bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of literature on economics and policy of carbon sequestration in agricultural soils
Authors: Bangsund Dean A. , Larry Leistritz F. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and describe key economic and policy‐related issues with regard to terrestrial C sequestration and provide an overview of the economics of C sequestration on agricultural soils in the USA.Design/methodology/approachRecent economic literature on carbon sequestration was reviewed to gather insights on the role of agriculture in greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. Results from the most salient studies were presented in an attempt to highlight the general consensus on producer‐level responses to C sequestration incentives and the likely mechanisms used to facilitate C sequestration activities on agricultural soils.FindingsThe likely economic potential of agriculture to store soil C appears to be considerably less than the technical potential. Terrestrial C sequestration is a readily implementable option for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and can provide mitigation comparable in cost to current abatement options in other industries. Despite considerable research to date, many aspects of terrestrial C sequestration in the USA are not well understood.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful synopsis of the terms and issues associated with C sequestration, and serves as an informative reference on the economics of C sequestration that will be useful as the USA debates future greenhouse gas emissions mitigation policies.
The Water Framework Directive: spatial and institutional integration
Authors: Frederiksen Pia , Mäenpää Milla , Hokka Ville 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the prospects of integrated planning and management of the environment in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and river basin planning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the legal framework of the WFD and other related water and environmental legislation as well as the provisions for integrative practice in the WFD. Moreover it analyses the potential for integration with issues that are not provided for in the WFD, such as land use. The procedural elements of the WFD and other EU legislation are analysed for identifying common elements within a modern consensus and efficiency based planning mode.FindingsThree aspects of the integrated management framework for water and other environmental resources are highlighted. The first concerns the need for interaction between spatial land use planning and the integrated river basin management plans of the WFD, in order to ensure that land‐use plans do not contradict water goals and that water planning also takes into account broader landscape related aspects. This demands the establishment of platforms for institutional interplay. The second is the need to integrate water goals into sectoral policies. This may be ensured by activating the impact assessment procedures for projects, plans and programmes which may have an impact on water resources and quality. The third concerns elements and procedures which are common to several pieces of legislations (e.g. management plans, monitoring, public participation), and which could benefit from the establishment of common databases, spatial information systems, and methods of communication.Originality/valueThe paper aims to identify key issues related to integration of the WFD with other environmental EU legislation, the associated challenges posed to water management and other environmental management institutions and procedures, and the information systems and methods which may facilitate the integration.
A comparison of Local Agenda 21 implementation in North American, European and Indian cities
Authors: Smardon Richard C. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is the comparison of Local Agenda 21 – sustainability plan implementation and research activity between Europe, North America and India.Design/methodology/approachIntensive literature and web search for European, North American and Indian Local Agenda 21 sustainability planning and implementation status.FindingsClose to 6,000 sustainability plans have been prepared for European communities versus about 100 for North American communities. A total of 20 Indian cities have started sustainability planning efforts. There is an extensive support network for European communities and much less so or North American and Indian communities. Most sustainability/biodiversity/urban ecosystems research is ongoing in Europe and North America and there is a beginning surge of activity in India.Practical implicationsKnowledge of Local Agenda 21 implementation status between these three regions can hopefully spur more activity in North America and India. Comparisons of applicable planning innovations and approaches could be useful.Originality/valueThere has not been a comparison of Local Agenda 21 implementation that compares Europe, North America and India. There have been some reviews respective to each region.
