bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovation in environment‐oriented networks
Authors: Urbaniec Maria , Gerstlberger Wolfgang 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline and analyze the influence of environment‐oriented cooperation on innovations as the important factor for sustainable development. The research question is how could environment‐oriented cooperation contribute to innovations in enterprises?Design/methodology/approachFor empirical research, a mix of methods is to be selected. At first, the results are obtained qualitatively and validated quantitatively afterwards. Two cooperation cases are selected: industry‐related and intersectoral cooperation.FindingsThe paper explains the contribution of environment‐oriented cooperation to realize innovations by identification of the innovation‐relevant cooperation factors such as: heterogeneous constellation of the cooperation partners; specialist know‐how exchange; coordination; and importance of industry orientation. These factors are also necessary for the implementation of sustainability‐oriented innovation practices in a wider (economical, ecological and social) understanding.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that an environment‐oriented cooperation with different actors – which is coordinated by experts and concentrated on industry specific as well as oriented on the interests of all actors – can definitely help to realize potentials of innovation.Originality/valueConcerning the increasing role of cooperation for the creation and implementation of environmental innovations, substantial awareness gaps are still observed. The paper has tried to identify and analyze cooperation characteristics which influence the implementation of environmental innovations and therefore the sustainable development.
A descriptive analysis of post‐closedown environmental monitoring and maintenance of the Pääsküla landfill
Authors: Kivimägi Jana 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate changes in the environmental state of Pääsküla landfill in the post‐closedown period, especially changes in the soil and groundwater quality, composition of leachate water and air quality, and to analyse the effects of the works carried out and the measures implemented during the closing down of the Pääsküla landfill on the surrounding environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on the official environmental monitoring reports (EERC 2005‐2009) combined with the practical work experience and observations of the author on the landfill.FindingsThe study reveals that the most evident changes, which have taken place in the environmental state in the Pääsküla landfill were those in the quality of surface water. Remarkable improvement of the water quality of the Pääsküla River was detected after installation of the vinyl pile wall around the landfill body. After capping of the landfill, a drop in the content of methane in landfill gas was detected, as well as a decrease of the total gas production in the landfill.Practical implicationsThe conclusions justify the efforts made in the course of closing down works of the Pääsküla landfill and the chosen technical solutions. It is necessary to continue the environmental monitoring of the landfill leachate water, ground water and surface water as well as monitoring of air quality and subsidences on the landfill.Originality/valueThe paper provides a detailed overview of the post‐closedown environmental monitoring and maintenance activities in the landfill as well as progress in the state of environment regarding the measures taken in order to decrease the negative environmental impact of the landfill. The experience of closing down the landfill can be used for similar projects, especially the impacts of capping the landfill on the methane production and installation of the protection wall and leachate collection drainage around the landfill on the suface water.
Attitudes of injecting male anabolic androgenic steroid users to media influence, health messages and gender constructs
Authors: Walker Dawn‐Marie , Eli Joubert Hercules 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis study seeks to gain some understanding about the attitudes of anabolic‐androgenic steroid (AAS) users towards the media and whether their constructs of masculinity are influenced by this. It also aims to explore their attitudes towards health information.Design/methodology/approachA self‐completion questionnaire containing 35 items of both open and closed questions was designed for the study. All participants were English‐speaking, injecting male steroid users, 16 years or older whose trigger for using was confidence and self‐esteem, and were registered clients at either of the two included UK needle exchange services.FindingsParticipants and other AAS users were open about their use to each other, but not to people external to that sub‐culture. They denied media influence, although they thought that most men in the media with muscular bodies used AAS. They associate masculinity with strength and muscle. They seemed knowledgeable about the health implications of AAS, but would not tell a health professional unless asked directly. There appears to be a sub‐culture normalisation regarding AAS use, with the trivialisation of health messages, their minimisation of the possibility of negative effects happening to them, and comparison of oneself to others they regard as inferior in some way.Originality/valueThe paper explores the need for a credible and non‐judgmental source of information for users of AAS.
