Bouncing back

2010 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 4-5
Author(s):  
Jim Watson ◽  
Rachael Richards
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Consumer Confidence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
British Economy ◽  
Bank Of England ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Bounce Back

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss how the recession has affected UK businesses.Design/methodology/approachA viewpoint is expressed exploring the reasons for the current recession and its effect on the UK economy.FindingsIn order for the British economy to bounce back consumer confidence needs to return, the Bank of England needs to cut interest rates to stimulate consumer demand. Lower interest rates reduce the cost of borrowing and therefore people should be more willing to spend and invest.Originality/valueLessons have been learnt from this economic challenge and the UK's business leaders are ready to move on.

Tax avoidance, tax risk and the cost of debt in a bank-dominated economy

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 683-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jost Hendrik Kovermann
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Tax Avoidance ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Cost Of Debt ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether tax avoidance has a positive or negative effect on firms’ cost of debt. It further investigates whether the implications for the cost of debt are different for tax avoidance and tax risk. Design/methodology/approach Based on a sample of 201 firms listed on Frankfurt Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2014, three tests are performed using pooled OLS regression. Controlling for numerous variables that have been found to influence the cost of debt, a first model examines the relationship between tax avoidance and the cost of debt. A second model examines the relationship between tax risk and the cost of debt and a third model interacts tax avoidance with tax risk. Findings The results show that tax avoidance has a negative effect on the cost of debt; however, tax risk increases the cost of debt. These results indicate that creditors generally view tax avoidance as positive and that tax avoidance is not regarded as inherently risky. Although tax avoidance is rewarded by capital markets with lower interest rates, tax risk contributes to higher interest rates. The effect of tax avoidance on the cost of debt depends therefore on the level of tax risk. Originality/value This paper contributes to two distinct strands of research: literature investigating the driving factors behind the cost of debt and literature investigating the consequences of firms’ tax avoidance activities.

Prospering in uncertain times

2009 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Price
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Executive Development ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Climate ◽  
Flexible Planning ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline some of the measures that UK business leaders can take, during times of economic turbulence, to ensure that their companies survive and thrive.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is written from the perspective of the UK and Ireland CEO of Vistage International, the world's leading executives' organisation; it explores some of the most effective methods and ideas, drawing on current Vistage members as case studies.FindingsIt was found that even during times of uncertainty, adequate preparation and innovation can enable UK businesses to conquer economic challenges and potential obstacles.Practical implicationsCompetitive advantages are to be optimised, preparation and flexible planning are to be prioritised and teams are to be reorganised, if appropriate.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful survival guide for all those business leaders – particularly those who have never before experienced a troubled economic climate – who have an interest in executive development.

As a leader are you trustworthy? Building trust to transform team working

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 3-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marielena Sabatier
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Practical Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Executive Coach ◽  
Building Trust ◽  
Team Working ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance, from the author’s experience, of improving team working and rebuilding trust. The issue of trust is high on the agenda for many organizations, especially following the financial crisis and recent scandals that have affected sectors such as banking, retail and energy in the UK. Executive Coach Marielena Sabatier, CEO, Inspiring Potential examines why trust is so important in organizations and what business leaders can do to build trust amongst their teams and embed a culture of trust. Design/methodology/approach – The article takes a practical approach focusing on why trust has been damaged in organizations in recent years, why trust is so important and how senior mangers can build trust, providing tips on how to develop a culture of trust. Findings – Key findings are organizations that want to have a culture of trust must first analyse where they are going wrong, then leaders need to communicate a clear mission and purpose for the business and employees, they must lead by example and act with integrity always. Other key ingredients are to right any wrongs, to hold people accountable and to communicate openly at all times. Originality/value – The article highlights the importance, from the author’s experience, of improving team working and rebuilding trust.

