bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges of disaster vulnerability reduction in Lagos Megacity Area, Nigeria
Authors: Offia Ibem Eziyi 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe aim of this research is to identify the factors responsible for the inability of authorities in rapidly growing megacities in developing countries to integrate disaster risk vulnerability reduction strategies effectively with their development plans.Design/methodology/approachThe study followed a qualitative research strategy. A survey research approach with pre‐tested questionnaires as key data collection instrument was used in eliciting responses from 135 randomly selected built environment professionals in academics and disaster management practitioners in government and non‐governmental organizations in Lagos Megacity Area, Nigeria.FindingsA number of factors militating against the adoption of effective disaster vulnerability reduction strategies in the area were identified. The most critical were faltering institutions and governance, weak infrastructure base and a low level of disaster education.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample population comprised mainly built environment professionals in academics and disaster managers across the city. Therefore, the views presented in the paper may not be considered generalizable within the context of multiplicity of stakeholders in disaster studies. However, the research presents the perception of experts and key stakeholders in disaster vulnerability reduction in the study area.Practical implicationsThe findings can form the basis for addressing these challenges, most particularly in generating and adopting new approaches to policy formulation and implementation by the public and private sectors.Originality/valueResearch on this subject‐matter is very limited in Nigeria. It is, however, very relevant in efforts at addressing the challenges of sustainable development in developing countries from the human and policy dimensions.
Climate change: an emergency management perspective
Authors: Schneider Robert O. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest the utility of an emergency management perspective as a guide for policy makers as they respond to the challenges of global climate change.Design/methodology/approachThis analytical paper begins with a review of scientific literature in an effort to highlight the consensus about risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change or global warming. Applying the terminology and techniques of natural disaster planning, preparedness, response, and mitigation to climate change, an emergency management perspective is articulated as a viable framework for policy development.FindingsBased on the evidence of a growing consensus in the scientific assessment of climate change, and the need for policy interventions to address the risks and vulnerabilities associated with it, the need for a unifying perspective for policymakers at all levels is apparent. An emergency management perspective is offered herein and holds the potential to provide a foundation for meeting that need.Research limitations/implicationsAn emergency management perspective for global climate change highlights the linkages between the challenges it poses and natural disaster preparedness in general. This may enable policy analysts to draw on the natural hazards literature and techniques as a guide for planning and policy development.Practical implicationsThe effort to create a consensus of approach that will enable policy makers to speak the same language, participate in the same analysis, contribute to the same dialogue, and pursue the same goals may be advanced by this discussion.Originality/valueAn emergency management perspective on climate change may offer the potential for developing the least problematic model for policy makers to incorporate as they seek to make their efforts more consistent and more responsible in the face of a global challenge.
A comparative study on community‐based disaster management in selected countries and designing a model for Iran
Authors: Jahangiri Katayoun , Izadkhah Yasamin O. , Jamaledin Tabibi Seyed 
Published: February 2011

PurposeIran is located among the top disaster‐prone countries in the world and, therefore, disaster management is considered to be one of the most important issues in this country. One of the existing and worldwide approaches for managing disasters is the so‐called community‐based disaster management (CBDM). Community participation means that people's contribution in the disaster management cycle can be started from the basic steps of a process and ends in the achievement and institutionalization in the community. The purpose of this paper is to make a comparative study on the CBDM in various selected countries in order to design a model for Iran.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive‐comparative study was undertaken through a methodology including six steps in which a few countries have been chosen based on their contribution to issues such as policy making, planning, coordination, and control and organizing of disasters as well as their experience in disaster management and access to related information.FindingsThe results of the study show that, in order to achieve a successful disaster management, there is a need for the participation of the community in various disaster management lifecycles. However, it is evident that the type of contribution may differ according to the characteristics of each specific country.Practical implicationsBy using the CDBM, it is hoped that, with updating and implementing this model, the government's capability enhances in order to encounter disasters more effectively in the future.Originality/valueOn the basis of these findings, a model was designed to use CDBM in Iran. The issue most emphasized by this model is the presence and contribution of community at the local level in villages and neighborhoods in a city.
