bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localizing climate change: stepping up local climate action
Authors: Bond Meghan 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the current literature and ideas on how local climate change action (both mitigation and adaptation) could be intensified.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of Australian and international academic journals and policy documents on the current views of effective local climate action was conducted. Additional data on Australian grassroots community activities was compiled from the internet, participant observation and secondary sources.FindingsThe paper argues that local climate action is important and three key aspects could provide effective avenues to step‐up local climate action. These three avenues are: increased attention to local adaptation; the linking of adaptation and mitigation efforts together and with other local ecological concerns; and greater engagement with active community members and grassroots community‐initiated climate change actions. These three key aspects could give climate change a local saliency and tangibility, spur more effective action, build community resilience and reduce vulnerability.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is in the explorative stages and, therefore, only tentative conclusions and possible future directions can be suggested.Practical implicationsThe avenues identified to scale‐up local action on climate change could be readily utilised by local governments and/or other interested groups.Originality/valueThe paper disseminates three compelling ways that climate action could be intensified at the local scale, and possibly create greater public engagement and avenues to innovative approaches to tackle climate change.
Field performance of a phytocap at Lakes Creek landfill, Rockhampton, Australia
Authors: Venkatraman Kartik , Ashwath Nanjappa 
Published: February 2010

PurposeLandfill capping is a mandatory post closure procedure in Australia to isolate the deposited wastes from the outside environment, mainly water. Compacted clay caps are predominantly used in Australian landfills. Recent studies have shown that clay caps have shorter life span and fail to prevent percolation of water due to cracking. This paper aims to discuss a new technology called “Phytocapping” that has been trialled at Lakes Creek landfill in Rockhampton.Design/methodology/approachIn this technique, trees were used as “bio‐pumps” and “rainfall interceptors” and soil cover as “storage” of water. The field performance of the phytocapping system was measured based on its ability to minimise water percolation into waste. Tree growth, transpiration, canopy rainfall interception and methane emission were monitored over three years. The percolation rate was modelled using HYDRUS 1D code for two different scenarios (with and without vegetation) for the thick (1,400 mm soil) and thin (700 mm soil) phytocaps respectively.FindingsResults from the modelling showed percolation rates of 16.7 mm yr−1in thick phytocap and 23.8 mm yr−1in thin phytocap, both of which are markedly lower than those expected from a clay cap. Results from monitoring and observations showed that 19 of 21 tree species grew well in the harsh landfill environment. However, the correct species selection is very important for the long‐term sustainability of the phytocap. Results also show that phytocaps can reduce a significant amount of methane emission from landfills.Practical implicationsThe cost of landfill capping is escalating and is putting a lot of financial and legal pressure on the small and medium sized local governments in Australia. The phytocapping technique not only offers financial benefits but also has some environmental and commercial benefits.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on a new technology being used in waste management.
Aquifer visualization for sustainable water management
Authors: Nasrin Nury Sultana , Zhu Xuan , Cartwright Ian , Ailleres Laurent 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a three dimensional (3D) geological model, based on geographic information system (GIS), of the Barwon Downs Graben aquifer system in Victoria, Australia, and to visualize the complex geometry as a decision support tool for sustainable water management.Design/methodology/approachA 3D visualization of the aquifer is completed, based on subsurface geological modelling. The existing borehole database, hydrogeological data, geological information and surface topography are used to model the subsurface aquifer. ArcGIS 9.2 is employed for two‐dimensional (2D) GIS analysis and for 3D visualization and modelling geological objects computer aided design (GOCAD) 2.5.2 is used. The developed methodology of ArcGIS and GOCAD is implemented for creating the 3D geological model of the aquifer system.FindingsThe 3D geomodel of the Barwon Downs Graben provides a new perspective of the complex subsurface aquifer geometry and its relation with surface hydrogeology in a more interactive manner. Considering the geometry, estimated volume of the unconfined Eastern View aquifer is as 0.83 × 1010m3and for the confined aquifer is about 1.02 × 1010m3. The total volume of overlying strata of this aquifer is about 3.09× 1010m3. The water resources of the study area are affected by the pumping from this aquifer. This is also significantly influenced by the geometry of the Graben.Originality/valueThe 3D model utilises comprehensive and generally available datasets in the public domain. Although the used 3D geomodelling tools are mainly developed for applications in the petroleum industry, the current paper shows its ability to be adapted to hydrogeological investigations.
