bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The purpose and focus of environmental performance measurement systems in logistics
Authors: Björklund Maria , Forslund Helena 
Published: March 2013

PurposeEnvironmental performance measurement systems (EPMS) in supply chains are increasingly important. The aim of this paper is to investigate the purposes of having an EPMS in logistics and in what ways the purpose of an EPMS can influence its focus in the supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a survey of shippers and logistics service providers in Sweden. Exploratory factor analysis grouped the EPMS purposes. Regression analysis investigated the relation between EPMS purpose and supply chain focus.FindingsThose companies that had an EPMS had several purposes. The most common EPMS purpose was target setting. The seven purposes could be grouped into one external demand and one internal management factor. The most common focus was company‐internal, and the least common was to have a downstream focus. Significant relationships were verified between EPMS purpose and supply chain focus; companies seem to design their EPMS mainly out of internal management purposes.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributed to theory on performance measurement in logistics by expanding it to include environmental performance. The richest theoretical contribution is related to the descriptive first research question, which provided theoretical structures and empirical knowledge on EPMS, which to the best of our knowledge has not been published before. Logical, valid and reliable factors or scales for measuring the purpose of EPMS were provided. The conceptualized relation between EPMS purpose and focus is an additional theoretical contribution.Practical implicationsManagers are provided with descriptions, structure and input to EPMS design. This paper has increased the understanding on EPMS design, related both to the own company's and other supply chain actors’ EPMS. It indicates the complex practices of having many purposes for the EPMS and offers explanation to why companies may be reluctant to expand EPMS beyond their company boundaries.Originality/valueDespite the increasing importance of environmental performance, few studies on EPMS are conducted. This study expands performance measurement knowledge by providing empirical evidence in a Swedish context.
A review of performance based maintenance of road infrastructure by contracting
Authors: Sultana Masuda , Rahman Anisur , Chowdhury Sanaul 
Published: March 2013

PurposeMany road authorities considered contracting out road maintenance to the private sector based on performance measures as an alternative and better solution than traditional methods of contracting. It highlights issues of interest to road authorities in the context of saving maintenance costs and managing contracting times effectively. This method is named as performance based maintenance by contracting (PBMC) and has substantial success records in minimizing infrastructure maintenance costs in many developed and developing countries over the last two decades. It has received the attention of researchers and practitioners. However, the literature on PBMC is reasonably high although the concept of PBMC is relatively new. The purpose of this paper is to carry out a comprehensive state of the art review of the literature that has been conducted in the recent years.Design/methodology/approachA total of 62 published report and journal articles related to performance based maintenance by contracting for road network system has been analysed and reviewed in this paper.FindingsThis paper analyses the literature on PBMC and presents examples of developed and developing countries that have been successfully maintaining their road network systems using PBMC as their preferred method of contracting.Practical implicationsThe potential of reducing maintenance costs, increasing the quality of works and reducing the chance of corruption in the long run in developing countries are the challenging issues for PBMC, which needs more attention. This paper can be used as a base or platform for future research in the area of PBMC such as developing optimal policies and cost models.Originality/valueThis paper would be useful for the research on PBMC. It would be beneficial for the engineers or professionals in improving the performance of road maintenance and management.
Indigenous development amongst challenges
Authors: Singh Amin Shivdasini , Atre Rakesh , Vardia Ankur , Gupta Vaibhav D.K. , Sebastian Boby 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe global manufacturing industry is becoming more competitive. Munjal Showa, a shock absorber manufacturer in India, is using indigenous development of technology by incorporating concepts of lean manufacturing, total productive maintenance (TPM) and low cost automation techniques to increase their competitiveness. This new approach helps the company to reduce cost of manufacturing and to increase the productivity by reducing cycle time and down time. The aim of this paper is to offer an in depth study of the four phases of indigenous development of machines at Munjal Showa Ltd.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers an in depth study of the four phases of indigenous development of machines at Munjal Showa Ltd with the benefits and results.FindingsProper understanding of process requirements and tool designing in accordance with process requirement are the two major factors which help to down size the machine and to identify unnecessary parts. By applying these techniques on BC‐21 machine, Munjal Showa is able to reduce the space used by 68 percent, break downs by 93 percent, cycle time by 48 percent and an increase in productivity by 52 percent.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is looking at only one company as an example which is a limitation and cannot be generalized for all industries.Practical implicationsIndigenous development enables company to reduce costs and service machines quickly as they themselves have developed the machines.Social implicationsPhysical fatigue of incumbents at the shop floor is considerably reduced by using concepts like cockpit layout and combining of processes on a single machine. Improves job satisfaction and productivity of shop floor employees.Originality/valueIn India, this is one of its kind initiatives taken up by the business excellence team at Munjal Showa Ltd.
