Relative export competitiveness of the Cambodian rice sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (12) ◽  
pp. 3757-3778
Author(s):  
Sokvibol Kea ◽  
Hua Li ◽  
Saleh Shahriar ◽  
Nazir Muhammad Abdullahi
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Trade ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Export Competitiveness ◽  
Rice Policy ◽  
Sectoral Development

PurposeIn this paper, the authors derive time-varying relative export competitiveness (REC) of the Cambodian rice sector from 1995 to 2018 and examine the key determinants of the REC.Design/methodology/approachThree different REC indexes are calculated in this paper. The authors also developed the relative symmetric export competitiveness (RSEC) index for calculation of comparative advantage. The short-run regression (SRR) model was applied for capturing the determinants of the REC.FindingsThe study results reveal that Cambodia's rice exports became relatively competitive over time. The key findings suggest the Cambodian REC was strengthened as a result of a successful implementation of rice policy and rectangular strategy. The benefits gained from EBA and BRI were found to be the factors contributed to the REC. The higher per capita income had a positive effect on the REC, while higher domestic prices reduced the REC in some phases of the sectoral development.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed in two directions. First, the future studies might focus on other agro-products of Cambodia. Second, the development of the crop-specific factor endowment (CFE) model to consider the effect of endowment factors on the REC could be preferred in light of the data availability.Originality/valueThe research enriches the literature on the agricultural trade and provides a basis for further studies. This work makes a few contributions. First, it is the first study on the REC analysis for the Cambodian rice sector. Second, the latest 24-year data sets were covered. Third, a wide range of comparisons of REC among the world's top rice exporters was provided following implications of the various economic policies and foreign policy strategies, such as RS, EBA and BRI.

Relative export competitiveness of the Nigerian cocoa industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazir Muhammad Abdullahi ◽  
Qiangqiang Zhang ◽  
Saleh Shahriar ◽  
Sokvibol Kea ◽  
Xuexi Huo
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Trade ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Local Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Export Competitiveness ◽  
Domestic Prices ◽  
Short Run

Purpose This paper aims to derive the time-varying relative export competitiveness (REC) of the Nigerian cocoa sector against Nigeria’s share of world agricultural exports (REC_WA) and world merchandise exports (REC_WM) from 1995 to 2018. By concentrating on different factors such as demand and supply capacity, price factors and exchange rate, the authors examine the determinants of REC. Design/methodology/approach The authors calculated three different REC indexes. The authors also developed the relative symmetric export competitiveness index for comparative advantage calculation and avoiding the possible bias. The determinants of REC for Nigerian cocoa were captured using the short-run regression (SRR) model. Findings The study showed that Nigeria’s cocoa exports are still competitive despite experiencing some declining stages. Based on the SRR model, higher per capita income had a positive effect on the REC, while higher domestic prices significantly reduced the REC of cocoa. Further, the African Growth Opportunity Act agreement adversely affected the REC of cocoa. Originality/value This study provides a foundation for future research and enhances the literature on agricultural trade. This research makes a few contributions both from a scientific and a policy perspective. First, it is the first study on the REC analysis for the Nigerian cocoa industry. Second, a wide range of comparisons of REC among the world’s largest cocoa exporters was provided following implications of the various economic policies and local policy strategies. Third, the latest 24-year data sets were covered.

The verification of effective leadership style for TQM

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 822-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Sik Cho ◽  
Joo Y. Jung
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Style ◽  
Effective Leadership ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to verify the universal applicability of total quality management (TQM) across national boundaries. Specifically, the authors examined the validity of the isomorphic nature of TQM leadership style by comparing survey samples from both USA-based firms (n=112) and China-based firms (n=121). Design/methodology/approach – The authors collected the primary data through a survey research method. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were adopted to test the hypothesized research model. Findings – The study results did not support the universality of TQM practices. For example, the results reveal that in the USA-based firms, transformational leadership has a more significant positive influence on TQM practices, while in the China-based firms, transactional leadership has a more significant positive impact on TQM practices. Originality/value – Most of the existing literature on TQM assumed that the most effective TQM leadership style would be universal across organizational or international boundaries. However, our findings imply that the effective leadership style for successful implementation of TQM practices could be contingent on the cultural background embedded within the firms. Therefore, the authors anticipate the findings of the study will guide future research on TQM and create a new path to find solutions not only for optimizing the successful implementation of TQM, but also for minimizing the current high level of TQM failures.

