The impact of public policy marketing, institutional narratives and discourses on renewable energy consumption in a developing economy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Kay Ann Cheah ◽  
Brian Low
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Micro Level

PurposeThe transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy such as solar energy is difficult and requires significant ongoing public policy marketing initiatives. Drawing on institutional theory, this paper aims to explore how public policy marketing initiatives through institutional narratives and discourses legitimize solar energy's sustainable consumption in a developing economy.Design/methodology/approachUsing a post-structuralist approach, the authors undertook a thematic analysis to study the process of sustainable consumption. The authors conducted face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders in the solar energy sector and complemented the primary data with secondary analysis of archived published materials and podcasts.FindingsFirst, narratives on conformance rules and regulations (regulatory legitimacy) are significant sustainable consumption predictors of solar energy. However, the top-down regulatory legitimation narrative alone is insufficient to overcome poorly developed taken-for-granted (cognitive legitimacy) and morally correct consumption behavior (normative legitimacy), especially among the general population. Second, while consumption is primarily seen as a micro-level, residential and commercial customers phenomenon, the intersecting macro- (government) and meso-levels' (industry/market) narratives and discourses influence and direct micro-level consumption.Originality/valueFuture research agenda on legitimizing the sustainable consumption of solar energy needs to consider the dynamic interactions of institutional narratives and discourses through the lens of institutional theory and practice. Sustained, bold and provident government interventions and actions through market structure and policy issues play a crucial role in the consumption process, particularly in developing economies.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on indigenous contractors in a developing economy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel Ayinde Olatunde ◽  
Imoleayo Abraham Awodele ◽  
Bosede Olajumoke Adebayo
Keyword(s):  
Developing Economies ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Additional Cost ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Contracts ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on indigenous contractors in a developing economy with a view to enhancing their performance. Design/methodology/approach The study used a purposive sampling technique to select 37 indigenous contractors with ongoing construction contracts in Osun State, Nigeria who provided data for the study. A structured interview protocol was used to elicit the required information from the interviewees and frequency, percentage and content analysis were used for data analysis. Findings The results showed that the critical impact of COVID-19 on indigenous contractors in a developing economy is: time overrun, loss of profit and creation of dispute. Further results showed that other impacts are a disruption in supply of labour, locally sourced materials are with additional cost, the additional cost of implementing COVID-19 protocols, difficulty in sourcing imported materials and absence of new jobs with the corresponding retrenchment of workers. Practical implications The study recommended special palliatives for the indigenous contractors from the government so as to cushion the impact of the pandemic on them, thereby enhance their survival and performance. A special arbitration panel is set up in each state of the federation to look at disputes arising from the aftermath of the pandemic, this is with a view to adequately compensate indigenous contractors with genuine and properly compiled claims. inferring from the findings of the study, it suffices to say that the severity of the impact of the pandemic is very high on indigenous contractors in developing economies, as such a better preparedness strategy could lessen the impact of such pandemic in the future. Originality/value The study is an attempt to unearth the impact of COVID-19 on indigenous contractors with ongoing construction contracts in a developing economy. The study will be of value to construction stakeholders in providing the information needed to devise strategies to minimise the impact of a pandemic on indigenous contractors in future projects thereby enhance their performance.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial leadership in a developing economy: a skill-based analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 521-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Harrison ◽  
Kevin Burnard ◽  
Stuart Paul
Keyword(s):  
Subject Area ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Entrepreneurial Leadership ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Leadership Skill ◽  
Retail Pharmacy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Conceptual Skills

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine entrepreneurial leadership and to determine the entrepreneurial leadership skills which are important for success in a developing economy environment. Specifically, the focus of this research was on entrepreneurial leadership within the retail pharmacy sector in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis study was guided by an interpretivist-constructionist perspective. By adopting a qualitative approach, the lived experiences of the retail pharmacy entrepreneurs could be understood. In total, 51 semi-structured interviews were the mode of data collection, and data were triangulated via three sources: entrepreneurs, employees, and literature.FindingsFrom the study results, a vivid picture of entrepreneurial leadership was formed, which in turn provides the basis for an empirical skill-based model of this phenomenon in a developing economy. This study identifies four distinct entrepreneurial leadership skill categories. These include technical/business skills, interpersonal skills, conceptual skills, and entrepreneurial skills. The findings of this study also show the factors and conditions necessary for entrepreneurial leadership in a developing economy.Originality/valueThe findings of this study have implications in theory and practice. Its results provide an empirical, skill-based framework on entrepreneurial leadership in a developing economy, a subject area for which there exists a lack of background literature. In practice, the findings of this study serve as a useful reference for practitioners and policy makers of the skills and other factors required for people to succeed as entrepreneurial leaders.