The evaluation of anaerobic co-digestion and ethanol fermentation for bioenergy production from 200 ha farmland in the UK

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 413-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erdogan Guk ◽  
Naci Kalkan
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Animal Manure ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Total Input ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Energy Type ◽  
The Given

Purpose Bioenergy as a renewable energy type is found as a promising method to replace non-renewable energy. Anaerobic co-digestion, in which the microorganisms of two or more substrates break into biodegradable materials without oxygen, and fermentation, in which substances break into a simpler form in the presence of microorganisms and some bacteria, are the two frequently used methods that are were applied in this work. Design/methodology/approach A farmland currently being used for farming was selected, and the bioenergy potential of the farmland was evaluated by using the aforementioned two methods. In this work, segregated municipal wastes which were collected from nearby areas and animal manure were used as feedstock for anaerobic co-digestion, whereas wheat straw obtained from the farmland was used as feedstock for fermentation. Findings The total input energy required for the digestion systems and the collection of the feedstock products from the growth to the harvest phases was calculated. Thereafter, the generated output energy was calculated to obtain an energy balance of the techniques. All the processes were taken into account during the prediction of the cost of the given power plant. The power output capacity of the farmland was 245 MW with a total cost of $540,200. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. Originality/value The result proves that the two methods were applicable and feasible to replace for the 200 ha farmland.

“That's not how I see it”: female and male perspectives on the academic role

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 497-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Shaw ◽  
Catherine Cassell
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Business School ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Schools ◽  
School Context ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Role ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a piece of empirical work that examines gender differences in how academics make sense of performance within university business schools in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThe research reported draws on data collected using a life history and repertory grid methodology with male and female interviewees from two university business schools.FindingsThe findings are discussed in relation to how academics understand what is valued about their role and what they believe the organisation rewards and values when it comes to promotion. Gender differences are shown to exist in the ways women and men define the academic role and in what they think is important both to themselves and the institution.Originality/valueThe paper presents original data on gender differences within a business school context.

scholarly journals Student engagement with sustainability: understanding the value–action gap

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth Chaplin ◽  
Paul Wyton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Significant Barrier ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of research that aimed to determine what university students living in Unite accommodation in the UK understand about the concept of sustainable living. It considers what barriers they perceive to be standing in the way of following sustainable living practices. In particular, the research aimed to explore any value–action gap for the student population with a view to informing future actions to help close any gap. Design/methodology/approach – The study was completed through an online questionnaire survey of students living in halls of residence operated by provider The Unite Group Plc. The survey informed semi-structured interviews and focus groups that explored the issues raised in greater detail. Findings – It was found that students living in Unite properties believed sustainable living to be important, yet levels of understanding were very low and there appeared to be a wide value–action gap. Reasons for this are varied; however, an unexpected theme emerged around the association of effort and importance. There was a very strong association between sustainable living and recycling, which, therefore, saw the lack of adequate recycling facilities as a significant barrier to sustainable living. There were also issues around a lack of information, cost and respondents’ flatmates as further barriers. However, the most significant barrier was the displacement of responsibility for sustainable living to other people or organisations. Originality/value – Gaining an insight into the complexity of attitude and behaviour of students with the sustainability agenda will enable understanding that can be applied to activities that promote sustainability.

scholarly journals Implications of divergences in adult protection legislation

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Montgomery ◽  
Janet Anand ◽  
Kathryn Mackay ◽  
Brian Taylor ◽  
Katherine C. Pearson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Consensus Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Responses ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Protection Legislation ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Adult Protection

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences of legal responses to older adults who may be at risk of harm or abuse in the UK, Ireland, Australia and the USA. Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw upon a review of elder abuse and adult protection undertaken on behalf of the commissioner for older people in Northern Ireland. This paper focusses on the desk top mapping of the different legal approaches and draws upon wider literature to frame the discussion of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different legal responses. Findings – Arguments exist both for and against each legal approach. Differences in defining the scope and powers of adult protection legislation in the UK and internationally are highlighted. Research limitations/implications – This review was undertaken in late 2013; while the authors have updated the mapping to take account of subsequent changes, some statutory guidance is not yet available. While the expertise of a group of experienced professionals in the field of adult safeguarding was utilized, it was not feasible to employ a formal survey or consensus model. Practical implications – Some countries have already introduced APL and others are considering doing so. The potential advantages and challenges of introducing APL are highlighted. Social implications – The introduction of legislation may give professionals increased powers to prevent and reduce abuse of adults, but this would also change the dynamic of relationships within families and between families and professionals. Originality/value – This paper provides an accessible discussion of APL across the UK and internationally which to date has been lacking from the literature.

