Preliminary research on sponge city concept for urban flood reduction: a case study on ten sponge city pilot projects in Shanghai, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 961-985
Author(s):  
Shuxian Feng ◽  
Toshiya Yamamoto
Keyword(s):  
Field Survey ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pilot Projects ◽  
Urban Flood ◽  
Sponge City ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surrounding Environment ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis research aimed to determine the differences and similarities in each pilot project to understand the primary design forms and concepts of sponge city concept (SCC) projects in China. It also aimed to examine ten pilot projects in Shanghai to extrapolate their main characteristics and the processes necessary for implementing SCC projects effectively.Design/methodology/approachA literature review and field survey case study were employed. Data were mostly collected through a field survey in Shanghai, focusing on both the projects and the surrounding environment. Based on these projects' examination, a comparative method was used to determine the characteristics of the ten pilot SCC projects and programs in Shanghai.FindingsSix main types of SCC projects among 30 pilot cities were classified in this research to find differences and similarities among the pilot cities. Four sponge design methods were classified into ten pilot projects. After comparing each project size using the same geographical size, three geometrical types were categorized into both existing and new city areas. SCC project characteristics could be identified by combining four methods and three geometrical types and those of the SCC programs by comparing the change in land-use and the surrounding environment in ten pilot projects.Originality/valueThe results are valuable for implementing SCC projects in China and elsewhere and future research on the impact of SCC projects.

Post-occupancy evaluation of outdoor spaces on the campus of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Carvalho Tourinho ◽  
Sabrina Andrade Barbosa ◽  
Özgür Göçer ◽  
Klaus Chaves Alberto
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeUsing the campus of a Brazilian university as case study, this research aims to identify which aspects of the outdoor spaces are the most significant in attracting people.Design/methodology/approachThis research relies on the application of different post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methods, including user tracking, behavioural mapping and questionnaires, on one plateau of the campus.FindingsThree group of aspects (socialization, proximity and infrastructure) were identified as key elements in explaining the impact of the campus physical characteristics on users’ behaviour. The results indicate that having characteristics of at least one group of aspects in those spaces can guarantee their vitality and, if there is presence of attributes of more than one group, liveliness can be increased.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies should be conducted on an entire campus to identify other spatial elements in the three groups.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the planning of future campuses and to solutions to the existed ones, indicating the most relevant spatial characteristics to be considered. Additionally, the combination of different methods may be useful to future research.Originality/valueMost of the investigations on the university campuses focus on the buildings, and little research has investigated the outdoor spaces, although they play a critical role in learning and academic life, where people establish social, cultural and personal relationships. In addition, studies using several POE allowed a consistent and complete diagnostic about the aspects of the campus, giving recommendations for future projects.

scholarly journals Public financial management reform: an ongoing journey towards good governance

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fadi Alkaraan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Management ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Reform ◽  
Public Financial Management ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the influence of contextual factors on public financial management reform (PFMR) process. It provides a comprehensive analytical view of PFMR in the UAE over the period (2003-2016). Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a case study approach as a research methodology. It draws on archival data as well as interviews with key staff of the Ministry of Finance (MoF). A contingency model is used as conceptual framework to examine PFMR in the UAE. Findings Finding of this study show that the PFMR process cannot be viewed as an isolated initiative, rather, as part of a set of broader NPM reforms to strengthen public accountability for performance. The transition process creates major organisational changes; strategy, structure (new rules and roles), culture (core values about organisational vision, mission, and objectives). Benchmarks and milestones have been set in the accompanying monitoring matrix, though in practice, delays have typically occurred in the implementation of reforms. Challenges ahead facing the MoF are addressed. Research limitations/implications The findings should be understood in the economic, social and historical contexts of the UAE. Given the narrow scope of this paper, a single case study was conducted. Crucial themes for future research including how public sector executives employ effective independent measures of outcomes. The impact of basic supporting subsystems in translating strategic priorities and integrating them into the federal budget. Practical implications Research on PFMR is inherently practical. Essential factors for successful implantation of PFMR include government strategy, regulatory framework, information communication technology, technical experience, strong leadership, long-term political and administrative commitments, strategic pre-decision control mechanisms and accurate performance measurement. Originality/value This paper contributes to the limited studies on PFMR in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Lessons of this study may be valid for other countries considering similar developments in their PFMR.