Health care in small prisons: incorporating high‐quality standards
Authors: Rieder Jean‐Pierre , Casillas Alejandra , Mary Gérard , Secretan Anne‐Dominique , Gaspoz Jean‐Michel , Wolff Hans 
Published: March 2013

PurposeIn the past, health management in Geneva's six post‐trial prisons had been variable and inconsistent. In 2008, the unit of penitentiary medicine of the Geneva University Hospitals was mandated to re‐organize and provide health care at all six prison facilities. The specific aim of this paper is to outline the example as a practical solution to some of the common challenges in unifying the structure and process of health services across multiple small facilities, while meeting European prison health and local quality standards.Design/methodology/approachGeneva's post‐trial prisons are small and close to one another in geographical proximity – ideal conditions for the construction of a health mobile team (HMT). This multidisciplinary mobile team operated like a community ambulatory care model; it was progressively launched in all prison facilities in Geneva. The authors incorporated an implementation strategy where health providers partnered with prison and community stakeholders in the health delivery model's development and adaption process.FindingsThe model's strategic initiatives are described along the following areas, in light of other international prison health activity and prior care models: access to a health care professional, equivalence of care, patient consent, confidentiality, humanitarian interventions, and professional competence and independence.Originality/valueFrom the perspective of the HMT members, the authors provide the “lessons learned” through this experience, especially to providers who are working on prison health services reform and coordination improvement. The paper particularly stresses the importance of partnering with community health stakeholders and prison staff, a key component to the approach.
Developing blood borne virus services across prisons in Wales, UK
Authors: Perrett Stephanie E. , Craine Noel , Lyons Marion 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the strategies being put in place to develop blood borne virus (BBV) services across prisons in Wales, UK, in response to the recommendations for prisons within the Welsh Government's Blood Borne Viral Hepatitis Action Plan for Wales.Design/methodology/approachA task and finish group was established to ensure multidisciplinary engagement between healthcare and custody staff. A service improvement package was developed focusing on awareness raising and/or development of clinical services for prisoners, prison officers and prison healthcare staff.FindingsPrison healthcare staff have undergone training in BBVs and are being supported to deliver clinical services to prisoners. Training has been delivered in pre/post test discussion and dried blood spot testing; care pathways have been established between prison and community specialists for treatment referrals. An e‐learning module is being rolled out to raise awareness amongst custody staff and encourage occupational hepatitis B vaccination. Literature on “liver health” has been produced to be given to every prisoner across Wales.Social implicationsIt is envisaged that BBV services will become a routine part of prison care in Wales. Data on activity are being collected for evaluation and it is hoped that tackling BBVs in prisons will help reduce rates of infection both within prisons and in the wider community.Originality/valueThis paper describes new initiatives that have been established to tackle BBVs across Welsh prisons and will be relevant to any prison healthcare staff looking to develop similar services.
