Improving the social performance of flash flood early warnings using mobile services

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Cumiskey ◽  
Micha Werner ◽  
Karen Meijer ◽  
S.H.M. Fakhruddin ◽  
Ahmadul Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Flash Flood ◽  
Interactive Voice Response ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Mobile Services ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Flood Warning ◽  
The Social

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to provide recommendations for improving the social performance of warnings using mobile services in flash flood prone communities. A warning cannot be considered effective until it is received, understood and responded to by those at risk. This is defined as the social performance of warning communication techniques. Mobile services offer opportunities for improving this, particularly in Bangladesh, but have been underutilised. In this research, characteristics of the warning, mobile services and community are found to influence the social performance. Design/methodology/approach – A framework on the factors affecting the social performance was developed and applied using data collected through interviews at the national and regional level along with focus-group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews at the local level in the Sunamganj District, Bangladesh. Findings – The study demonstrated that mobile services are the preferred means of warning communication. Communities strongly preferred voice short messaging service (SMS) and interactive voice response (IVR) because of easier accessibility and understanding of the message. Text-based services [SMS and cell broadcasting service (CBS)] were still found to be acceptable. These should be simple, use symbols and refer to additional sources of information. Further recommendations include mixing push (e.g. SMS and CBS) and pull-based (e.g. IVR) mobile services, utilising local social networks, decentralising the dissemination process and raising awareness. Research limitations/implications – A limited sample of interviews and FGDs were used. Practical implications – Concrete recommendations are made for overcoming obstacles related to the effective use of mobiles services. Social implications – The suggestions made can contribute to improving the social performance of flood early warning communication. Originality/value – The conceptualisation of mobile services’ contribution to social performance of flood warning and field-level application.

scholarly journals Reflections on the L’Aquila trial and the social dimensions of disaster risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Jonas Imperiale ◽  
Frank Vanclay
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Earthquake Swarm ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
Court Case ◽  
Civil Protection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reflect on what can be learned about disaster risk reduction (DRR) from the L’Aquila trial of scientists. The court case was initiated because of a controversial meeting on 31 March 2009 of the Major Risks Committee (MRC), held under the auspices of the Italian Department of Civil Protection. The purpose of the meeting was to consider (prior to the fatal earthquake of 6 April 2009) disaster risk in the L’Aquila area, which was being affected by an earthquake swarm since October 2008. Design/methodology/approach The authors undertook a document analysis of trial materials, and a review of academic and media commentary about the trial. Findings The legal process revealed that disaster governance was inadequate and not informed by the DRR paradigm or international guidelines. Risk assessment was carried out only in a techno-scientific manner, with little acknowledgement of the social issues influencing risks at the local community level. There was no inclusion of local knowledge or engagement of local people in transformative DRR strategies. Originality/value Most previous commentary is inadequate in terms of not considering the institutional, scientific and social responsibilities for DRR as exposed by the trial. This paper is unique in that it considers the contents of the MRC meeting as well as all trial documents. It provides a comprehensive reflection on the implications of this case for DRR and the resilience of peoples and places at risk. It highlights that a switch from civil protection to community empowerment is needed to achieve sustainable outcomes at the local level.

Corporate governance and the social performance: investigation on Tunisian financial institutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 1412-1431
Author(s):  
Nejia Nekaa ◽  
Sami Boudabbous
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Financial Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Questionnaire Method ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to show the specificities of the corporate governance of Tunisian financial institutions and the impact of the internal mechanisms of corporate governance of these institutions on their social performance. It is therefore interesting to establish the existing relationship between these mechanisms of corporate governance and the performance of a financial firm. Design/methodology/approach This study aims to study the financial sector, generally characterized by its opacity, its regulation, its evolution and its obscurity. Therefore, a study based on the questionnaire method was recommended. The questionnaire is intended for managers. Therefore, the authors interviewed 138 managers of Tunisian financial institutions dispersed between agencies and headquarters in different regions (Gabes, Tozeur, Gafsa, Sfax, Sousse and Tunisia). Findings As a result, an impact on performance was observed according to the empirical study. Therefore, the authors can conclude an essential role of internal mechanisms for improving the social performance of a financial institution. The empirical findings in this paper lead to important conclusions. Indeed, the variables measuring the governance mechanisms have divergent effects on the social performance of the financial institutions subject to the sample. For the variables board of directors, confidence, culture, auditing, they have a positive effect. While, the incentive remuneration effect negatively the social performance. Originality/value This study will be based essentially on the financial sector in Tunisia: the credit institutions (22 banks), the establishments of leasing (eight companies of leasing), two factoring companies and two banks of cases which are listed on the Stock Exchange of Tunis (BVMT).