Revisiting customer value analysis in a heterogeneous market
Authors: DeSarbo Wayne S. , Ebbes Peter , Fong Duncan K.H. , Snow Charles C. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeCustomer value has recently become a primary focus among many strategy researchers and practitioners as an essential element of a firm's competitive strategy. Many firms are engaged in some form of customer value analysis (CVA), which involves a structural analysis of the antecedent factors of perceived value (i.e. perceived quality and perceived price) to assess their relative importance in the perceptions of their buyers. Previous CVA research has focused upon using aggregate market or market segment level analyses. The purpose of this paper is to expose the limitations of implementing CVA on either an aggregate or market segment level basis, and propose an alternative individual level approach.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops an extended hierarchical Bayesian approach for cross‐sectional data with one observation per response unit, which allows for estimation at the individual firm level to make CVA more useful. This paper demonstrates the utility of the proposed Bayesian methodology involving a CVA study conducted for a large electric utility company. It also compares the empirical results from aggregate, market segment, and the proposed individual level analyses, and show how traditional approaches mask underlying price and quality importance.FindingsMarketing and management strategy researchers need to exhibit care when conducting such CVA analyses as underlying heterogeneity can be masked when aggregate market or segment level analyses are conducted.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new hierarchical Bayes recursive simultaneous model formulation for CVA analyses to provide individual level insights with cross‐sectional data.
Effects of organizational citizenship behaviour on group performance
Authors: Sevi Enrico 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) on organizational effectiveness. Specifically, it investigates the impact of helping behaviour on a group where members withhold the effort on job.Design/methodology/approachResults are drawn from an agent‐based simulation model of a workgroup that has to accomplish some tasks for a specific duration.FindingsWhen there are group members withholding effort, OCB decreases organizational effectiveness; on the contrary, when individuals provide much effort in the job, OCB enhances group performance. High performance is reached by the group who are able to learn when OCB is appropriate and fitting.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of this paper are strictly linked to the absence of empirical analysis. The simulation model provides a logical and consistent theory that needs an empirical validation.Practical implicationsThis paper helps workers and supervisors since it warns them on the OCB gap and suggests that in the place of a blind OCB, the groups need to share a smart OCB to cultivate altruism with people who work hard, and to exclude the others.Originality/valueIn the study of OCBs determinants and consequences, the academy has almost exclusively assembled on positive factors. This paper shows the OCB dark side and it asserts that citizenship effects on organization performance are not predetermined as a conceptual assumption. Effectiveness is assured by a dynamic and selective OCB only toward good workers.
Classification and prediction in customer scoring
Authors: Zuccaro Cataldo 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss and assess the structural characteristics (conceptual utility) of the most popular classification and predictive techniques employed in customer relationship management and customer scoring and to evaluate their classification and predictive precision.Design/methodology/approachA sample of customers' credit rating and socio‐demographic profiles are employed to evaluate the analytic and classification properties of discriminant analysis, binary logistic regression, artificial neural networks, C5 algorithm, and regression trees employing Chi‐squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID).FindingsWith regards to interpretability and the conceptual utility of the parameters generated by the five techniques, logistic regression provides easily interpretable parameters through its logit. The logits can be interpreted in the same way as regression slopes. In addition, the logits can be converted to odds providing a common sense evaluation of the relative importance of each independent variable. Finally, the technique provides robust statistical tests to evaluate the model parameters. Finally, both CHAID and the C5 algorithm provide visual tools (regression tree) and semantic rules (rule set for classification) to facilitate the interpretation of the model parameters. These can be highly desirable properties when the researcher attempts to explain the conceptual and operational foundations of the model.Originality/valueMost treatments of complex classification procedures have been undertaken idiosyncratically, that is, evaluating only one technique. This paper evaluates and compares the conceptual utility and predictive precision of five different classification techniques on a moderate sample size and provides clear guidelines in technique selection when undertaking customer scoring and classification.