A decision framework for assessment of risk associated with global supply chain
Authors: Soni Gunjan , Kodali Rambabu 
Published: March 2013

PurposeRisk management has always been an area of concern for every global firm. The firm's supply chain management (SCM) practices are also affected by the degree of risk involved in almost all decisions. The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of assessment of risk associated with global supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe suggested methodology consists of two phases. The aim of the first phase is to select the location of a global facility with least risk and in the second phase, least risky configuration of supply chain is selected. The methodology adopted in the paper is demonstrated using the hypothetical case of an industrial valve manufacturing global firm.FindingsThe paper presents a tool for strategic and planning level. It supports a supply chain manager at strategic level to find the least risky location for manufacturing facility; while at the same time, the methodology supports a supply chain planning manager when selecting the least risky configuration of suppliers and distributors.Originality/valueThere are many models in the literature that addressed the issue of risk minimization in supply chain, but after an exhaustive literature review, it was noticed that there is no model that minimizes risk in locating a global facility and resulting supply chain simultaneously. The paper thus accomplishes this task by using PROMETHEE‐II and goal programming tools to suggest a decision framework for assessment of risk associated with global supply chain.
Mental health law in Africa: analysis from a human rights perspective
Authors: Drew Natalie , Funk Michelle , Kim Caroline , Lund Crick , Flisher Alan J. , Osei Akwasi , Ndyanabangi Sheila , Ssebunnya Joshua , Mayaye John 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide detailed assessments of the mental health laws of Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.Design/methodology/approachThe mental health laws of four countries were assessed both by country partners and staff of WHO, Geneva, using the World Health Organization (WHO) Checklist on Mental Health Legislation, which examines the level of coverage of key issues in mental health laws.FindingsThe older laws of Ghana, Uganda and Zambia do not address fundamental human rights of people with mental health conditions. South Africa's more recent Mental Health Care Act (2002) incorporates critical human rights standards, though certain provisions fail to adequately safeguard against potential violations. For mental health legislation to maintain currency with human rights standards it must be regularly reviewed and updated.Originality/valueThe findings highlight the urgent need to revise the mental health laws of Zambia, Uganda and Ghana, and to plan ways to address the gaps identified in the relatively new South African mental health law. The entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008 signals a new era in how mental health legislation is to be drafted. The identification of gaps in national laws, as has been undertaken by the four countries, is an important first step towards putting in place legal frameworks to promote the rights of people with mental health conditions in line with current international human rights standards.
Corporate social responsibility reporting research in the Chinese academia: a critical review
Authors: Guan Jenny , Noronha Carlos 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review the recent corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature in China, which has the world's largest developing economy. Through discussions and critical review, the objective is to suggest future directions for CSR research in this country.Design/methodology/approachThe paper starts with a review of recent CSR literature in the mainland, followed by an in‐depth critique of two major Chinese CSR studies conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.FindingsIn China, much of the CSR literature is conceptual, descriptive, or argumentative in nature. Proper research methodologies are not systematically applied in some studies, and supporting theories are lacking. Besides, self‐developed indicator systems, rather than internationally adopted systems, are used as the mainstream measurement tools in research focusing on CSR performance evaluation. In general, CSR research in China has just got started and has a long way to go.Originality/valueRecent reviews of CSR literature have concentrated on emerging economies, particularly Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and so on. This paper is one of the first reviews of CSR studies in mainland China. It contributes to understanding the development of Chinese CSR research. After the review and discourse, several research questions are suggested for future research.
Corporate social responsibility and executive compensation: exploring the link
Authors: Collett Miles Patti , Miles Grant 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore whether socially responsible firms recognize the potential conflicts that come with higher levels of executive compensation, and thus limit executive pay relative to what is being paid in other firms. In the process, the relationships between executive compensation and financial performance, and corporate social performance and financial performance are examined to determine whether potential compensation and social performance links are coming at the expense of company financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data for this research were obtained from a stratified sample of Fortune 1000 companies pulled from across more than 15 industries. Multiple regression analysis is utilized to test three hypotheses.FindingsIn line with the hypotheses, results indicate that companies identified as good corporate social performers do in fact have lower levels of executive compensation and there is some support found for a positive relationship between social and financial performance.Practical implicationsThe results provide support for the view that firms concerned about social responsibility can put restrictions on executive compensation and still achieve good financial performance, and make a case that executive compensation should in fact be a concern of all socially responsible firms.Originality/valueThere are few studies that examine the direct link between executive compensation and corporate social responsibility. This study addresses this gap in the literature and adds to the discussion as to whether socially responsible firms might seek to better balance compensation across the firm and emphasize that profit, both individual and corporate, must be earned within a system that is fair and balanced for all.