The consideration of Lut desert potential in the production of electric energy from solar energy

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Bahrampour ◽  
Mohammad Bagher Askari ◽  
Vahid Mirzaei Mahmoud Abadi ◽  
Mohsen Mirhabibi ◽  
Mahdi Tikdari
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Energy Storage ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Lut Desert

Purpose This paper aims to study the Lut desert, also known as the Dasht–e–Lut, starting with a summary of its location as a large salt desert in southeastern Kerman, Iran, as well as its climate, being one of the world’s driest places. Next, a statistical analysis is performed based on a reasonable minimum level of 10 per cent. The computation of electric energy produced by sunlight in the studied region is, then, provided using a number of high-efficiency and suitable solar cells. Finally, the authors will compare the production of electrical energy to the consumption energy in Iran and Kerman province. Design/methodology/approach According to calculations of the present study and the analyses of the tables and charts provided, the use of solar energy and the amount of energy used in different areas was discussed. Lut desert in Iran is one of the touristic attractions of Kerman province: while only a very small area of this desert known as the Kalut is of interest to tourists, the vast remaining area of this desert is currently left without use. Lut and its surrounding towns and villages are not suitable for agricultural due to the lack of water in the region, and relatively poor people live within the area. The findings of this study showed that throughout the region, there is a very high potential for energy supply of Kerman and Iran. Findings The practical use of Lut desert potential in the production of electric energy from solar energy, besides its significant role in cost reductions, can also positively affect the living standards of local residents as well as job and income creation for the country. Efficient use of only 10 per cent of the area of Lut desert, via using its solar energy, can produce a considerable amount of energy for the region and for the country in large. Although the present study only investigated the solar energy of the region, it also has a high potential in wind energy and geothermal optimum use. The research team will, hence, continue its work on calculating the amount of energy generated from all types of renewable energy in this area. This paper showed that application of solar cells in this region is appropriate for providing a magnificent amount of electric-energy requirements of Kerman province and of Iran. Originality/value In recent years, Iran’s nuclear, oil and natural-gas industries have been the subject of intensifying sanctions from certain international communities. Now, the country wants to develop a sector in which it has more leeway, i.e. the renewable energy; wind and solar energies are always available, and no one can put sanctions on them. Also, to provide household electricity in remote areas (which are not connected to the mains electricity grid), energy storage is required for use of renewable energy. Usually, however, renewable energy is derived from the main electricity grid, and this means that as the mains electricity grid is organized so as to produce the exact amount of energy being consumed at that particular moment, the energy storage is mostly not applied. Energy production on the mains electricity grid is always set up as a combination of renewable-energy plants, as well as other power plants (e.g. the fossil-fuel power plants and nuclear power). This combination, nevertheless, is essential for this type of energy supply (i.e. the wind turbines, solar power plants, etc).

Sustainable consumption and growth: Examining complementary perspectives

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjula S. Salimath ◽  
Vallari Chandna
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Firm Growth ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Voluntary Simplicity ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Resources ◽  
Multiple Levels

Purpose By drawing attention to the finite rather than unlimited nature of physical resources, the purpose of this paper is to: examine the implications of the (near absolute) emphasis placed on firm growth on sustainable consumption; and discuss complementary perspectives spanning individual, firm and societal levels that allow for both firm growth and sustainable consumption. Design/methodology/approach The authors integrate multidisciplinary insights from marketing, sociology, environmental sciences, management and economics, to understand the inherent tensions between unchecked firm growth, consumption and sustainability. Five propositions link production, consumption and marketing from a resource standpoint. Findings A ceaseless economic growth paradigm and overconsumption causes an unwarranted depletion of resources and is at odds with sustainability. Firms can play an important role by guiding future marketing and production toward sustainable ends. Several alternate perspectives support the case that growth may coexist and align with sustainable consumption. Consequently the authors consolidate and reflect on seven approaches (voluntary simplicity, humane consumption, CSR 2.0, social marketing, marketing 3.0, anti-positional economy and degrowth) that hold promise for achieving sustainability via responsible growth and consumption. Originality/value The authors consider the complex triad of growth, consumption and sustainability that spans multiple levels. A focus on the pattern and nature of growth and consumption helps to identify its effects on sustainability. Specifically, two value chain activities – production and marketing may be leveraged as firm level initiatives to achieve sustainable goals. In addition, the authors present seven heterogeneous perspectives that complement firm attempts to achieve growth with sustainable consumption. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

The recursive interplay of capabilities and constraints amongst microfinance entrepreneurs