Research chemicals: an approach to filling the information gap
Authors: Govier Mark 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the ongoing failure of contemporary government, and indeed its agencies, to provide basic, let alone adequate, factual information about most chemical legal highs, despite permitting their unregulated sale, and having the resources to do so.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a working definition of legal highs, briefly describes how the market works, investigates government information services such as Talk to FRANK, analyse government policy towards legal highs, and finally posit cost effective interim solutions to fill the information gap for “Generation Meph”, the teenagers and students who are the main consumers of legal highs.FindingsDespite permitting synthetic research chemicals to be sold as any other consumer product, the government consistently fails to provide meaningful information about them and instead emulates the tabloids by adopting a policy of covert quasi‐criminalisation through non‐approval. This raises questions not simply about government competence, but also the suitability of the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, and indeed the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, 40 years on. It is preferable that “Generation Meph” have access to some form of evidence‐based information about what they consume rather than to none.Originality/valueThe paper suggests a survey system to provide consumers with information about legal highs, which would counterbalance the scaremongering among the tabloid press.
Environmental incidents in a developing country and corporate environmental disclosures
Authors: Azizul Islam Muhammad , Aminul Islam Muhammad 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the environmental disclosure initiatives of Niko Resources Ltd – a Canada‐based multinational oil and gas company – following the two major environmental blowouts at a gas field in Bangladesh in 2005. As part of the examination, the authors particularly focus on whether Niko's disclosure strategy was associated with public concern pertaining to the blowouts.Design/methodology/approachThe authors reviewed news articles about Niko's environmental incidents in Bangladesh and Niko's communication media, including annual reports, press releases and stand‐alone social responsibility report over the period 2004‐2007, to understand whether news media attention as proxy for public concern has an impact on Niko's disclosure practices in relation to the affected local community in Bangladesh.FindingsThe findings show that Niko did not provide any non‐financial environmental information within its annual reports and press releases as a part of its responsibility to the local community which was affected by the blowouts, but it did produce a stand‐alone report to address the issue. However, financial environmental disclosures, such as the environmental contingent liability disclosure, were adequately provided through annual reports to meet the regulatory requirements concerning environmental persecutions. The findings also suggest that Niko's non‐financial disclosure within a stand‐alone report was associated with the public pressures as measured by negative media coverage towards the Niko blowouts.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper concludes that the motive for Niko's non‐financial environmental disclosure, via a stand‐alone report, reflected survival considerations: the company's reaction did not suggest any real attempt to hold broader accountability for its activities in a developing country.Originality/valueThis is the first known paper that investigates a multinational company's disclosure behavior in relation to environmental incidents which occurred in a local community.
The illusory nature of standards: the case of standards for organic agriculture
Authors: Linneberg Mai S. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of the paradoxical situation in which standard setters are placed when standardising human practice. Contrary to standards, human practices are ambiguous, heterogeneous, and highly context dependent; in contrast, standards are unambiguous and apply across cases.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is primarily theoretical and its analysis is based on conceptual content and extent analysis. For the purpose of illustration, the paper draws on the example of organic agricultural standards.FindingsThe author shows how illusion creation is innate in the practice of standardisation and therefore the risk of creating untrustworthy standards is prevalent for standard setters.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new understanding of standards and demonstrates the need to research standardization processes in depth and bring in a much more critical perspective to this prevalent but largely invisible practice.
Stakeholders' perspective: injury behaviour and attitude of young Asians in New Zealand
Authors: Ekramul Hoque M. , Rossen Fiona , Tse Samson 
Published: October 2011

PurposeOf the unintentional injuries sustained by 20‐25 year old Asians, one‐third have been attributed to road traffic crashes. This study seeks to examine stakeholders' perceptions of Asian youth injury prevention behaviours in Auckland, New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachInformation was collected through face‐to‐face individual interviews, with key stakeholders who were aware of youth injury prevention and road traffic safety issues. Analysis used the statements of the discussants as the basis of describing the findings.FindingsRisk‐taking behaviours, environment, and individual variations in attitudes influence the occurrence of injuries among Asian migrant students. Domestic injuries of students from affluent backgrounds were linked to their inexperience in domestic or kitchen work. Injuries also resulted from unprovoked race‐related street assaults by locals. Road traffic injuries may be attributed to the driving quality of some Asian youths and are influenced by traffic orientations of their country of origin. Migrant youths are often reluctant to seek medical help for their injuries due to precarious employment situations. Asian youths are reactive to minor injuries and expect robust medical procedures. Mental health and suicidal status is hard to assess due to stigma. Family pressure and limited involvement with alcohol and drugs have a protective effect against injuries.Research limitations/implicationsWhile some Asian family values are protective against youth injury risk behaviours, negative parental attitudes may have the opposite effect. This has implications for community‐based prevention programmes. Under‐reporting of injuries and unprovoked racial attacks on Asian youths are of great concern. Further research on mental health and suicidal behaviour of Asian students and culturally appropriate injury prevention programmes are advocated.Originality/valueThe paper explores risk behaviours and attitudes towards prevention of injuries among young Asian students, including levels of knowledge and awareness, and their risk modifying intentions, from the viewpoint of professional stakeholders.