On the relationship between weather and stock market returns
Authors: Floros Christos 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between weather (temperature) and stock market returns using daily data from Portugal; also, to examine whether the temperature is driven by calendar‐related anomalies such as the January and trading month effects.Design/methodology/approachDaily financial and weather data from Lisbon Stock Exchange (PSI 20 index) and Lisbon capital for the period 1995‐2007 are considered. The paper employs an AR(1)‐TGARCH(1,1) model under several distributional assumptions (Normal, Student's‐t and GED) for the errors.FindingsEmpirical results show that temperature affects negatively the PSI20 stock returns in Portugal. Moreover, temperature is dependent of both January and trading month effects. Stock returns were found to be positive in January and higher over the first fortnight of the month. Lower temperature in January leads to higher stock returns due to investors' aggressive risk taking.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should investigate the impact of other meteorological variables (humidity, amount of sunshine) and other calendar anomalies on the course and behaviour of major international stock indices using data before and after the recent crisis.Practical implicationsThe findings are helpful to financial managers, investors and traders dealing with the Portuguese stock market.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper is to provide evidence on the empirical linkages between temperature and stock market returns using GARCH models. To better understand the relationship between the temperature and stock market returns, the paper also examines whether the returns are higher in winter (January effect) and during the first or second fortnight of the month (trading month effect). To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first empirical investigation on weather and stock market returns relationship for Portugal.
Volatility transmission and asymmetric linkages between the stock and foreign exchange markets
Authors: Yong Fu Tian , Holmes Mark J. , Choi Daniel F.S. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze volatility transmission between the Japanese stock and foreign exchange markets.Design/methodology/approachIn contrast to the existing literature, industry‐level stock data are applied to a trivariate Baba, Engle, Kraft and Kroner‐generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (BEKK‐GARCH) model that also includes comparable US industrial stocks returns as a control variable.FindingsUsing daily data over the study period 1994‐2007, it was found that news shocks in the Japanese currency market account for volatility transmission in eight of the ten industrial sectors considered. Evidence was also found of significant asymmetric effects in five of these industries.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the BEKK‐GARCH model enables analysis of volatility transmission between the stock and foreign markets against a background of conditional correlation and asymmetries, the model requires the estimation of a large number of parameters, which can be problematic for a limited dataset.Originality/valueThe paper's findings have important implications for understanding international volatility transmission involving the stock and foreign exchange markets. This in turn can provide insight into investor behaviour.
Central bank Islamic monetary instruments: a theoretical approach
Authors: Ismal Rifki 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose the Islamic monetary instruments as an Islamic approach for the central banking monetary operation. It is assumed that the central bank may not deal with the uncertain return of the project (asset) and its ultimate monetary policy target is to stabilize the economy by utilizing the excess (idle) liquidity in the economy. This theoretical study benefits the central bank from the assessment of the usage of every proposed Islamic monetary instrument with respected to the monetary operation purposes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper exercises four feasible Islamic monetary instruments based on the characteristics of Sharia contract which suit the nature of the current central banking monetary operation. Every instrument is elaborated mathematically to analyze its monetary impact and the possible reaction of depositors. Finally, the paper suggests the deterministic factors to successfully offer such Islamic instruments.FindingsThe exercises find the unique operation of every Islamic monetary instrument. Based on the monetary impact of each instrument, the central bank can now have an alternative monetary policy based on the Sharia principles and operation.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has so far found the feasibility of four Islamic monetary instruments. There might be other Islamic monetary instruments which can be viable to be exercised.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first paper trying to exercise the alternative of the Islamic instruments for monetary operation.
