bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Export linkage to economic growth: evidence from Iran
Authors: Atrkar Roshan Sedigheh 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the export‐led growth hypothesis for Iran.Design/methodology/approachThis is done through an investigation of causal relationship between exports and economic growth, based on Hsiao's synthesis and Akaike's optimal lag criterion, and then by examining the impact of disaggregated exports on economic growth. Using annual time series data, it covers the period of 1970‐2001.FindingsThe evidence supports the export‐led growth hypothesis for aggregate exports. This is not due to accounting effect; since the results indicate that real export growth also causes net‐real GDP growth for Iran. In examining the effects of decomposition of exports and growth, while oil exports are found to have a very important role, manufactured exports are suggested to have the potential to bear further growth in the future.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidence from Iran linking exports to economic growth.
Poverty and vulnerability in urban Bangladesh: the case of slum communities in Dhaka City
Authors: Hossain Shahadat 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the poverty and vulnerability of poor urban communities living in Dhaka City's slums.Design/methodology/approachPoverty line definition often conceptualises poverty in terms of income, consumption and household resources which has been used for this study. Data have been collected from 500 respondents living in slums in three neighbourhoods of Dhaka City by using a structured questionnaire. In addition, qualitative data have been used to supplement the survey data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are used for analysing data.FindingsThe paper argues that slum communities experience poverty and vulnerability in terms of income, consumption and asset which is most strongly influenced by location, pattern of habitat, gender, recent migration and household organisation.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into poverty and vulnerability in urban Bangladesh.
Trust and economic growth in a democratic power shift: an empirical study of Taiwan
Authors: Liou Fen‐May , Ding Cherng G. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of the movement from “authoritarian democracy” to full democracy on the relationships between trust with economic growth and investment.Design/methodology/approachSimple regression models were applied to Taiwan as a case study.FindingsResults indicate that: the direct effect of social trust on growth was significant regardless of the democratic power changeover; the indirect effect through fixed investment was significant only after the transfer of political power; and the direct effect of political trust on growth and the indirect effect through fixed investment were both significant only after the transfer of political power.Research limitations/implicationsThe time span of the data used for the regression models in this paper is only ten years, which constrains the number of control variables used in the model.Practical implicationsThis study indicates that the political regime plays as a contingency to the essay of social capital and economic growth.Originality/valueThis paper first provides a detailed investigation to specify the effects of social trust on economic growth during the first democratic power changeover.
The Lüneburg Sustainable University Project in international comparison
Authors: Beringer Almut 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo assess the Lüneburg Sustainable University Project (the Project) in a non‐European international context; to relate the project scholarly approach to selected scholarly and practice‐oriented North American sustainability in higher education (SHE) methods; to analyze project innovations against North American initiatives.Design/methodology/approachBenchmarking indicators were developed inductively in four SHE areas – governance/administration, curriculum/student opportunities, research/scholarship, and operations – via thematic content analysis of 15 descriptions of USA and Canadian universities active in SHE. Data were triangulated with data from the four Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Campus Sustainability Leaders 2006.FindingsThe assessment against selected North American peers suggests that the project is unique in its scholarly approach to and scientific foundation of sustainability in higher education. The transdisciplinary transformative case study is not replicated at any of the comparison institutions; however, elements of the approach and scholarly framework can be found at all North American universities participating in this assessment. North American institutions tend to excel in operational innovations; to keep abreast of international developments, University of Lüneburg is encouraged to commit to a climate‐neutral campus strategy and to implement a sustainability management system, amongst other initiatives.Practical implicationsKnowledge transfer and capacity‐building: North American post‐secondary institutions can learn from the theoretically‐guided, applied research‐based approach to SHE. Through intensified exchange (partnerships) with North American peers, the project and the University of Lüneburg stand to profit from community‐based research approaches and the practice‐oriented work of USA and Canadian campus sustainability offices.Originality/valueThe paper contributes an “outsider's perspective” to the project evaluation. Methodologically, the paper contributes to inductive SHE indicator development.