The relationship between cost leadership competitive strategy and firm performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 920-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjeet Kharub ◽  
Rahul S. Mor ◽  
Rajiv Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Leadership ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the cost leadership competitive strategy’s (CLCS) impact on firm performances and the mediating role of quality management (QM) practices in the context of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Design/methodology/approach A structures questionnaire data collected from 245 ISO 9000 certified MSMEs in India (65.1 per cent of response rate) have been utilised to understand the CLCS’s impact on firm performances. In the first step, the data adequacy tests were performed to check the reliability and validity of the questionnaire and survey data. After that, the partial mediating model (direct, indirect and total effect) along with structural equation modelling approach was employed to test the research hypotheses. Findings The study results revealed that no direct relationship exists between the CLCS and firm performances (0.12<β<0.13; p>0.05); however, QM practices entirely mediated their relationship (β=0.73, p<0.01). Among eight model parameters, with highest total effects on product quality improvement (β=0.6264) and process improvement (β=0.6028), the continuous improvement secured the rank 1, followed by information and analysis (β=0.2334) and supplier management (0.1839), respectively, at p<0.05. Based on the empirical results, it can be concluded that the continuous improvement via proper information and data analysis is the key to achieve CLCS’s goal in the MSMEs. Research limitations/implications The study results’ generalisation towards the large organisations is limited. The survey result findings applicability to other developing countries should also be treated with caution because the Indian Government subsidised the MSMEs selected for this study. The study results will help managers in implementing CLCS at the organisational level. The successful implementation will facilitate a competitive advantage in the local market and will motivate them to think globally. Originality/value The research observation and findings are expected to contribute to the strategic management in manufacturing industries. The study also confirms the existence of strategic management in MSMEs in a developing country. Furthermore, the major contribution is to understand the mediating role of QM practices, especially continuous improvement effect on the relationship between CLCS and firm performances in a developing country. The results indicated that the CLCS is only possible when the managers in the manufacturing sectors emphasis on the QM practices in their firms.

A collaborative image of energy efficient housing via a photo-based approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 513-532
Author(s):  
Javad Asad Poor ◽  
David Thorpe ◽  
Yong Wah Goh
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Environmental Perceptions ◽  
Total Energy Consumption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose Regarding the contribution of Australian small-size housing in the enhancement of total energy consumption of the country and the roles of the occupants’ preferences in successful implementation of action plans, the purpose of this study is to identify the Australian occupants’ collaborative image of housing energy efficiency. The two main objectives are, therefore, to address the main energy-related housing physical factors that have the potential in representing the housing image of Australian occupants and to explain the causal factors that make the physical factors critical to their energy efficiency perception. Design/methodology/approach This study has been developed through a qualitative approach. Given that the images encompass a wide range of information expressing human perceptions, an online photo-based qualitative survey was developed based on previous research works. The survey includes respondents’ demographic profiles and the evaluation of images, asking for their perception of overall housing energy efficiency, the impacts of building envelope physical attributes on the energy efficiency of the houses and the reasons behind the selection of different attributes. Findings This study has developed a set of attribute-based factors, explaining occupants’ collective perception of energy efficient small-size housing of Brisbane in the area of exterior aspects of the buildings. Specifically, the collaborative image of small-size housing of Brisbane is about the thermal performance of the buildings provided through passive climatic principles by using more efficient envelope features, e.g. material, colour, transparency, texture, openings, balconies and shadowing devices, while ignoring the impacts of architectural composition principles along neighbourhood quality. The key attributes in assessing the small-housing energy efficiency are ventilation, thermal performance and shadowing. The housing images in old traditional architectural style with rural face, built by stone, brick and concrete in high dense vegetation were evaluated to be more energy efficient than those with modern architecture, built by large glass panel and metal cladding with light or no vegetation. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the paper is related to the nature of an image-based survey, which leads to ignoring some aspects of real spaces such as odour, temperature and noise. Practical implications This research has the potential for developing a practical methodology for assessing housing-resident fit using computer-based methodology and neural networks. Social implications This research has the potential for developing a methodology, assisting the end users in meeting their desires and motivations by helping them in assessing how a housing unit fits with their expectations and preferences. Originality/value This research provides a reliable conceptual platform for dealing with the complexity of occupants’ housing perceptions. This is achieved by establishing a collective conceptual picture of these environmental perceptions, namely, housing image, which is a platform for transferring abstract data related to human perception into measurable and quantitative scales.