Indigenous business success: a hybrid perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 24-41
Author(s):  
Ruth Omonigho Mrabure
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Context ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Indigenous Group ◽  
The Social ◽  
Indigenous Entrepreneurs ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Subjective Meanings

PurposeThis paper aims to address the notion that the relationship between being indigenous and business success is inconclusive because there are tensions between indigenous values and business success. The research questions are: How do indigenous entrepreneurs define success? Does the third space create a different meaning of success in the indigenous context?Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted for this study because the ability to define success requires subjective meanings. Participants’ lived experiences and stories were the main sources of information. Open conversational-style interviews were used because they allow participants to freely share their stories.FindingsA defining line is that not all indigenous entrepreneurs have the same view of success. The homogeneity that emanates from sharing indigeneity does not equal unity in views, but shows that people from the same group can view success differently. However, the meaning and views formed are also connected to the wider community, relationships and predominant values that characterise the social cultural context of the entrepreneur.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on one indigenous group; more studies need to be conducted to gain wider variation on the meaning of success in indigenous entrepreneurship and how indigenous subculture alters these meanings.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study show that success for indigenous entrepreneurs should be defined based on individual philosophy. Hence, practitioners should endeavour to clarify what success means from the initial stage of the business to avoid misconception and make this clear to others that are connected to the business.Originality/valueThis paper suggests a different view of success in an indigenous context using the hybridity viewpoint to explain why success can be perceived using the in-between space without opposite binary.

scholarly journals Accountability via social and financial performance of the hospitality sector: the role of market orientation

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soheil Kazemian ◽  
Hadrian Geri Djajadikerta ◽  
Saiydi Mat Roni ◽  
Terri Trireksani ◽  
Zuraidah Mohd-Sanusi
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Market Orientation ◽  
Customer Orientation ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
The Social ◽  
Competitor Orientation ◽  
Hospitality Sector

Purpose This study aims to examine the three dimensions of market orientation, namely, customer orientation, competitor orientation and inter-function coordination, which influence the accountability in the financial and social performance of tourism operators in large touristic cities. Design/methodology/approach In total, 95 usable questionnaires as the required data were collected from the top managers of four- and five-star hotels in Iran. Findings Partial least squares (PLS) results confirm that customer orientation and inter-function coordination influence both the financial and social performance of the hospitality sector yet reveal that competitor orientation has no significant relationship with social performance. Research limitations/implications These findings not only highlight the compatibility of PLS with various forms of statistical analyzes but also furthers the current understanding of hospitality networks in megacity economies, where literature are scarce. Practical implications The findings of this study can help policymakers, tourism associations and practitioners enhance the accountability and sustainable financial and social performance of the hospitality industry in megacities. This study proposes some unique measurements for the social and financial performance of the hospitality sectors. Originality/value The paper states some new measurements for the social performance of the hospitality sectors. In addition, measuring the impacts of market orientation on the financial and social aspects of hotels is totally unique.

Criteria for flood warning levels in Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 645-658
Author(s):  
Huynh Thi Lan Huong ◽  
Luong Huu Dzung
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Data ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Flood Prevention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Flood Duration ◽  
Flood Warning ◽  
Structural Measure ◽  
Synthesis Approach

Purpose Determining alarm levels of river floods is considered an effective non-structural measure to prevent and mitigate the damages of flood and inundation. This study aims to propose a holistic approach, a comprehensive review of the factors affecting flooding and flood risk, based on which the water level (WL) is proposed for the flood alarm levels. The corresponding proposed WL to the necessary flood alarm levels is based on observed data, as well as simulated data from statistical methods and hydrological and hydraulic models. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the proposed criteria to delineate WLs corresponding to flood alarm levels include flood magnitude; flood derivation and flood duration; flood risks and damage; correlation with neighboring stations; flood characteristics and local characteristics; and other criteria (flood prevention strategy and flood experience). Findings The paper proposed a synthesis approach to determine flood warning levels in Vietnam. The retrieved levels are the basics to revise the Decision 632/2010 of the Vietnam Government on determining water alarm levels for flood prevention. The study proposes a new flood alarm system including revised flood levels at 115 existing stations and new flood levels at 30 additional stations. The proposed flood warning level can help manage the flooding problem in major river systems that supports flood protection and prevention services in Vietnam. Originality/value The paper proposed a novel synthesis approach to flood prevention in Vietnam.