Current state of construction enterprise information systems: survey research
Authors: Tatari Omer , Castro‐Lacouture Daniel , Skibniewski Mirosław J. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to describe and examine the level of utilisation of construction enterprise information systems (CEIS) and to identify critical success factors and benefits from their implementation.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to quantify the current situation of CEIS. The population consisted of stakeholders with reliable working knowledge of their firms' information systems. Statistical tests were conducted to draw conclusions from the data.FindingsA total of 48 per cent of the firms use enterprise resource planning packages, but only 4 per cent of these firms chose to implement the project management modules that are commercially available. Only 16 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with their current level of integration due to CEIS. There was no evidence to suggest a tendency for the integration level due to CEIS to increase together with the business geographical dispersion.Research limitations/implicationsThe rate of response to the survey was low (9 per cent), maybe due to the unavailability of CEIS in all the firms that were contacted. Further, research is needed to study the dynamics between management practices and their effect on CEIS adoption and level of integration.Practical implicationsIntegration efforts and software that are currently in use still do not fully address the concerns of industry practitioners. Associations found between the level of integration and project characteristics can be used to help IT stakeholders decide on the CEIS functions to adopt.Originality/valueThe strategic, operational and organizational benefits found from the implementation of CEIS are based on current data obtained from a targeted survey of construction related firms.
A non‐linear optimisation technique based on the complex method
Authors: Al Nageim H. , Pountney D. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe aim is to present findings of a theoretical analysis for optimal design of a concrete trough for a new lightweight low‐profile rail track system.Design/methodology/approachA non‐linear numerical optimisation technique is adopted to predict the minimum area of a pre‐tensioned pre‐stressed trough section satisfying the serviceability and ultimate limit states as per British Standard BS 8110 for critical loading and boundary conditions.FindingsAn optimum concrete trough section is calculated to carry all possible load combinations expected during the design life of the track. The performance of the rail, elastomeric pad and track base were found to be satisfactory under the same critical loading and boundary conditions.Originality/valueThe theoretical analysis gives a valuable insight into system parameter values that can optimise design performance and cost. However, these optimal design features now need to be tested experimentally.
Proposal of a system‐based model to simulate river water quality in São Paulo state – Brazil
Authors: Scariot M.R. , Romitelli M.S. , Ortega E. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeIn order to help watershed committees improve Basin Planning, the purpose of this study is to propose to apply system dynamic models to understand watershed conditions and to evaluate the main aspects of human impact on water quality for Brazilian rivers.Design/methodology/approachThis work makes use of the energy system language to propose a system modeling. The river is longitudinally modeled as a web of inter‐connected compartments and individually described for each control volume by differential equations.FindingsThe model considers particular and significant characteristics such as turbidity and sedimentary organic matter content of São Paulo State rivers and results in ordinary differential equations that are adequate to the Brazilian water quality database. It is expected that simulation will provide the longitudinal and temporal dynamic behavior of total phosphorus, biomass, dissolved oxygen, organic matter, benthonic organisms and fishes that will be used to evaluate future scenarios and to identify sustainable public policies for the Basin.Originality/valueWater quality simulators available in developed countries are strongly dependent on an extensive series of observed data, most of which are not available for the Brazilian rivers. The model here proposed is adapted to the current Brazilian water quality monitoring system, which provides historic series of observed data of pollution sources and water quality parameters along the stream.
Environmental regulations
Authors: Gurtoo Anjula , Antony S.J. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose in this paper has been to draw from literature to understand the not‐so‐direct or non‐implicit impacts of environmental regulations and propose some consequences on economic and business activity. In more general terms this research facilitates understanding on the broad concerns about the consequences of environment legislations, that is, the nature and magnitude of their capacity to produce significant change in industry and business structures in the long run, through indirect and not‐so‐obvious routes.Design/methodology/approachThe discussion of the indirect and unintended consequences is based on systematic review of literature that includes studies in the area of international trade, technology, interactions at the national and regional level, industrial processes and dynamics, psychology, communication and organisational systems.FindingsReview evidence reveals indirect and unintended impacts at the levels of economy and industry such as unintended negative effects on the environment itself, discrimination and additional international trade barriers, evolution of new commercial structures like secondary and used goods markets and recycling and refurbishment as a new industry, need for secondary level legislative support, decreased entrepreneurship and small firm activity, and emergence of circular supply chain models and strategic‐collaborative inter firm competition models.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests possible future business and economic scenarios. Some of the possible models include emergence of a new industry in recycling and waste management, growth of secondary goods market for domestic consumption and trade, and emergence of a circular supply chain model where consumers and competitors play an interactive and collaborative role for survival and productivity. However it is imperative to empirically test these finds before generalisations.Originality/valueThe paper is a comprehensive review of an inadequately studied theme of indirect and unintended effects of environmental regulations. As environment issues become increasingly important it becomes more and more critical for both researchers and practitioners to understand what are these indirect impacts and the directions these indirect environment impacts will compel business and economies to move towards. It sets an agenda for future research.
