the Pyramid (BoP) strategy of providing products and services to billions of the world's poor. Conceptions of BoP have shifted significantly, but the nature and implications of these shifts have not been adequately explored. The paper asks: What is the present conception of BoP, how and why has it evolved since 2002, and what are differences and concordances between first‐ and second‐generation understandings? What would an integrative perspective on BoP include, and how can it be applied?Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a literature review of peer‐reviewed journal articles and books on BoP.FindingsIt is found that ten years of research have rapidly advanced the definition of BoP, from a way for multinational corporations to profit by selling to the poor to how collaborative networks – including local firms and NGOs – engage with the poor to design, produce, distribute, and sell goods and services. An emerging consensus is that successful BoP ventures must use an integrative approach in key areas: understanding distinctions among poverty levels, focusing on BoP need to create customized products and services at low prices, collaboration with local organizations, engagement of BoP populations as producers and not just consumers, and applying a reciprocal shared value concept (Porter and Kramer) to ensure products and services provide real economic and social benefits to both the company and members of the BoP.Originality/valueThe paper's suggested integrative approach reframes the BoP discussion as a meso approach of using effective strategies in complementary ways, as does the application of the shared value framework for BoP initiatives.
Modelling building stock energy use and carbon emission scenarios
Authors: Foliente Greg , Seo Seongwon 
Published: August 2012

PurposeA systematic approach is needed to engage a broad range of stakeholders to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy use in the building sector. The purpose of this paper is to develop a systems‐based bottom‐up approach for this purpose, and to demonstrate its application in a case study of office building stock in the State of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework for the general method is developed based on a cross‐typology matrix of energy consumption and supply on the one hand, and intervention schemes or policy instruments on the other. This is then tested and demonstrated using a case study of commercial office building stock, with building energy demand calculated using a validated computer energy simulation tool for a representative set of office buildings within a local government area (LGA). The energy consumption and associated GHG emissions are then aggregated up from LGA to the whole State. The impact projections of different intervention schemes are compared and mapped spatially across the State.FindingsResults have demonstrated the significance and capability of the proposed approach, in allowing quantitative comparisons of the relative effectiveness of a specific set of regulatory, technical and behavioral scenario settings on the spatial distribution and trends in energy consumption and GHG emissions of the NSW office building stock to 2020.Research limitations/implicationsFurther case studies involving mixed building types and specific building types with greater granularity of modelling details, energy use and supply options, and spatial resolution are needed.Originality/valueThe structured cross‐typology approach is a novel contribution to bottom‐up modelling approaches to designing and/or assessing the effectiveness of specific policy instruments, alone or in combination. It will enable policy makers, property portfolio owners, utility companies and building tenants to assess the broader impacts of their specific actions towards a common goal.
The measurement of carbon performance of construction activities
Authors: Ren Z. , Chrysostomou V. , Price T. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this research project is to reduce the carbon emissions of construction processes by Measuring, Mapping, Modelling and Managing (4Ms) the carbon performance of construction activities. This particular paper presents the research work and major findings in the first two stages: measuring the carbon footprint of construction activities in building projects; and mapping the carbon emissions from construction activities.Design/methodology/approachA hotel project in South Wales was selected as a case study where the carbon emissions from six categories of construction activities (i.e. management, operations, visitors, deliveries, plant and utilities) were monitored by using carefully designed data collection methods throughout the construction process. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were adopted to distil and map the emissions with construction activities.FindingsThis study provides a benchmark for the carbon emissions from construction processes. The results show that construction activities generate more carbon than expected. Of the CO2 emitted, materials delivery, operational activities and plant operation account for more than 90 per cent of the total emissions. Activities from management, visitors and utilities only contributed 10 per cent of the CO2 emissions. Carbon emissions from construction processes can be best managed through project planning/scheduling where carbon emissions should be considered as a new criterion for project planning along with time, cost and quality.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations with the data collection methods adopted in this study. For example, the fuel/CO2 emission conversion rate for plant was obtained from online sources. This rate needs to be validated and adjusted on‐site with CO2 measurement gauges for different equipment. Similarly, the fuel efficiency adjusting rates for vehicles also need to be checked and verified constantly.Practical implicationsThe on‐site carbon emission methods, the mapping approaches between the emission and construction activities, and the online system developed in this study (www.constructco2.com/default.aspx) are all embraced by the industry. So far, 76 projects have already subscripted to the online system.Originality/valueThis study developed a set of systematic and feasible approaches to measuring and analysing carbon emissions from construction activities. Unlike the existing studies which mainly focus on recording the carbon emissions on‐site, this research measured the emissions, and mapped the emissions with construction activities. The online system developed could analyse the data collected and support the contractor to decide in which aspects they should make effort to control the carbon emissions.
Identifying microarchitecture for sustainable design in Malaysia
Authors: Tazilan Azimin 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce a new approach in redefining and identifying microarchitecture (MCR) units in Malaysia. With case studies in the Langkawi Geopark area, it promotes better recognition of urban sustainability through classification, design and intervention.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigates empirically selected sites in Malaysia to understand the MCR typological uses. With findings from case studies, it follows a systematic approach in developing a conceptual classification model for MCR as an urban ecosystem to understand its structure, function, and metabolism patterns towards sustainability.FindingsMCR terminology, identification and classification has been redefined for better design and planning practices to related stakeholders of MCR development.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new approach to sustainability by capturing the dynamic assessment and identification of MCR and its typoscape in Malaysia, using the Langkawi Geopark as a case study. It also presents a new practical classification analysis that should be of interest to users, the local authority, retailers, pedestrians, and stakeholders to develop better policies for the future.
The mentoring of women for medical career development
Authors: Petersen Renate , Eggert Angelika , Grümmer Ruth , Schara Ulrike , Sauerwein Wolfgang 
Published: August 2012