Social media and corporate dialogue: the response of global financial institutions
Authors: Bonsón Enrique , Flores Francisco 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyse the extent to which global financial institutions are using Web 2.0 technologies and social media initiatives to transform the way in which they perform their corporate disclosure, that is, if these entities are opening a real corporate dialogue.Design/methodology/approachThe web sites of 132 major global financial entities – in Europe (54 entities), the Asia‐Pacific region (55) and the Americas (23) – have been scored according to a Sophistication Index, considering various relevant Web 2.0 technologies and social media implementations. The analysis, by means of least squares and logistic regression models, is consistent across both techniques.FindingsWeb 2.0 technologies and social media are not fully available in the corporate reporting arena. Nonetheless, a significant influence is detected. The size of each entity and the region in which it operates influence the scored utilisation of Web 2.0 and social media initiatives.Research limitation/implicationsWeb 2.0 tools and social media initiatives have been researched via corporate web sites. Corporate visibility in the major social networks, and also the use of advanced web metrics, will remain topics for further research.Practical implicationsA lack of strategy for implementing an effective corporate dialogue is clearly observed. Based on these findings the banking industry and the supervisory authorities, which are under special scrutiny due to the recent global crisis, can take much greater advantage of the potential of social media to open a real corporate dialogue, increasing the level of transparency.Originality/valueAs social media are becoming more useful and ubiquitous, both academics and practitioners need some initial and reliable background data on this preliminary situation. The extraordinary role of protagonist that the banking industry has played in the recent economic upheavals justify its selection as a first sample for this exploratory study.
Traditional agricultural landscapes and community conserved areas: an overview
Authors: Brown Jessica , Kothari Ashish 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to offer an overview on the theme of “Traditional agricultural landscapes and indigenous and community conserved areas.” It aims to explore questions related to the special values of these landscapes, the threats facing them and ways to sustain them in the future. It also aims to discuss recent developments in conservation, particularly related to governance of protected areas and the emerging recognition of “indigenous and community‐conserved areas” in diverse regions worldwide.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a collection of conceptual papers and case‐studies presented at a workshop (Cusco, Peru, 2008) and compiled in the present issue of this journal, this overview paper explores key issues and challenges related to community stewardship of traditional agricultural landscapes. It synthesizes a few common themes emerging from these papers and the discussions in Cusco, and reviews these in the context of global developments in protected areas and conservation.FindingsAcross diverse settings, traditional agricultural landscapes, created by indigenous peoples and local communities, have been shaped by the dynamic interaction of people and nature over time. These landscapes, rich in agro‐biodiversity as well as inherent wild biodiversity and cultural and spiritual values, embody human ingenuity and are continually evolving. Key points emerging from this review include the role of traditional ecological knowledge systems, cultural practices and social institutions in creating these landscapes and ensuring their stewardship; the importance of securing customary governance; and need for dynamic socio‐ecological indicators to measure the resilience of different landscapes.Originality/valueThe paper shows that these “living landscapes” play a vital role in sustaining agro‐biodiversity as well as inherent wild biodiversity values, ensuring ecosystem function, and supporting livelihoods and food security. These landscapes and their associated management systems have much to teach us about sustainability and resilience in the face of global change.
Relational knowledge systems and their impact on management of mountain ecosystems
Authors: Pajares Garay Erick , Llosa Larrabure Jaime 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how Andean knowledge and culture have shaped mountain ecosystems by building cultural landscapes where agrobiodiversity is created and recreated, water is domesticated (seeded and harvested), and where a harmonious relationship with the Earth and the Universe is kept.Design/methodology/approachThrough the use of primary and secondary sources, the information is then organized detailing a synthesis of thoughts and joint research studies conducted by various authors regarding the valuable contributions made by the Andean culture.FindingsThis paper finds that strategies for facing the ecological crisis affecting planet Earth are being developed: the Pleiades and the Andean Cross continue to be observed in order to predict the weather and climate and make decisions related to traditional agricultural systems; cultural landscapes are being created and maintained; and water continues to be domesticated.Originality/valueThe tropical Andes of Peru would be in the third country most affected by global climate change worldwide. The severe impacts of the global phenomenon on mountain ecosystems and cultural landscapes are many, all of which are affecting food security of large human groups and traditional lifestyles of communities and farmers.