The role of security and trust in the adoption of online tax filing
Authors: Carter Lemuria , Christian Shaupp Ludwig , Hobbs Jeffrey , Campbell Ronald 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of six determinants on taxpayers' intention to adopt e‐file systems. The proposed model integrates technology adoption factors from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model with personal perceptions on trust, efficacy, and security into one parsimonious yet explanatory model of e‐file adoption.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to 304 US taxpayers to capture their perceptions of e‐filing. The survey was developed using existing scales in the literature. Responses were measured on a seven‐point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). The results were tested using multiple linear regression analysis.FindingsThe findings of this research show that theoretical constructs from the UTAUT model are well suited in explaining intentions to use multiple e‐government services. Specifically, the results indicate that three factors from the UTAUT model (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence) play a significant role in predicting taxpayers' e‐filing intentions. More importantly, the research findings indicate that personal factors (web‐specific self‐efficacy (WSSE) and perceived security control), along with UTAUT factors, have a significant impact on taxpayers' e‐file intentions. The proposed model explains 63.5 percent of the variance in taxpayers' e‐file intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature by integrating determinants from the UTAUT model with personal perception factors to explain e‐file adoption. This merging of UTAUT with theories, such as social cognition, that emphasize human perception, is the direction that must be taken by researchers in an effort to understand taxpayers' intentions to adopt e‐file systems. While the proposed model explained 63.5 percent of the variation in e‐file use intention, there are limitations to this research. The participants in this research are not sufficiently diverse in culture, socio‐economic level, etc. and 89 percent of the research participants are Caucasian. In addition, the participants were recruited from limited geographical locations. The strength of the model should be validated using more diverse research participants that will increase the variation in the data collected.Originality/valueThe paper presents a parsimonious, yet integrated, model of e‐file diffusion. The integration of adoption factors with personal perceptions of trust, efficacy, and security represents a significant step forward in explaining e‐file adoption.
Understanding the “e‐petitioner”
Authors: Cruickshank Peter , Smith Colin 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the ways in which large‐scale e‐participation projects can be evaluated. It argues that existing evaluation approaches can be improved upon by taking a closer look at the characteristics of the users of such systems, by estimating their self‐efficacy.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review is followed by the development of relevant research questions, and an assessment of points at which relevant and useful data can be collected in a petitioning process.FindingsIt is found that data relating to self‐efficacy, while not simple to collect, can add much to the evaluation process, and have the potential to result in more effective projects and systems.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are specific to one project, EuroPetition, which will allow the co‐ordination and submission of cross‐border pan‐European petitions.Originality/valueThe paper represents the first attempt to integrate perspectives derived from social cognitive theory to the evaluation of a large e‐participation project. Self‐efficacy is discussed in terms of both computer self‐efficacy and political self‐efficacy.