Performance evaluation of socially responsible mutual funds using style analysis
Authors: Das Praveen K. , Uma Rao S.P. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of socially responsible funds by closely examining funds' investment styles.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply William Sharpe's method of style analysis to evaluate the performance of 94 US socially responsible mutual funds. By using the fund style as a benchmark, the authors are able to separate the performance attributed to style and selection.FindingsThe authors observe that underperformance of socially responsible funds is more pronounced and common than identified in the previous literature. Proponents of socially responsible investing argue that screening process provides an opportunity to fund managers to identify best companies in terms of future financial performance. The paper finds that active management of mutual funds is an important determinant of their performance in socially responsible investing industry. This paper provides evidence supporting that active management of socially responsible funds add value.Originality/valueThis study will help investors in allocating their portfolios among many of the available SR funds. The result – actively managed SR funds outperform their passive counterparts – will be valuable for those investors who are willing to invest in socially responsible funds but are concerned about the financial performance.
Does country‐of‐origin matter to Generation Y?
Authors: Zdravkovic Srdan 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis study aims to examine how members of American Generation Y cohort feel about the USA and the USA's major trading partners. In addition, the study's purpose is to find out whether product's country‐of‐origin (COO) plays a role when members of Generation Y evaluate products.Design/methodology/approachUndergraduate university students are used as sample in this study. Experiment with 18 conditions is utilized to collect that data. Linear regression is used to test the hypothesis.FindingsResults show that animosity toward the country negatively influences COO image and that person's level of cosmopolitanism and ethnocentrism contribute to person's perception of (in)equality when evaluating COO images. Findings also indicate COO significantly influences product judgment and this relationship is moderated by quality of information about the product (positive, negative, or lack of information) and involvement with the product (involved or not involved).Originality/valueResults from this study show that, in the context of Generation Y, country image still matters and should be considered when developing a product or promotion strategy. Although country image matters, its effect on product judgment has to be examined in conjunction with factors like quality of information about the product and involvement with the product. As such, examining COO effect on its own might be misleading and not paint a completely accurate picture of antecedents to product judgment.
Evaluating alternative theoretical models for examining citizen centric adoption of e‐government
Authors: Rana Nripendra P. , Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Williams Michael D. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the performance of the alternative IS/IT adoption models used more frequently in the citizen centric adoption of e‐government systems. Such analysis will not only provide a trend about the models and subsequent constructs being utilized in this area of research but also guides us toward laying a foundation for the formulation of an alternative integrated model for citizen centric adoption of e‐government services.Design/methodology/approachThe relevant secondary data from 87 research studies on citizen centric e‐government services were analysed to examine the performance of some of the most frequently used alternative models (e.g. technology acceptance model (TAM), diffusion of innovation|innovation diffusion theory (DOI|IDT), DeLone and McLean IS success model, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), and theory of planned behaviour (TPB)) of IS/IT adoption in this area of research.FindingsThe findings of this research indicate that TAM is by far the best suited model for analysing citizen centric adoption of e‐government services. It was also found that although diffusion of innovation|innovation diffusion theory (DOI|IDT) is the second highly used model, only three of its constructs (i.e. compatibility, complexity, and relative advantage) were in use across various studies. Moreover, it was visualised that constructs such as triability and observability were never used in the e‐government context. Similarly, the constructs from TPB have not been used up to the presence of the model across various studies. All the constructs (i.e. performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence) of the UTAUT model, except facilitating conditions, have been used quite regularly.Research limitations/implicationsThis research evaluates the various IS/IT adoption research models being used in e‐government adoption only on the basis of their performances across the existing research studies. The evaluation of the performance of such models may not reflect their true picture only through meta‐analysis.Originality/valueThis paper presents a comprehensive meta‐analysis of some of the most frequently used IS/IT adoption models in the context of e‐government adoption research. Such analysis would help us picking up the most appropriate models and/or their constructs for developing an alternative model for our research.