The effectiveness of co-opetition in a live case study approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvain Charlebois ◽  
Michael von Massow
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mba Students ◽  
Winning Team ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the introduction of the concept of co-opetition in an MBA classroom through the use of a live case study competition. As part of a capstone course at the University of Guelph, teams of three to four MBA students were required to work with a corporate partner in the food industry during a five-day intensive workshop. After spending one week analyzing and working on a plan, students were asked to compete in the MBA Boardroom Challenge, which is held on the last day of the course at the corporate partner’s headquarters. During the course of the week, while developing their plans, teams could choose to interact and met on two occasions with the corporate partner as a class to ask questions. This meant that teams operated in both a cooperative and competitive context during the course. While presentations were academically evaluated by the instructor, scholarships were offered to the winning team by the company using another set of criteria. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of blending cooperation and competition in a graduate business classroom and finds that the introduction of co-opetition enhanced outcomes for both students and partners. The limitations of this process are considered, and future research directions are suggested. Design/methodology/approach – This project, the focus of this paper, was in partial fulfillment of a capstone strategic management course for the University of Glebe’s MBA program in Spring 2013. For this iteration, Longo’s Brothers, a well-established food distribution company, was brought in as the case study. The mandate of the course was to set a strategic view of Longo’s and Grocery Gateway (a division of Longo’s), a Canadian-based food e-distributor owned and operated by Longo’s Brothers. The concept of co-opetition and its application was introduced as part of the course. Findings – Longo’s Brothers provided an ideal environment for a live case study. It was open, available end engaged at all levels. Its status as a family-owned business offered a unique perspective on the food industry as well. Students benefited from the company’s openness to share sensitive information with the group, and were able to ask information on finances, marketing, human resources and the organizational structure of the company. The level of cooperation was more than adequate for a MBA-level course. But students faced a few challenges. Research limitations/implications – The unpredictable nature of the entire process did not allow for measurement of knowledge acquirement and skill development. This is something such a course should address in future iterations. Future research could usefully explore a number of research questions around this area; namely, how live case studies might enable MBA students to better understand the element of co-opetition in their industry, while going through the interplay between theory and the practical application of theory over time. Also to be assessed is the choice of an incentive for the winning team and the overall effectiveness of doing so. The impact of this crucial elements on the course needs to be measured over a greater length of time. Practical implications – Live case studies may be integrated into multiple courses, however, they require a lot of work on the part of the instructor, particularly when dealing with a company to negotiate an incentive and leverage the competitive environment. Setting up and maintaining relationships with collaborative corporate partners for the program takes significant time and effort, and the schedule of inputs into the students’ learning may not synchronize with the normal pattern of teaching. Whether this type of course can be sustained within a normal university environment is a moot point. Social implications – While presentations were evaluated academically by the instructor, scholarships were offered to the winning team by the company using another set of criteria. Criteria for grading are readily available to students at the start of the course, as per the University Senate bylaws. However, criteria used by the corporate partner are not disclosed, not even to the instructor. In fact, for the Longo’s Brothers project, the winning team failed to receive the highest grade. The winning team received the third highest grade of all seven teams competing. Originality/value – The element of co-opetition in a MBA classroom seems to elevate the quality of projects, but more evidence need to be gathered to reinforce this hypothesis. It is believed that university courses cannot fully negotiate the emotional turmoil or complexity that live case studies encompass with conventional models of evaluation.

Social capital and integrated reporting

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Casonato ◽  
Federica Farneti ◽  
John Dumay
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Impression Management ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Fashion ◽  
The Impact