Advanced manufacturing technology implementation
Authors: Thomas A.J. , Barton R. , John E.G. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide details of a survey conducted into 300 manufacturing SMEs from a range of different industrial sectors. The survey investigates, over a three‐year period, the attitudes towards and benefits obtained by SMEs through the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT). Its purpose is to analyse and disseminate these survey data to academics and industrialists.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a research survey of 300 manufacturing SMEs. Analysis of the findings is provided and SME characterisation tables are developed.FindingsThe paper finds that characterisation, compatibility and innovativeness of SMEs towards AMT implementation were found to vary considerably with the SMEs surveyed. From the survey information, the paper develops a classification system based on the capabilities of these companies to implement Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. The paper will then characterise SME attitudes towards the development of AMT. The paper finally proposes a strategic model for the effective introduction and application of AMT in SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey is limited to SMEs and provides a strong body of evidence relating to AMT development with these companies.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes a strategic model for the effective introduction and application of AMT in SMEs. The creation of a generic AMT implementation model provides a framework for a wider number of SMEs to introduce AMT into their respective organisations, since it provides for a systematic approach for SMEs to introduce AMT in an efficient and effective manner, thus reducing implementation costs, minimises risk of project failure and improves project management efficiency.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to explore in depth the AMT implementation issues within SMEs from large‐scale survey data. It not only analyses the survey data but also proposes a model for change, which aims to develop a more structured approach to AMT implementation in SMEs. Therefore, this work will make a contribution to this under‐researched area.
Application of a systems approach to sustainable development performance measurement
Authors: Searcy Cory , Karapetrovic Stanislav , McCartney Daryl 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a systems approach can be used to facilitate the development of an organizational performance measurement system.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the literature, the paper introduces the implications for applying a systems approach to organizational performance measurement. To demonstrate the transition from theory to practice, a case study is provided to show how a sustainable development performance measurement system was developed at a Canadian electric utility. The case study involved extensive consultation with over 25 experts.FindingsThe paper finds that a systems approach is useful in developing the process and that a set of formal systems criteria is useful in developing the structure and content of a performance measurement system. These concepts are highlighted throughout the case study example.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study section was based on findings from a single organization. Further work is required to validate the findings within other organizations.Practical implicationsThe paper shows how a robust sustainable development performance measurement system may be developed at an electric utility. The overarching emphasis on integration of the system with the case utility's mainstream initiatives demonstrates that a performance measurement system must build on what the organization already has in place. The systems‐based approach and formal systems criteria used in the paper may be transferable to other organizations.Originality/valueThe paper shows that a systems approach provides both the structure and flexibility needed to guide the design, implementation, and evolution of a sustainable development performance measurement system within existing organizational infrastructure.
The applicability of an operations management approach to councils' waste services
Authors: Walker Tim 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper arises from a study examining the causality of change by exploring whether best value and performance management had caused change within councils' waste services. The purpose of this paper is to represent one of the unforeseen findings arising from the research programme.Design/methodology/approachThe paper was an exploratory, inductive theory‐building study using a practitioner‐researcher approach to develop a conceptual model based upon a literature review and a case study research methodology.FindingsThe paper finds that, despite much publicity, the cases studied did not use performance management frameworks to structure change and, in this regard, operations management may offer a better approach by which councils could include operational service delivery within the development of corporate strategy. Research limitations/implications – The practitioner‐researcher approach provided particular insights to this paper, which may not be apparent otherwise. One of the principal findings was that there appeared to be an absence of coordinated independent research relating to management theory and councils' service delivery, as opposed to private sector applications of theory and practice, which appears unbalanced, especially given that the public sector is one of the largest employers in the UK. Simply transferring private sector performance management approaches without scrutiny and amendment to the different cultural and structural working environment within councils would appear imperfect and likely to create ad hoc success. These findings relate specifically to councils' waste services but may have a relevance outwith these operations.Practical implicationsThis paper recommended that further research should be conducted to develop a greater understanding of council management practice and how this could be positively affected. Simply recommending the transposition of private sector approaches was unlikely to work and, similarly, the current hands‐off approach adopted both between government and councils and between councils' corporate centres and their operational services suggested the emergence of strategic/operational divides. This could be overcome with a more balanced approach and secondments between the different tiers.Originality/valueAs practitioner‐research, this paper provides an insight into how councils' waste services are prioritizing change, which highlights the emergence of an apparent, growing dislocation between different government tiers. These findings emerge following case study research from a service whose perspectives on management theory rarely get expressed, due to the demands arising from daily operational delivery.