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Kimmitt ◽  
Dimo Dimov
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practice Approach ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action ◽  
Loan Officers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate, through practices and capabilities, how entrepreneurs use microfinance in a context of serious constraints.Design/methodology/approachThe chosen methodology for this paper is longitudinal. A three-and-a-half-year study was conducted to be able to capture the entrepreneurial journeys of ten entrepreneurs at a micro-level in the developing economy of Ghana. This was augmented by a further 15 interviews with entrepreneurs and loan officers. This data is used to develop a theoretical model of entrepreneurial practices in this context.FindingsThe paper identifies two distinct pathways for understanding the recursive nature of entrepreneurial practices. It highlights how entrepreneurs generate capabilities through microfinance resources through convergent or divergent venturing in response to the serious constraints they face. This is identified as a generative recursive mechanism for the process, representing the “chain of actions” and how entrepreneurs engage with their “settings” and “intended relations” in practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by its focus on one nation in Sub-Saharan Africa and therefore how the findings may be transferred to other contexts.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to a practice approach in entrepreneurship by identifying how mechanisms of practice relate to entrepreneurial action in this context. It also provides an important contribution to discussion at the intersection of entrepreneurship and the capabilities approach by using Amartya Sen's concepts of process and opportunity freedom to understand practices.

Financing renewable energy: La Esperanza Hydroelectric Project

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1724-1749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauricio Jenkins ◽  
Leo Miguel Guevara
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Project Finance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Investment Projects ◽  
Energy Projects

Purpose – This is a teaching case to be used in courses on funding and execution of renewable-energy projects, sustainable development, project finance or management of financial institutions. The case has been successfully used in courses at the graduate level as well as in executive education. The purpose of this paper is to achieve the following specific objectives. First, to illustrate the adjusted present value (APV) methodology to value investment projects in a project finance setting. Second, to show how APV methodologies can be used to value investment projects with subsidized financing and temporary fiscal incentives. Third, to understand how financial institutions use debt service coverage ratios to measure the capacity of projects to repay debt obligations. Design/methodology/approach – The primary source of information for the study case came from in-depth interviews with senior officials from E+Co and project sponsors. Documents from E+Co's loan approval process and investment committee minutes were also consulted. Also a site visit was performed. Findings – The case is quite interesting along several dimensions. To begin with the case deals with an important (and somewhat difficult decision) the general manager of a financial institution has to make. From a technical point of view, the case involves an APV analysis and requires the estimation of the value added (or destroyed) by several collateral effects of debt in the capital structure of the project (something seldom treated in formal courses or standard finance textbooks). In addition, even though standard financial analysis would probably have led to select on alternative course of action, the authors know the protagonist of the case actually decided to do something different based on an additional analysis (a nice postscript for the case, therefore). Research limitations/implications – Been a case study, the findings may be quite particular of the particular situation and context. However, the case provides good insight into the difficulties and problems entrepreneurs face in developing economies as well as in funding small renewable energy projects around the world. Practical implications – The case provides a number of important lessons and learning opportunities for sponsors of renewable energy power projects and managers of financial institutions. Originality/value – Please refer to the findings section above.

The state's role in promoting Nigerian financial development and economic growth

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 380-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godfrey Chidozie Uzonwanne
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
The State ◽  
Cointegration Analysis ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
Social Implication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to propose a framework for conceptualizing the finance-growth theory in developing economies. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a cointegration and error correction model to investigate the possible influence of key socio-political characters of a state on the causal relationship between financial development and economic growth. A developing economy (Nigeria) which had experienced decades of autocratic military governance was studied. Three characters of the state (ethnicity, civil war and military governance) were derived from a historical review and were introduced into the cointegration analysis as dummy variables. Findings – Evidence of a causal relationship was found to exist from financial development to economic growth and the characters of the state were found to have no significant impact on this relationship. Research limitations/implications – The research limitations were based on the reliability of data recorded between 1960 and 2007. Practical implications – This study is practical from the point of view of the integration of qualitative social disturbances into a quantitative model targeted at exploring the practical developmental impact these disturbances may have had and continue to have on economic growth. Social implications – The social implication of this study stems from the impact that adverse socio-political influences may have on financial development and economic growth. Originality/value – This is an original piece of research focused at understanding the unique social, political and macroeconomic circumstance of a strategically relevant developing economy.