Climate corridors for strategic adaptation planning

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 811-828
Author(s):  
Boris Orlowsky ◽  
Pierluigi Calanca ◽  
Irshad Ali ◽  
Jawad Ali ◽  
Agustin Elguera Hilares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Adaptation Planning ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose Although the importance of climate change is generally acknowledged, its impacts are often not taken into account explicitly when planning development projects. This being due to limited resources, among others, this paper aims to propose a simple and low-cost approach to assess the viability of human activities under climate change. Design/methodology/approach Many human activities are feasible only within a narrow range of climatic conditions. Comparing such “climate corridors” with future climate projections provides an intuitive yet quantitative means for assessing needs for, and the viability of, adaptation activities under climate change. Findings The approach was tested within development projects in Pakistan, Peru and Tajikistan. The approach was shown to work well for forestry and agriculture, indicating positive/negative prospects for wheat in two districts in Pakistan, temperature constraints for maize in Peru and widening elevation ranges for walnut trees in Tajikistan. Practical implications Climate corridor analyses feed into the preparation of Local Adaptation Plans of Action in Pakistan. Originality/value The simplicity and robustness of climate corridor analysis allow for efficient analysis and communication of climate change impacts. It works when data availability is limited, but it can as well accommodate a wide range of complexities. It has proven to be an effective vehicle for mainstreaming climate change into adaptation planning.

Exploration and prioritization of lean techniques in a hotel supply chain

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 375-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raid Al-Aomar ◽  
Matloub Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Time Service ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Structured Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for identification, categorization and prioritization of lean techniques adopted in a hotel supply chain. Design/methodology/approach A survey tool is used for the identification of lean techniques that are relevant to a hotel supply chain. The targeted sample includes experts from 50 four- and five-star hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that confirmed experience in implementing lean practices across hotels supply chain. A Supplier-Inputs-Process-Outputs-Customers (SIPOC) chart and experts’ opinion are used to allocate and categorize the identified lean techniques across the construct of the hotel supply chain. Finally, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to prioritize the criteria and sub-criteria of adopted lean techniques. Findings Study results have identified six main categories of lean practices and 19 specific lean techniques as relevant to a hotel supply chain. The identified categories include JIT, Kaizen, Quality, Inventory, Maintenance and Standardization. The study found that JIT and Kaizen take the top priority among the identified categories of lean practices. In line with that, on-time service to customers, effective improvement system and on-time delivery from suppliers were found to be the three most relevant lean techniques to a hotel supply chain. Research limitations/implications The study has targeted a representative sample of hotels with experience in implementing lean practices. Study findings have several implications to researchers and practitioners for effective adoption of lean techniques within a hotel supply chain. However, the accuracy and credibility of results obtained from this research including SIPOC allocation and lean categorization are highly dependent on the accuracy and credibility of collected empirical data from surveyed hotels within the study context. Results of AHP prioritization also depend on the credibility of judgements made by the hotels’ supply chain experts. Practical implications The study provides the hospitality industry with a structured approach that can help in a prioritized adoption of most relevant lean techniques across the hotel supply chain to reduce wastes, create value, increase efficiency and improve the service level. Study findings can be used by hotel management to direct and focus the effort of lean capacity building, resources allocation and implementation plans. Originality/value Limited research is available on lean management in the context of a hotel supply chain. Also, most of the previous research is focused on lean impacts, while academics and practitioners agree that the identification and prioritization of most relevant lean techniques is crucial to the successful implementation of lean management for waste reduction and value creation. This research addresses this important issue in hotel supply chains and proposes a structured approach for effective lean adoption.

Data interoperability for disaster risk reduction in Europe

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 804-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Migliorini ◽  
Jenny Sjåstad Hagen ◽  
Jadranka Mihaljević ◽  
Jaroslav Mysiak ◽  
Jean-Louis Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Data Interoperability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss how, despite increasing data availability from a wide range of sources unlocks unprecedented opportunities for disaster risk reduction, data interoperability remains a challenge due to a number of barriers. As a first step to enhancing data interoperability for disaster risk reduction is to identify major barriers, this paper presents a case study on data interoperability in disaster risk reduction in Europe, linking current barriers to the regional initiative of the European Science and Technology Advisory Group. Design/methodology/approach In support of Priority 2 (“Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk”) of the Sendai Framework and SDG17 (“Partnerships for the goals”), this paper presents a case study on barriers to data interoperability in Europe based on a series of reviews, surveys and interviews with National Sendai Focal Points and stakeholders in science and research, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and industry. Findings For a number of European countries, there remains a clear imbalance between long-term disaster risk reduction and short-term preparation and the dominant role of emergency relief, response and recovery, pointing to the potential of investments in ex ante measures with better inclusion and exploitation of data. Originality/value Modern society is facing a digital revolution. As highlighted by the International Council of Science and the Committee on Data for Science and Technology, digital technology offers profound opportunities for science to discover unsuspected patterns and relationships in nature and society, on scales from the molecular to the cosmic, from local health systems to global sustainability. It has created the potential for disciplines of science to synergize into a holistic understanding of the complex challenges currently confronting humanity; the Sustainable Development Goals are a direct reflectance of this. Interdisciplinary is obtained with integration of data across relevant disciplines. However, a barrier to realization and exploitation of this potential arises from the incompatible data standards and nomenclatures used in different disciplines. Although the problem has been addressed by several initiatives, the following challenge still remains: to make online data integration a routine.