A bicriteria integer programming model for the hierarchical workforce scheduling problem
Authors: Pastor Rafael , Corominas Albert 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a bicriteria integer programming model for hierarchical workforce scheduling in which the first criterion is the cost and the second is the suitability of task assignment to individual employees. The model is based on the integer programming formulation for the hierarchical workforce scheduling problem published in 2007 by Seçkiner et al., which extends the model proposed by Billionnet in 1999.Design/methodology/approachThe principal hypothesis of this paper is that, although an employee is capable of performing several different tasks with equal efficiency, the type of task to which he/she is assigned affects the overall suitability of the assignment configuration. Therefore, cost‐minimising solutions should also optimise task assignment when possible. This paper considers real cases and confirm that this approach to the problem is appropriate for dealing with common situations in personnel management.FindingsThe proposed idea is applied to the example problem used by Seçkiner et al. and the results are compared with Seçkiner et al.'s model results.Originality/valueConsequently, the proposal is more general and a more faithful representation of the problems faced by personnel managers, which should help to bridge the gap between academic studies and practical cases.
Quantifying uncertainty in ranking problems with composite indicators: a Bayesian approach
Authors: Zampetakis Leonidas A. , Moustakis Vassilis S. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an inductive methodology, which supports ranking of entities. Methodology is based on Bayesian latent variable measurement modeling and makes use of assessment across composite indicators to assess internal and external model validity (uncertainty is used in lieu of validity). Proposed methodology is generic and it is demonstrated on a well‐known data set, related to the relative position of a country in a “doing business.”Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is demonstrated using data from the World Banks' “Doing Business 2008” project. A Bayesian latent variable measurement model is developed and both internal and external model uncertainties are considered.FindingsThe methodology enables the quantification of model structure uncertainty through comparisons among competing models, nested or non‐nested using both an information theoretic approach and a Bayesian approach. Furthermore, it estimates the degree of uncertainty in the rankings of alternatives.Research limitations/implicationsAnalyses are restricted to first‐order Bayesian measurement models.Originality/valueOverall, the presented methodology contributes to a better understanding of ranking efforts providing a useful tool for those who publish rankings to gain greater insights into the nature of the distinctions they disseminate.
Corporate social responsibility in a Brazilian mining company: “official” and divergent narratives
Authors: Duarte Fernanda 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThis research paper seeks to explore two narratives identified in a project focusing on CSR in Brazil: the “official view” promoted by the company, and “divergent voices” that called into question the legitimacy of the official view.Design/methodology/approachThis takes the form of a qualitative design and interpretive approach. Semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews supplemented with corporate materials, web searches, informal conversations with external stakeholders, and non‐participant observation are also used.FindingsThe study revealed that the official narrative emerging from the “corporate performances” organized by the key informant was consistently positive. The divergent narrative portrayed the company in a negative light, and was unveiled through web searches and further reflection in the post‐fieldwork period.Research limitations/implicationsData collection could have been carried out more systematically if the researcher had had greater control over the situation, especially with regard to recruitment of participants, which was done by the key informant.Originality/valueThe study contributes to a better understanding of the concept of “CSR as organizational culture”, which has not been significantly explored in the literature. It addresses the scarcity of works on CSR in the Brazilian mining sector and stresses the importance of going beyond the official view when researching CSR cultures, to consider a diversity of perspectives.
Students' perceptions regarding CSR success of the US forest products industry
Authors: Panwar Rajat , Hansen Eric , Anderson Roy 
Published: February 2010

PurposeFrom the standpoint of the future of corporate social responsibility, students' perceptions are an important research proposition. Several studies have been conducted to examine this phenomenon, yet sector‐specific studies are rather scant. The primary purpose of this work is to examine students' perceptions regarding social responsibility in the context of the US forest products industry.Design/methodology/approachA total of 257 graduate and upper level undergraduate students from Oregon State University and University of Montana, pursuing different academic majors, were surveyed to examine the differences in their perceptions of the US forest products industry's success in fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities.FindingsResults suggest that business and forest ecology/environmental science students were least satisfied with industry fulfilling its economic responsibilities. Regarding fulfillment of socio‐environmental responsibilities, forest ecology/environmental science students were significantly less satisfied than any other study major. Additionally, a comparison between male and female students suggested that males and females have a similar level of satisfaction regarding industry fulfilling its economic responsibilities. However, males were found to be more satisfied with industry fulfilling its socio‐environmental responsibilities than females.Research limitations/implicationsStudents for the study were not selected randomly and as such the results of the study can, at best, be considered indicative. Study findings have implications for academic curriculum designers as well as for industry policy makers.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to examine students' perceptions about the social responsibility success of the US forest products industry.