scholarly journals Signs and wonders

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 298-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Smith ◽  
Peter Stokes
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Frontline Employees ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to examine and assess the reputational impact of the logo and symbols of the UK Standard Investors in People (IiP). The extant literature highlights differing opinions in terms of the likely benefits that IiP generates following achievement of the Standard. This paper focuses specifically on the perceptions of reputational claims made regarding existing employees, potential employees and customers. Design/methodology/approach – The debate is explored through 38 interviews using the perceptions of managers and frontline employees within six IiP-accredited firms and one non-accredited firm. Findings – The study indicates that the logo and symbols of the Standard have minimal meaning and significance for the interviewees and their outlook on potential employees and customers. There were some indications, however, that the wider reputational implications of carrying the logo may have some potentially beneficial effects. Originality/value – The paper concludes that the overarching findings present a potentially serious issue for IiP, and that there is a need to understand further the impact and value of the logo and symbols.

Reflecting on over a year of remote training, and where businesses must go from here

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas Kairinos
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Remote Training ◽  
Training Schemes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Full Time Employment

Purpose The study aims to explore how businesses across the UK have adapted to over a year of remote training, and where there is room for improvement as long-term hybrid working plans are put in place. The study also uncovers what digital tools businesses have relied on to deliver learning and development initiatives during remote working, and their effects on employee engagement and experience. Design/methodology/approach An independent body of research was commissioned among 750 UK business leaders and 1,235 UK adults in full-time employment. Findings The research found that while the majority of businesses were able to leverage digital solutions during extended periods of remote work, significant numbers found it difficult to train and develop employees remotely, with many employees dissatisfied with the outcomes. Originality/value The research offers some valuable insights for business leaders looking to improve their training schemes as workplaces settle into new patterns of working.

Building a new resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Buell Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Cyber Security ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Human Potential ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business System ◽  
New Business ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the viewpoint is to examine the various ways in which the pandemic has exposed structural vulnerabilities in global business infrastructures that have long existed and been long ignored. It urges business leaders not to return to a “new normal” but make fundamental changes to ensure that their businesses are truly resilient and can withstand future threats more effectively. Design/methodology/approach The viewpoint looks at the various kinds of vulnerability to which businesses are exposed – such as supply chain, human capital, cyber security and climate change – and proposes ways to ensure that businesses, as well as shareholders and government entities work together to build true resilience. Findings At its core, the viewpoint exposes the various ways in which businesses have turned a blind eye to vulnerabilities that have always lurked just below the surface and suggests. The argument is that to secure the long-term future of our global business system, we can no longer remain oblivious to fundamental weaknesses in our infrastructures. Research limitations/implications The viewpoint looks selectively at the available data and is, therefore, by definition, subjective and non-comprehensive. Practical implications If businesses and shareholders truly take the recommendations of this viewpoint to heart, we can build a more resilient future through long-term investments in risk management infrastructures of all kinds that will secure a more prosperous and stable future. Social implications Developing a more resilient and stable global business infrastructure will help reduce the business volatility deriving from last minute responses to predictable threats. This will, in turn, help provide more stable, fulfilling employment, especially in developing countries that will act as a fly wheel for the secure development of human potential around the world. Originality/value While there has been much speculation of what the “new business normal” will look like once the pandemic has been conquered, this is, the author believes, the first piece to look concretely on how we can not only “build back better” but build back more soundly for the long term.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document