The information content of earnings announcements in Denmark
Authors: Sponholtz Carina 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the reaction to earnings announcements in a small stock market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the traditional event study method to examine the information content of annual earnings announcements in the small Danish stock market from 1999‐2004.FindingsThe paper finds abnormal volatility in the days surrounding the announcements, indicating that they contain relevant information for the stock market. The abnormal volatility persists several days after the announcement, suggesting that the information environment of this small stock market works to decrease the speed of adjustment. In addition to this sign of inefficiency, the paper finds significant positive abnormal returns accompanying the announcements. These results are robust across various methodologies. Surprisingly, the paper finds a positive correlation between the information content and predisclosure information. This contradicts previous studies, and it is interpreted as evidence of a low level of pre‐announcement information. Confirming the results of similar studies, the paper finds that unexpected earnings are best proxied using a model based on consensus analyst forecasts.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the existing literature by analyzing the information content of earnings announcements in a small stock market with accounting standards that are congruent with the International Accounting Standards.
Stock market liquidity and information asymmetry around voluntary earnings disclosures
Authors: Lakhal Faten 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether non‐mandated earnings disclosures include value‐relevant information and affect information asymmetry and stock market liquidity.Design/methodology/approachThe event study methodology explores the informational content of good, bad and neutral voluntary earnings disclosures. The OLS panel regression framework is, then, used to analyze information asymmetry and stock market liquidity subsequent to both categories of voluntary earnings disclosures (i.e. earnings forecasts and quarterly earnings disclosures).FindingsEmpirical tests show that voluntary earnings disclosures include material information and that bad news is released in an untimely fashion leading to information leakage in the pre‐announcement period. The results also indicate that quarterly earnings enhance stock market liquidity by shrinking bid‐ask spreads. However, earnings forecasts exacerbate information asymmetry before and after the announcement date. This result confirms the existence of information leakage and suggests that managers have considerable discretion whether to make a forecast, and in deciding its timing, form, and specificity.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper examines stock market liquidity around voluntary earnings disclosures using effective spreads. Future research should examine other proxies for market liquidity, i.e. market depth.Practical implicationsThe results provide insights on the positive benefits of a disclosure policy. Companies have to provide investors with better and timely information in order to mitigate the information leakage risk and thus improve stock market liquidity.Originality/valueThis paper provides new evidence about information content, information asymmetry and stock market liquidity around voluntary earnings disclosures in France. Unlike financial statements disclosures, quarterly earnings and earnings forecasts are isolated events that can be evaluated by the market with less noise.
Building trust in project‐stakeholder relationships
Authors: Terje Karlsen Jan , Græe Ketil , Jensvold Massaoud Mona 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate how trust can be built in a relationship between a project and its stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data are based on a qualitative case study with in‐depth interviews following a semi‐structured approach. A Norwegian project, the new opera house, is studied. This is a large public construction project, with a great deal of media and public attention by Norwegian society.FindingsThe study results show that trust is built in a project‐stakeholder relationship by improving communication skills, behaving reliably, showing commitment, being sincere, benevolent and competent, obtaining and acting with integrity, working towards reaching project milestones and establishing common goals.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should investigate other scenarios, types of projects, cultures and countries, so that these findings may be generalized.Practical implicationsThis research concludes that trust is important for building a well‐functioning business relationship. Trust can be seen as a result of good project‐stakeholder relations, and trust is reciprocal. Trust is something that must be earned, and it can be easily lost.Originality/valueHow to build trust in project‐stakeholder relationships is studied in this research paper.
Are pay satisfaction and pay fairness the same construct?
Authors: Scarpello Vida , Carraher Shawn M. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to test the extent to which pay satisfaction is equivalent to perceptions of pay fairness in order to call to attention the need for care in designing instruments in order to lessen the likelihood of the confounding of concepts within measures as has been in numerous previous studies.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire data were collected as part of a larger project seeking to understand the customer service behaviors of business owners for four groups of self‐employed business owners from Latvia, Germany, the UK, and the USA.FindingsIt is found that while pay satisfaction and pay fairness are not the same construct, with the exception of internal pay comparisons, the self‐employed may not distinguish between pay fairness and pay satisfaction in a meaningful manner.Research limitations/implicationsAll four of the samples included in the current study had limited control over their compensation as the economy and industry are the most powerful influences on the income of the self‐employed in small businesses. It might prove useful to examine whether these results hold true for individuals with highly variable compensation.Practical implicationsOrganizations should not assume that individuals naturally differentiate between pay fairness and pay satisfaction. It also would appear that there are few differences in the perceptions between the self‐employed based upon country of origin.Originality/valueWhile many studies have been performed on pay fairness and pay satisfaction that have assumed that they are distinct constructs, this is the first study to use a multi‐step process in order to systematically and empirically examine the degree to which they are similar. This is done across four countries and with a sample of self‐employed business people – a group rarely examined in human resource research.