Agile manufacturing: a literature review and Pareto analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Kumar ◽  
Kanwarpreet Singh ◽  
Sanjiv Kumar Jain
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Agile Manufacturing ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pareto Analysis ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existing literature on agile manufacturing (AM) to pinpoint critical success factors (CSFs) affecting the successful implementation of agile manufacturing systems. Design/methodology/approach The study focused on empirical articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 1991 to 2019 (July). In total, 37 empirical studies were shortlisted for analysis as the reliability and validity of the constructs were critically tested using various statistical methods. Further, “Pareto analysis” tool was employed to sort and arrange the factors critical for smoother and effective implementation of AM, in descending order according to their frequency of occurrence. Findings The present work scrutinizes 37 research papers, resulting in 33 CSFs that affect AM implementation. Using Pareto analysis, 8 CSFs are regarded as “vital few,” which account for 82.66 percent of occurrence, and the remaining 25 CSFs are regarded as “useful many,” which account for 17.34 percent of occurrence. The managers must focus on successful deployment of “vital few” CSFs, as they are more critical in achieving business excellence through the successful implementation of AM, in comparison to other 25 “useful many” CSFs. Originality/value To the best knowledge of authors, this work is the first attempt to employ Pareto analysis for critically analyzing a wide range of AM CSFs studies. The findings of this study will assist researchers and managers in AM implementation in a more smoother and effective way in manufacturing industries.

The role of stakeholders in shifting environmental practices of music festivals in British Columbia, Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Hazel ◽  
Courtney Mason
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Environmental Practices ◽  
Music Festivals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Environmental Objectives ◽  
Wide Range

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to increase understandings of the complexity of stakeholder relationships and their impact on environmental practices in music festivals in Western Canada, but also to highlight how managers can leverage their festival platform for stakeholders to create new partnerships that foster and support primary values around sustainability.Design/methodology/approachWe use a community-based participatory framework to guide this study, and qualitative research methods in the form of in-depth interviews and surveys at three separate music festivals within the interior of British Columbia, Canada.FindingsThe majority of patrons are aware of the environmental impacts of music festivals and are more likely to attend a festival with effective practices. By making environmental sustainability a core value of the festival and communicating environmental objectives with both stakeholders and patrons, managers can begin to alleviate the operational barriers to environmentalism.Originality/valueOne of the primary contributions of this study is that it provides management with deeper understandings of a wide range of barriers to effective environmental practices in Western Canada. We consult directly with both festival management and attendees about environmental practices. This paper presents a fuller perspective of how to move beyond simple measures and craft a more sophisticated and flexible environmental strategy that reduces risk, anticipates obstacles and greatly improves the odds of successful implementation.

scholarly journals Issues and Challenges Confronting the Achievement of Zero Plastic Waste in Victoria, Australia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. W. M. Ng ◽  
Srenghang Ly ◽  
Nitin Muttil ◽  
Cuong Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Recycling Rate ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Current Plan

Despite the increase in popularity of Zero Waste (ZW) concept, the successful implementation of this concept in waste management is still facing many challenges. The plastic recycling rate in Australia is currently only about 9.4%, which could leave up to 90.6% of plastic consumption being sent to landfills. The state of Victoria (in Australia) has proposed an ambitious plan to upgrade its waste and recycling system and to divert about 80% of waste from landfills by 2030. The aim of this research is to study Victoria&rsquo;s current waste management plan and to develop a simulation model to assess the feasibility of it achieving zero plastic waste by 2035. In this direction, a fundamental knowledge of global ZW implementation needs to be acquired in order to understand the challenges, obstacles, and uncertainties in achieving ZW target. A simulation model is established using a method called double baselines. This method was developed as an improvisation to address the limitation of data availability for the model development. The model will run on 4 scenarios including one from Victoria&rsquo;s current plan. Outcomes from the model are produced in comparative charts covering 6 key considerations including the rates of plastic consumption, waste to landfill, diversion, recycling, relative accumulative cost and effort. The findings of this study pointed out that Victoria&rsquo;s current plan are feasible for its goal and presented with opportunities for improvement especially towards zero plastic waste. Besides, study results also reveal that the Victoria&rsquo;s current plan to achieve 80% diversion rate by 2030 is possible but the zero plastic waste target by 2035 is less likely to happen.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document