Emergy and fair trade assessment of soybean production and processing in Brazil
Authors: Cavalett Otávio , Ortega Enrique 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the soybean agricultural production system and the subsequent industrialization processes in order to assess the environmental sustainability of the soybean chain in Brazil and, also, to evaluate the amount emergy exchanged in the soybean trade.Design/methodology/approachThe emergy accounting methodology was used as analysis tool in this paper.FindingsThe main findings were, first, the distribution of emergy flows inputs according to soybean chain stages, being 94 percent used by the agricultural production system, 1 percent used by transport to industry, 4 percent used by crushing, and 1 percent for oil refining. Second, emergy indicators showed negative sustainability trends trough the soybean chain stages. Third, the emergy exchange ratio demonstrated that the soybean farmers are delivering around five times more emergy with the soybean sold that the emergy they are receiving with the money paid for it and, thereby, depleting its local natural resources.Practical implicationsThe agricultural production stage uses the highest amount of resources. Therefore, any improvement in the management of this stage will result in improvement of the whole soybean chain. In this context, the adoption of more sustainable soybean agricultural production systems becomes fundamental for the long‐term environmental sustainability of the soybean chain. Organic production models and agro‐forestry technologies should be used toward more sustainable soybean chain because it can help to decrease the dependence of the soybean production systems on external non renewable resources.Originality/valueEmergy accounting methodology provides a very comprehensive tool to complement and complete energy, economic and social information about the soybean chain in Brazil. The emergy exchange ratio provides information to access and enrich the discussion about soybean fair trade.
Eco‐labels: a sustainability performance in benchmarking?
Authors: Proto Maria , Malandrino Ornella , Supino Stefania 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to map and analyse the state of the art of eco‐energy labelling and its potential as a fundamental component in the transition process towards eco‐sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA detailed scenario of trends in eco‐energy labelling systems, both on an international and European Union scale are outlined, followed by identification and analysis of the key representative experiences. Subsequently, the main constraints that limit their full potential as a benchmark and tool of improved customer communication for environmental sustainability have been highlighted and critically analysed.FindingsThe full implementation of eco‐energy labelling, as a authentic driving force in sustainability building processes, requires the elimination of the critical factors identified. Therefore, standardisation of benchmarking methodologies, based on improved customer information mechanisms regarding qualitative and quantitative indicators, need to implemented. A strong commitment on the part of all participants involved, to define a multi‐level framework, capable of promoting a recognised international rating scheme in needed.Practical implicationsThe most significant implications regard the attempt to classify and coordinate all the information concerning instruments, initiatives, policies and strategies related to eco‐sustainability.Originality/valueThe paper is a contribution towards pinpointing the current fragmented scenario of eco‐energy labelling tools with the aim of re‐conducting them into a coherent and more functional whole.