Purpose To present the continuation of a case study by Beck et al. (2017) on an Australian bank (CBD) during the period 2004–2013 by examining whether integrated reporting affects relational capital and helps to repair an organisations’ reputation. Both studies examine how a bank rocked by a major scandal in 2004 has attempted to repair its legitimacy through integrated reporting (<IR>). The paper aims to discuss these issue. Design/methodology/approach This study is a post facto analysis based on the original research from Beck et al. (2017). The research process involved a case study approach with an analysis framed by impression management theory to investigate whether the information in CBD’s integrated reports is consistent with other information available to investors. Findings The authors find there is a gap between what CBD discloses in its integrated reports and what is publicly available in other media. CBD’s talk and actions are not aligned, and that asymmetry translates into a decline of trust in CBD. The bank’s integrated reports reveal how management discloses or withholds information to protect their own interests and at their own discretion. These conclusions indicate that the integrated reporting paradigm is being co-opted by IM strategies to improve legitimacy through trust, reputation and social capital. Research limitations/implications Future research needs to reach beyond the organisational boundaries and understand if <IR> adds value for society, or is just a new form of multicapitalism, being an ideology to help the rich become richer? The answers are important if we ever hope to see misconduct disappear from our corporations and for company reports to become documents bearing truth and not espouse rhetoric based on organisational hypocrisy. Originality/value The paper adds to the growing body of research investigating <IR> in practice to understand the impact of <IR> and whether it is a new and useful reporting tool or just another management fashion.

A case study of XBRL implementation and development at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-291
Author(s):  
Rania Mousa ◽  
Robert Pinsker
Keyword(s):  
Deposit Insurance ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Public Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Federal Deposit Insurance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation and development of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The investigation seeks to gauge the roles and experiences of the FDIC and its main stakeholders to determine their engagement in XBRL diffusion within their organizations. Design/methodology/approach This is an qualitative research approach that is driven by the use of an in-depth case study and supported by the use of semi-structured interviews. Findings The findings showcase the role played by the FDIC as the first US regulatory authority that implemented and developed Inline XBRL. In addition, the use of diffusion of innovation theory provides better understanding of each stakeholder’s issues, benefits and challenges based on their experience. Research limitations/implications The research does not examine the institutionalization of XBRL at the FDIC or its stakeholders. Therefore, future research could incorporate a different research design to capture the impact of the pressure resulting from the regulatory mandate. Practical implications The research offers practical insights into public information technology managers and policymakers at global government agencies which are either non-adopters of XBRL technology or current adopters and consider transitioning into Inline XBRL. Global stakeholders could learn from the US experience and develop better understanding of Inline XBRL applications and functionalities. Originality/value The originality of this research is driven by the FDIC’s experience as the first regulatory developer of Inline XBRL. As such, the case study is a best practice to future and current adopters who often navigate the nuisance of implementing new technologies and/or developing existing ones.

Region‐based business strategies: a Portuguese case study

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Cadima Ribeiro ◽  
José Freitas Santos
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Foreign Markets ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeSmall and medium size enterprises (SMEs) located in particular geographical areas are producing and selling regional products to domestic and foreign markets. Most of the local activities are embedded in historical tradition and geographic, cultural and social specificity. This article aims to investigate the effect of local environment on the success of two Portuguese SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use case study methodology to understand whether local environment influences the nature of the competitive advantage of the small firms and their ability to gain access to resources that enable them to compete with the industrial low price substitutes produced by larger firms.FingingsThe key conclusion of the study is that the two firms analysed rely strongly on the specific characteristics of the local environment and on partnerships with local producers (raw materials or products) in order to achieve the economic scale that allows them to compete in the domestic and foreign markets.Originality/valueDue to the limitations of the present analysis concerning the way buyers affect small suppliers' ability to maintain core artisanal knowledge, future research should also examine how this influence works. For example, how firms learn from their network links and how belonging to a network might drive them to internationalisation, and the choice of countries made. In addition, future research should explore the impact of the region of origin concept on new business formation and internationalisation.

Group music composing strategies: A case study within a rock band

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Biasutti
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Time Analysis ◽  
Rock Band ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Constant Comparative Method ◽  
The Impact

This paper reports on the compositional processes of an Italian rock band whilst composing a new piece over seven group composing sessions. The band members were videotaped during the group composing sessions in their rehearsal room. A qualitative analysis of the video recordings was performed using the Constant Comparative Method. In the analysis, 59 different behaviours emerged, which were subsequently reduced into 13 categories. When analysing the categories, five themes (activities) were defined. The five activities were: context definition, experimenting, constructing, playing and evaluating. The activities were employed as a coding technique for time coding the videotaped data, which revealed the time percentages spent by the musicians in each of the group composing activities. Results from the joint qualitative and percentage time analysis indicate the importance of the strategies adopted by the musicians during group composing. The results are discussed by taking into account the impact of the processes employed in a group composing setting as well as suggestions for future research. The implication for music education involves the possibility to apply approaches based on the development of cognitive processes rather than the product of collaborative composing activities.