scholarly journals Institutional work and infrastructure public–private partnerships (PPPs): the roles of religious symbolic work and power in implementing PPP projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 1077-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mhamed Biygautane ◽  
Stewart Clegg ◽  
Khalid Al-Yahya
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Theory ◽  
System Integration ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Institutional Work ◽  
Organizational Fields ◽  
Repair Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeExisting public–private partnership (PPP) literature that explicitly adopts neo-institutional theory, tends to elucidate the impact of isomorphic pressures and organizational fields and structuration on PPP projects. This paper advances this literature by presenting the institutional work and micro-level dynamics through which actors initiate and implement a new form of project delivery. The authors show how actors enact responses to institutional structuration in the expansion and transformation of an airport from a public entity into a PPP in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a single case study design that offers an empirically rich and thick description of events such as the dynamic processes, practices and types of institutional work carried out by actors and organizations to deliver the project under investigation.FindingsReligious symbolic work as social integration triggered system integration work, which expanded the power capabilities of individual actors leading the project. Repair work then followed to alleviate the negative effects of disempowering the agency of actors negatively affected by the PPP model and to streamline the project implementation process.Practical implicationsThis research offers several practical implications. For PPPs to operate successfully in contexts similar to the Gulf region, policymakers should provide strong political support and be willing to bear a considerable risk of losses or minimal outcomes during the early phases of experimentation with PPPs. Also, policymakers should not only focus their attention on technical requirements of PPPs but also associate new meanings with the normative and cultural-cognitive elements that are integral to the success of PPP implementation. In order to design strategies for change that are designed to fit the unique cultural and sociopolitical settings of each country, policymakers should empower capable individual actors and provide them with resources and access to power, which will enable them to enforce changes that diverge from institutionalized practices.Social implicationsThis research connected the PPP literature with theoretical frameworks drawn from neo-institutional theory and power. It would be valuable for further research, however, to connect ideas from the PPP literature with other disciplines such as psychology and social entrepreneurship. PPP research examines a recent phenomenon that can potentially be combined with non-traditional streams of research in analyzing projects. Expanding the realm of PPP research beyond traditional theoretical boundaries could potentially yield exciting insights into how the overall institutional and psychological environments surrounding projects affect their initiation and implementation.Originality/valueThe paper contributes new insights regarding the roles of religious symbolic work, allied with social and system integration of power relations in implementing PPP projects. It suggests a theoretical shift from structures and organizational fields – macro- and meso-levels of analysis – to individuals – micro-level – as triggers of new forms of project delivery that break with the status quo.

scholarly journals The perceived association between audit rotation and audit quality: evidence from the UAE

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-377
Author(s):  
John Kalimilo Malagila ◽  
Ganga Bhavani ◽  
Christian Tabi Amponsah
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Auditor Independence ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
Audit Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Audit Firms

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived association between audit rotation (AR) and audit quality (AQ) using respondents from a sample of audit firms operating in a developing economy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The paper addresses the following research question: How do UAE auditors perceive the association between various forms of AR and AQ?Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected perception data from a sample of UAE auditors using a questionnaire, and applied several non-parametric statistical techniques to analyze the data, and to answer five exploratory research questions on the perceived association between various forms of AR and AQ.FindingsThe findings suggest that the UAE auditors in our sample did not perceive the association between individual types of AR and AQ as significantly different, and that AR in general is essential for AQ improvement and enhances trust in the audit process. Similarly, we find more support for the perception that medium audit tenure is associated with a lower impairment effect on auditor independence. Furthermore, we find no significant differences in perception based on gender, but younger/less experienced professionals and professionals in self-employed practices and small audit firms (compared to other demographics) significantly perceived AR enforceability and AT length to be associated with AQ. Our findings help to enrich our understanding of the perceived AR-AQ association in a relatively new context and less researched audit area in a developing economy.Originality/valueAlthough lively debates on the question of AR and AQ within the accounting, finance, investment professions and in the financial media continue, there has been relatively limited knowledge and a dearth of empirical studies on this question in most developing economies. Being the first attempt in the country – the UAE, this study contributes towards addressing this gap in empirical knowledge by exploring the perceived association between various forms of AR and AQ in a developing economy.

Reification and praxis of public private partnerships in history

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
Bhabani Shankar Nayak
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Historical Narrative ◽  
Public Private Partnerships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Global Public Policy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reject the essentialist and neoliberal approach to public–private partnerships (PPPs) by critically evaluating both normative and empirical arguments within existing literature on PPPs. It explores different dynamics of PPPs in theory and practice within global public policy. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws its methodological lineages to nonlinear historical narrative around the concept and construction of the idea and language of “PPPs”. The paper follows discourse analysis (Fairclough, 2003) to locate the way in which the PPPs were incorporated within the language of global public policy. Findings The paper finds that most of the existing literature is looking at managerial, operational, functional and essentialist aspects of PPPs. Therefore, the paper argues that critical success of PPPs depends on its social value for common good with an emancipatory outlook. The study encourages future researchers to move beyond functional aspects of PPPs and locate emancipatory possibilities within the praxis of PPPs from a holistic perspective of global public policy. Research limitations/implications The existing literature on the concepts and history of PPPs locate its relevance for budgeting and development planning in developed countries and developing countries. Such literature often draws out the advantages and disadvantages of these concepts with a strong focus on the financial implications to the shareholders. However, there appears to be less emphasis on the effects of these concepts and gaps between theory and practice of PPPs. Originality/value The paper rejects the essentialist and neoliberal approach to PPPs and argues for an emancipatory approach to understand and implement PPPs.

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