Valuing environmental resources in the context of flood and coastal defence project appraisal
Authors: Polyzos Serafeim , Minetos Dionissios 
Published: September 2007

PurposeNon‐marketable natural coastal resources such as beaches, sand‐dune systems and cliff sides have an economic value deriving not least from the various services which they provide as well as the human demand for consuming some of these services. Coastal defence projects designed to protect the coast against erosion and flooding by the sea have often caused irreversible degradation to coastal natural resources. The main aim of this article is to investigate whether the joint use of cost‐benefit analysis and environmental resource valuation techniques can give any insights toward the sustainable use of the coast.Design/methodology/approach– This paper employs cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) in order to assess the justifiability of carrying out coast protection works in a particular location. This paper also uses contingent valuation methodology (CVM) to estimate the economic values of non‐marketable coastal environmental services. In particular, this paper employs willingness to pay (WTP) technique and try to elicit satisfaction values from beach users by conducting an on‐site questionnaire survey.Findings– his paper argues that there are many advantages in approaching shoreline protection project appraisal both from an environmental as well as an economics point of view. However, when conducting a cost‐benefit analysis the monetary value of environment elicited by contingent valuation techniques has very limited use in it self. It can set the financial budget within which likely coast protection options should be considered but it cannot determine which option is more sustainable. What the decision‐maker needs is to give real meaning to this value by translating it into people's specific preferences and behavioural characteristics. The next step should be setting out pragmatic project characteristics to accommodate the above preferences.Practical implications– Knowledge‐based planning and scheduling as well as informed coastal protection decisions is central to achieving sustainability in the coastal zone. Prior to managing a coastal area, the baseline information needed is the economic value of services that the coastal location in question provides.Originality/value– Generally speaking, the economic value of non‐marketable natural coastal resources such as beaches is closely associated with the way in which society perceives the environment. Both use and non‐use values that are placed upon the environment by individuals have an anthropocentric basis. In this respect, it could be argued that these values often reflect multiple coastal zone uses, conflicts of human interests, levels of environmental education, environmental awareness and environmental appreciation.
An overview of changes in the provision of forest ecosystem services through forest land markets in the USA
Authors: Sedjo Roger A. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the effects of the use of environmental easements and forest certification on the output of ecosystems services from private forestlands in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe discussion of the changes in ownership and management of private forest lands in the USA is based on a review of the literature, the degree of recent activity in the innovative changes, and an assessment of the extent of ownership and management changes.FindingsThe use of environmental easements, resulting from ownership changes, and forest certification have facilitated, indeed mandated, forest management that is consistent with an increase in the provision of environmental and ecosystem services from private forests. The rapid expansion of environmental easements has been accommodated by the dramatic changes in forest ownership patterns in the USA, as traditional corporate ownerships have sold off large land areas to other private ownership types. Forest certification, which provides for improved management of ecosystem services, also has expanded rapidly in recent years.Practical implicationsThis study suggests forest management to provide environmental and ecosystem services can be achieve through environmental easements and forest certification. These changes can occur as the result of environmental interests entering forest land markets and affixing easements to the land. This finding suggests an alternative to the approach to establishing separate markets for ecosystem services, as is often suggested, and requires no increased governmental actions or new regulations. Rather these improvements are driven by voluntary forest certification and/or environmental groups entering the private markets for forest lands.Originality/valueThis study suggests an alternative to the commonly held notion that separate markets for environmental and ecosystem services are required to increased their outputs. Rather, environmental easements and voluntary certification, in the face of changing ownership can provide the incentives for management changes that increase the outputs of environment and ecosystem services.
Access to success
Authors: Machika Pauline 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this evaluative study is an attempt to understand the bridging programme by drawing on the work of Wadsworth and to prove that a place still exists for bridging programmes within the University of Johannesburg and the higher education sector in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe research study is both quantitative and qualitative in nature. An interpretative naturalistic approach is used to understand the thinking and experiences of the students in the bridging programme.FindingsThis study reveals, first that a causal relationship exists between the length of the bridging programme and how long students take to successfully complete the national diploma in engineering. Second, that bridging programmes can contribute to the success of engineering students who want to successfully complete their engineering studies within the designated timespan. Third, that, if designated staff are utilized in the teaching of the bridging programmes, students are able to receive the necessary support which enables them to successfully complete the national diploma in engineering.Originality/valueThis research reveals that bridging programmes, implemented over an extended period, are valuable because they allow student access to higher education and lay a solid foundation by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in mainstream diplomas such as the national diploma in engineering. These programmes put into practice the shift of policy emphasis from “access” to “success”, which has implications not only for the University of Johannesburg but also for the higher education sector in South Africa.