The conservation of the agrobiodiversity of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
Authors: Bassols Isamat Emili , Perramon Ramos Bernat , Mallarach Carrera Josep M. , Falgarona Bosch Jordi 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the situation of the agrobiodiversity in La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, a protected area in which the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors play a significant role. It also aims to discuss the activities promoted by the park and by other institutions aimed at conserving and promoting local agrobiodiversity.Design/methodology/approachOne of the three lines of work in the Natural Park in the field of agriculture is the recuperation, conservation and divulgation of notable and/or endangered agricultural species and varieties. This paper describes some of the work carried out in this field.FindingsThe institutions are vital in the recovery of interesting species and varieties, and in order to ensure their conservation it is essential to promote projects in which the agrarian sector can participate.Research limitations/implicationsCollaboration between the institutions and the agrarian sector is essential for the conservation of the agrobiodiversity, although the interests of farmers and the use of certain species and varieties do not always coincide.Practical implicationsThe commercial interest and the knowledge of the use and management of some of the conserved species and varieties may have been lost over time, which makes their implantation difficult. Thus, it is important to restore popular knowledge associated with all species and varieties.Originality/valueIn light of increasingly homogeneous agricultural and stock‐raising practices, activities such as those implemented by the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park have a vital part to play in the conservation of agrobiodiversity.
Neighborhood preferences of house buyers: the case of Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Teck‐Hong Tan 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe paper attempts to examine the impacts of neighborhood types, as defined by a gated‐guarded neighborhood with landscape compound and a freehold tenure neighborhood on residential property values in Klang Valley, Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachA weighted least squares method together with a heteroscedasticity consistent covariance matrix estimator is used to estimate the coefficients of structural, locational and neighborhood attributes of dwellings on house prices.FindingsResults show that the gated‐guarded neighborhood with landscape compound could increase residential property values by 18.1 per cent. Additionally, the positive perception of a freehold property in the neighborhood could induce a price premium of 23.7 per cent.Research limitations/implicationsIt is reasonable to believe that neighborhood types play a role in determining residential property values.Practical implicationsIn order to meet the increasingly affluent and discerning house buyers, developers, instead of just offering dream homes in prime locations, should provide intangible benefits in the neighborhood that are just as sought after by today's house buyers – such as a sense of security in the landscape compound, a feeling of harmony with one's surroundings and an infrastructure which supports the lifestyle of house buyers.Originality/valueHouse buyers in Malaysia are increasingly aware of the value of gated‐guarded and freehold neighborhoods. However, there is little evidence to assess the value provided by such neighborhoods in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The paper aims to determine the responsiveness of the willingness to pay to changes in neighborhood types.
An econometric panel data‐based approach for housing price forecasting in Iran
Authors: Hadavandi Esmaeil , Ghanbari Arash , Mohsen Mirjani S. , Abbasian Salman 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate long‐run elasticities for housing prices in Tehran's (capital of Iran) 20 different zones relative to several explanatory variables available for use such as land price, total substructure area, material price, etc. Moreover, another goal of this paper is to propose a new approach to deal with problems which arise due to a lack of proper data.Design/methodology/approachThe data set is gathered from “The Municipality of Tehran” and “The Central Bank of Islamic Republic of Iran (CBI)”. One‐way fixed effects and one‐way random effects approaches (which are panel data approaches) are applied to model housing price forecasting function in Tehran's 20 different zones. Results are compared with ordinary least squares approach which is a common approach in this field. Finally, outcomes of the preferred approach are discussed and analyzed with regard to the economic point of view.FindingsResults show that one‐way fixed effects approach provides more accurate forecasts and can be considered as a suitable tool to deal with housing price forecasting problems in environments which are: uncertain, complex, and faced with a lack of proper data. Moreover, it is found that land price is the most effective factor that has impact on total housing cost in Tehran, i.e. the main portion of house prices in Tehran is affected by land price, so appropriate policies have to be made by the government to control fluctuations of this factor.Practical implicationsThe proposed approach will supply policy makers with improved estimations with decreased errors in uncertain and complex environments which are faced with a lack of proper data, and it extracts valuable information which enables policy makers for handling non‐linearity, complexity, as well as uncertainty that may exist in actual data sets with respect to housing price forecasting. Moreover, the proposed approach can be applied to similar housing price case studies to obtain more accurate and more reliable outcomes.Originality/valueApplying panel data approach for estimation of housing prices is relatively new in the field of housing economics. Moreover, this is the first study which employs panel data approach for analyzing the housing market in Tehran.