PurposeIn Germany, scientific qualifications and an academic career in medical disciplines require mastering and balancing clinical, research and teaching activities. Systematic interdisciplinary human resource development is rare in German medical faculties. The purpose of this paper is to describe the MediMent programme, which is a model for systematic interdisciplinary support of early‐ and mid‐phase career development for medical academics. It comprises mentoring, training and networking modules tailored for pre‐ and post‐doctoral students at the Medical Faculty. It contributes to organisational development and reducing gender inequality by an affirmative action programme for women. The programme supports individual career‐building, teaches networking skills for an interdisciplinary workplace and assists in conflict resolution.Design/methodology/approachMentors and mentees provided feedback via standardised forms. Additional open‐ended questions were interpreted by content analysis. Statistics were prepared using SPSS.FindingsEvaluation of the first six‐year programme run revealed several benefits, indicating the trio of mentoring, networking and the accompanying seminar series efficiently supports career development of young medical academics. Participating mentees felt they achieved career goals within the mentoring programme. Evaluations indicated a strong potential for future investment in the organisation through better training, improving institutional visibility and stimulating recruitment of excellent students.Originality/value – The success of the MediMent programme described in the paper recommends it for implementation at other institutions.
Sharing and developing knowledge products from Learning Study
Authors: Runesson Ulla , Gustafsson Gerd 
Published: August 2012

PurposeIt has been proposed that lesson study creates joint and sharable knowledge products in terms of lesson plans that could be used and developed by other teachers in other school contexts (Morris and Hiebert). The purpose of this paper is to report on a study with the aim of examining how such a knowledge product produced in a Hong Kong school could be communicated and appropriated by a group of Swedish teachers.Design/methodology/approachA report from a successful Learning Study – a revised version of lesson study, based on a theoretical framework of learning – was brought to a group of three teachers. On the basis of this report, they planned and conducted two lessons in their own classes. The analysis draws on data from three of six video recorded lessons and was framed within a variation theory perspective. The focus of the analysis was on the object of learning.FindingsIt was found that the Swedish teachers used the documented Hong Kong lessons as a resource. They adapted the insights gained by the Hong Kong teachers to the specific group of learners and other conditions in the Swedish context.Originality/valueThe article is a contribution to the discussion about teachers as knowledge producers (c.f. Stenhouse).