Performance appraisal and the compensation of academic staff in the University of Tartu
Authors: Türk Kulno 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe present study aims to show the role of performance appraisal in the motivating and compensating of academic staff. The goal of the paper is achieved through comparing performance appraisal and compensation policies and systems in the University of Tartu. One of the aims is also to find out the level of satisfaction of the academic staff with the appraisal and compensation systems in two faculties of the University of Tartu.Design/methodology/approachResearch was carried out on the academic staff at the faculty of Economics and Business Administration (hereafter FEBA) and the Faculty of Education (hereafter FE) at Tartu University. It is based on the analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The author carried out document analysis and two original and anonymous questionnaires. In order to achieve this aim, 125 lecturers were questioned, from whom 52 percent returned their filled in questionnaires. In addition to that, qualitative data from five semi‐structured interviews with senior management and lecturers, incorporating individual interviews were analyzed.FindingsFirstly, results showed that the performance appraisal and compensation system (pay‐for‐performance system) has guaranteed a highly motivated core of staff. Secondly, teaching loads and research activities of the academic staff have increased over the years. Faculties need to establish performance appraisal and compensation systems in order to show clearly defined causality between compensation and performance of academic staff. A good and well functioning performance appraisal system would help the educators to make their mark in the organizational setting of their faculty.Research limitations/implicationsIn addition to suggestions for improvement, limitations of the results will be addressed. The survey was carried out in two faculties at the University of Tartu. Unfortunately, the survey yielded only 65 usable responses, thus it could be claimed that the dataset is too small for making any conclusive generalizations. However, when taking into consideration that the survey was anonymous, the author believes that a 52 per cent response rate can be considered a very good result. Another limitation involves the dynamic nature of appraisal systems. Since, the appraisal procedures are still being developed, the systems described might now be out of date.Originality/valueThe present paper is valuable as it is the first one to examine the role of performance appraisal and compensation (pay‐for‐performance) systems in Estonian and Baltic Universities.
Mechanisms of power and action for cause‐related marketing
Authors: Du Lanying , Hou Jundong , Huang Yupeng 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis study aims to examine why cause‐related marketing (CRM) can develop, and how can the social system and enterprise link with nonprofit organization (NPO) to form a closed path to prompt the maximization for three parties' benefits, in order to provide a general framework to explore the mechanisms of power and action for CRM.Design/methodology/approachThe logic deduction approach was used for an overview and conceptual paper based on research experience.FindingsThe paper stresses CRM should be a good marriage between a nonprofit and its sponsorship firm both organizations stand to benefit. Its mechanism of power is the result of the combined effect by the enterprise's push, NPO's pull and social system's supervision, and mechanism of action is under the social system's supervision, enterprise linked with NPO to form a closed path.Research limitations/implicationsA major weakness is that the influences of CRM on the enterprise and the NPO are only explained qualitatively, there are short of some data to test the validity of theories above. Further, investigation into this construct in the context of CRM would be helpful in understanding what are the role and the impact of CRM on firm and NPO in this domain. The main implication is that, this study presents an example and direction of how the enterprise, NPO, and social system are able to maximize their economic and social benefits.Originality/valueThis study contributes to examine the inter mechanisms of CRM from the perspectives of enterprise and NPO. The findings of this study are useful to and provide managerial implications for administrators of enterprise, NPO and social system aiming to make optimal decisions under the dual driven of institutional rationality and economic rationality.