scholarly journals Evolution of the migratory supply chain model

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 603-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Potter ◽  
Denis R Towill ◽  
Martin Christopher
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Original Work ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Model ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the impact of the original work and provide an updated model to reflect the changing environment for supply chains. In 2000, a migratory model for supply chain evolution was proposed. Design/methodology/approach – The authors start by analysing the content of the papers that have cited the original Christopher and Towill (2000) paper. The development of an updated migratory model is informed by the findings from this, and then demonstrated through a case study of the book supply chain. Findings – Despite being the major contribution, the majority of citing papers actually use other parts of the original work, and some potential reasons for this are proposed. An extra stage is added to the migratory model, reflecting a customer centric strategy. Research limitations/implications – Given that the migratory model appears under-researched, the authors identify this as an opportunity for future research and suggest that methods less common in supply chain management are used. Practical implications – The updated migratory model can be used by supply chain managers to develop appropriate supply chain strategies for their organisations, while emphasising that many of the underlying tools to enable this reflect traditional industrial engineering approaches. Originality/value – The updated migratory model represents a new contribution to understanding the evolution of supply chains.

Building design for people with dementia: a case study of a UK care home

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 349-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee H. Fisher ◽  
David John Edwards ◽  
Erika Anneli Pärn ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Living Space ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact that building design has upon the quality of life for residents of a care home who have dementia. To present a balanced perspective, carers within the care home also participate in the research. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodological approach was adopted using one care home, ten residents and five staff as a sample frame. During interviews conducted, participants were asked semi-structured questions on how building design features impact upon the quality of life of residents. Questions posed focussed upon key design principles that emerged from a detailed review of extant literature. Findings Building design for people with dementia must consider a complex array of features to provide a safe and habitable living space for residents and family members who visit. This living space must also be suitably utilitarian and provide a workable environment for staff. Hence, an appropriate balance between these two competing requirements must be attained, and often a tailor-made solution is required that fits the individual’s level of dementia. Three prominent areas that study participants expressed a desire for were a safe environment; support for wayfinding, orientation and navigation; and access to nature and the outdoors. Originality/value The work reports upon the rarely discussed issue of building design for people with dementia and could be used by policymakers and construction firms to enhance their knowledge capabilities in this area. The research concludes with direction for future research which should seek to provide more evidence-based research vis-a-vis perception enquiry and extend this seminal work to a larger sample of care homes or people with dementia living at home.

Developing citizen leadership in Myanmar: the DeBoer fellowship

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Steffensmeier ◽  
Julia Fabris McBride ◽  
Peter Dove
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Adult Development ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Development Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Civic Agency ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of the DeBoer fellowship, a citizen leadership development program in Myanmar. The challenge in Myanmar of catalyzing transformative change facing government and civil society cannot be overstated. Autocratic, centralized, and a traits-based approach to leadership has been, until recently, the primary way to assess leaders in Myanmar. In this dynamic civic context, new ways of leading and learning are needed. Design/methodology/approach Interviews of DeBoer fellowship alumni were analyzed using a single case study method. The project focuses on individual participants of the program as the primary unit of analysis. In addition, direct observation and contributions from DeBoer fellowship administration and faculty were used to describe this case study. Findings The DeBoer fellows understood their challenge as one of energize others, a concept of adaptive leadership. Moreover, individuals experienced deep degrees of transformational development. Civic agency was the least noticable concept that was studied. Research limitations/implications Future research could more explicitly measure and examine the degree to which civic agency is being nurtured in leadership development programs. Practical implications Civic leadership curriculum designers should be more conscious of adult development theory when choosing programming objectives and activities. Social implications Leadership development initatives in more authoritative systems can be effective developmental experiences for participants who are motivated to improve their organizations and communities. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first effort to analyze a citizen leadership program in Myanmar.

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