Biotechnology education and societal demands: challenges faced by biotechnology and human resources development
Authors: Pandu Ranga Narasimharao B. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the social responsibility of universities and other higher education institutes in meeting the challenges faced by biotechnology and human resource development.Design/methodology/approachThe challenges faced by biotechnology are discussed under three broad heads – exponential growth in biotechnology knowledge, commercialization and industrialization of the biotechnologies, and knowledge integration by various stakeholders of biotechnology.FindingsThe emergence of the knowledge society warrants that universities ensure that overall work of the academy is more relevant to the nation's most pressing civic, social, economic and moral problems and that there is an urgent need to have a fresh look at the approaches followed in biotechnology education and training, particularly with reference to developing countries. It is necessary to see how the different players (industries, university, society, government) concerned with biotechnology can act in unison and in a mutually beneficial way. An integrated approach to the field of biotechnology combining different subject areas is necessary and the courses and approach should reflect this.Originality/valueCareer counselors and those engaged in educational guidance are flooded with inquiries about biotechnology courses and their scope. It is observed, on the one hand, that the biotechnology field is starved of talent and, on the other hand, that there are several universities/colleges, particularly in developing countries, producing large numbers of unemployable graduates. Some serious thinking needs to be done urgently to overcome this problem.
Sustainability along the global supply chain: the case of Vietnam
Authors: Tencati Antonio , Russo Angeloantonio , Quaglia Victoria 
Published: February 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact that more sustainable sourcing policies by many multinational companies are having on the suppliers located in developing countries such as Vietnam. Questions are raised about the process through which CSR is reaching the country.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted in Vietnam thanks to the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's (UNIDO) Regional Office. The survey was carried out on the basis of a questionnaire that was used as a support during the direct interviews and was sent electronically when the preferred method of on‐site visits was not possible. A total of 25 Vietnamese enterprises were involved in the research.FindingsThe results achieved highlight, on the one hand, how CSR does make business sense even in a developing country such as Vietnam and, on the other, the difficulties related to the way requirements of sustainability are moving from Northern consumers to suppliers in Vietnam.Practical implicationsThis process calls for new forms of collaboration involving firms along the supply chain, local authorities, international players, and civil society.Originality/valueThe paper points out the unsustainability of the process through which corporate responsibility is being imposed on Vietnamese suppliers and how CSR, having become a mandatory requirement for access to international markets, might transform itself into a new type of technical barrier to trade. Therefore, CSR needs to be fostered rather than imposed, through the creation of innovative partnerships and locally‐rooted solutions.
Corporate social responsibility of a Nigerian polluter: the West African Portland Cement (WAPCO) Nigerian PLC's case
Authors: Adewuyi Adeolu O. , Olowookere Afolabi E. 
Published: February 2010

PurposeOwing to the dearth of studies in Africa on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community satisfaction with them, this study aims to examine the case of WAPCO and its host communities.Design/methodology/approachThrough the use of a simple structured questionnaire, the authors collected data from key respondents including community development leaders, community chiefs, market women leaders, youth development leaders, religious leaders and other opinion leaders in and around the locations of WAPCO's Plants. The authors also extract some useful information from the company's annual reports. In analyzing the data, both a descriptive approach and some measures of linear association are adopted.FindingsThe authors found that, although the proportion of resources committed to CSR is small, CSR expenditure rises with the firm's sales. Further, the host community displays a great knowledge of the adverse effects of the company's operation; however, reactions are minimal. This is attributed to the company's elaborate governance structure and CSR practices as well as to a high level of host community satisfaction with them. However, there is the budding predisposition for the company's activities to generate conflict with workers from the community and the community as a whole in the future.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by the facts that some data extracted from the company's annual reports are taken as given, and by an inability to carry out a large‐scale survey of opinions as planned due to unwillingness of the community individual members to cooperate. Besides, the study is based on a single firm in the manufacturing industry. Thus, caution should be exercised in the interpretation and generalization of these results.Practical implicationsThe company's CSR is rated as satisfactory; nonetheless, involving the community more in the design of its CSR programs is imperative. The idea of institutionalization of collective bargaining procedures in CSR activities is relevant not just to WAPCO, but also to other companies, especially those with much environmental impact, like the oil companies. It is also suggested that a grassroots approach be taken in studying the CSR profile of companies, especially in a developing economy, like Nigeria; in order to serve as early warning signs of conflicts.Originality/valueThe study adopts both theoretical and empirical approaches to associate a company's CSR practice with the immediate community needs or satisfaction so as to forestall the replication of the kind of crisis observed in the Nigerian oil industry. To one's knowledge, no prior study in Africa has taken such a holistic and balanced approach.