E‐procurement implementation: a case of Malaysia government
Authors: Aman Aini , Kasimin Hasmiah 
Published: October 2011

PurposeMany countries worldwide have identified e‐procurement as a priority of e‐government agenda and have implemented, or are in the process of implementing, e‐procurement systems. The purpose of this paper is to understand the challenges of e‐procurement implementation in the government sector and efforts taken to overcome the challenges, using a Malaysia government case.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative case study approach of an e‐procurement project, which is one of Malaysia's e‐government initiatives. Data were collected using a triangulation approach that involved semi‐structured interviews, document reviews and observation.FindingsThe theoretical framework draws on Croom and Brandon‐Jones and was further developed during data analysis. Findings show that challenges of e‐procurement implementation in government sector are not only related to software integration, data management and roll‐out strategy, but also to legal and administration procedures, information technology (IT) infrastructure, outsourcing contract and IT skills. Findings show the importance of creating an IT facilities centre in rural areas and working closely with a third‐party vendor for users' training and skills development.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings extend key issues of e‐procurement implementation using a case study in the Malaysia government. The paper highlights the need to understand challenges and limitations faced by a developing countries such as Malaysia in implementing e‐government projects. The paper provides a basis for further thought and analysis on important issues such as lack of IT infrastructure and skills, as well as high dependency on third‐party developers that needs to be overcome in order to gain the impact of an e‐procurement system.Practical implicationsThis paper has explored implementation issues of e‐procurement in government sectors, particularly in developing countries, and hence provides guidelines for future implementation strategy for system developers, government officials and ministry.Originality/valueOnly limited studies examine the implementation issues of e‐procurement in the government sector, especially in developing countries. While current studies focus more on the readiness of implementing e‐procurement, this study posits to understand the challenges faced by a developing country in e‐procurement implementation.
An analysis of China‐Nigeria investment relations
Authors: Alabi Oyeranti Gboyega , Adetunji Babatunde Musibau , Olawale Ogunkola E. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the economic relation between China and Nigeria in the area of foreign direct investment (FDI).Design/methodology/approachThe study employed the use of quantitative (descriptive analysis such as ratios, percentages and correlation as well as cross tabulations), qualitative (key informant interviews and surveys) and case studies – for example the railway transport project handled by the Chinese. The use of surveys assisted the study to generate firm‐level data that allowed the analysis of China‐Nigeria investment relations with respect to concerns such as the employment effects as well as the competitive and/or complementary effects of Chinese firms to local firms. The use of content analysis of relevant documents and reports obtained from various sources was equally involved to corroborate the results obtained from primary data.FindingsThe findings reveal that the major characteristic of Chinese investment in Nigeria is its concentration in a few sectors that are of strategic interest to China, especially in the extractive industries which are carried out largely by state‐owned enterprises or joint ventures. In addition, the analysis clearly shows that the engagement with China, just like any bilateral relationship, has some advantages and disadvantages and that optimal outcome of the engagement will depend on the policies and institutions that are put in place to maximize the complementary effects and to minimize the competing effects. However, there is need to ensure implementation of laws and regulations in Nigeria and to ensure compliance by the Chinese investors.Originality/valueThis is the first study to carry out an empirical analysis of the China‐Nigeria relation. The study was able to establish the sectors where the incoming FDI from China is directed and the extent at which Chinese FDI is bundled with inflows of aid. The study was also able to show that the incoming Chinese FDI are in resource seeking, and the output targeted at the external market. The study will be of value to academia and to policy makers who are interested in studying the China‐Africa relation.
The financial crisis and the failure of modern social science
Authors: Bragues George 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore the lessons offered by the financial crisis about the appropriate epistemological approaches to apply in the study of human affairs in general, and of the financial markets in particular.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies a qualitative and historical approach invoking debates in the philosophy of social science to dominant themes and concepts in modern quantitative finance. It is argued that underlying the theory and practice of modern quantitative finance is a commitment to an empiricist epistemology modeled on the natural sciences.FindingsIn the financial crisis, modern social science, with its positivist/quantitative orientation, was put to the test in a way that it had never been before. That it failed this test is one of the chief lessons of the financial crisis. Mathematical techniques are inherently incapable of accounting for human behaviour. The crisis serves to underline that a fundamental divide exists between the natural and human realms.Practical implicationsWhile the mathematical‐positivist techniques continue to hold some promise in the study of finance, it has become obvious that this dominant approach needs be enhanced by more qualitative techniques.Originality/valueThe paper shows that although in popular media outlets the mathematization of finance has been singled out as a cause of the crisis, the broader implications for the analysis of human activity have not yet been probed. Nor, in the wake of the crisis, has there been a systematic, philosophically informed, critique of the positivist‐quantitative orientation buttressing academic research into the financial markets.