Women’s presence in top management and the performance of microfinance institutions in West Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamadou Boubacar
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
West African ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Social Orientation ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the presence of women in senior management and the performance of microfinance organizations in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Design/methodology/approach Using a data set of 266 microfinance institutions (MFIs) for the period 2013–2017, the study assesses the impact of women’s representation in senior management and on the boards of West African MFIs on these institutions’ financial and social performance. Findings The results indicate that board size and diversity positively and significantly affect the social performance of MFIs, particularly in relation to women’s participation in decision-making regarding expanding services to poor people. In essence, greater gender diversity at the board and management levels promotes the social orientation of MFIs. Research limitations/implications The low representation of women on boards and as managers makes it difficult to more accurately determine the true impact of women in senior positions on MFIs performance. Practical implications The author recommends minimum quotas for women in the top management of MFIs. This would help these institutions incorporate key skills and actively involve all members. Also, regulation places constraints on the ability of West African MFIs to mobilize deposits and this negatively impacts their financial performance. Originality/value This investigation highlights the importance of including women in the top management of MFIs to improve these institutions’ performance. It also underscores an interesting problem and answers questions raised in the existing literature by either rejecting or confirming the findings. As players in the microfinance sector recognize that board diversity is important for the success of any microfinance institution, this paper helps shed light on the situation of these organizations in the WAEMU. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2019-0365

CSR at scale: the relationship between corporate social commitment and social progress in developing economies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith L. Whittingham
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Social Progress ◽  
Cumulative Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
The Social ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeIn recent decades, companies have increasingly engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with the goal of providing benefit to both society and the company. While these efforts can have measurable social impact at the local level, the cumulative impact may be much harder to observe and measure, due to the wide variety in both the CSR initiatives and the social challenges they seek to address. This study is an initial investigation of the relationship between national levels of commitment to CSR and national measures of social progress, in a sample of developing countries.Design/methodology/approachUsing country-level participation in the UN Global Compact (UNGC) as a proxy for the level of CSR commitment, and 2018 Social Progress Index (SPI) scores, we investigate the relationship between these variables. SPI component and sub-component scores serve as dependent variables in several OLS regression models. Independent variables included the total number of companies participating in the UNGC, along with economic and socio-political control variables.FindingsRegression models indicate that higher CSR commitment levels are related with higher scores in the primary components of social progress, but only in some sub-components and not others. Practitioners and policymakers can leverage this understanding when developing and supporting corporate social initiatives.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to demonstrate the country-level impact of firm-level CSR commitment and is among the first to employ the Social Progress Index.

Customer service communication with customers with disability

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 228-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Elizabeth Taylor ◽  
Susan Balandin ◽  
Erin Wilson ◽  
Kevin Murfitt
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Social ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review published research on retail customer service communication with people with complex communication needs (CCN) and impacts on their social inclusion.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers searched electronic databases EBSCOHost and Web of Science and found no studies on retail customers with CCN. The search was expanded with the intention of exploring factors affecting people with disability as a group and to locate the experience of people with CCN within findings. Studies found were reviewed by the first author and two external reviewers.FindingsTwelve articles met the broadened inclusion criteria. Analysis using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) found the literature demonstrated some environmental and personal factors that are likely to construct disability in the retail environment for people with CCN. The authors proposed further research to further explore ICF factors not identified in research and to establish links with social inclusion.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to understand the role of retail customer service communication in the social inclusion of people with CCN.Social implicationsThe social inclusion of people with CCN will be assisted by findings on good practice customer service communication.Originality/valueShopping is rarely considered in social inclusion research. This review discovered an absence of research into the impact of retail customer communication on inclusion of customers with CCN and proposed a framework for further enquiry.

Factors affecting online community commitment in China: a conceptual framework

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Zhou ◽  
Muslim Amin
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Community Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The Social ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Community Commitment

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to introduce a conceptual framework for identifying the antecedents that affect members' online community commitment in the context of China. Understanding members' online community behaviour is important for e-marketers as it has been predicted that the online communities bring new opportunities and challenges to the business. Design/methodology/approach – The framework is derived from the resource-based perspective. It addresses the main variables and explains the key stages of conducting the study. Findings – This study conducted a suitable process to develop the framework which identifies the antecedents of members' online community commitment. In recent years, the social media has captured a major part of people's daily communication and internet users actively participate in the online community activities; therefore, understanding the factors influence members' online community engagement and commitment is perceived to positively capture the online market. Research limitations/implications – This study proposes a conceptual framework of the antecedents of individual's online community commitment in the context of China on the basis of the previous research in this domain. An empirical study will be beneficial in supporting this framework and suggesting needed modifications. Originality/value – The study provides a more holistic understanding of the factors that influence members' online community commitment. It identifies antecedents from two perspectives: individual psychological attachment and online community characteristics influence.

Entrepreneurs ' perspective on public-private partnership in health care and social services

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janne Sinisammal ◽  
Pekka Leviäkangas ◽  
Tommi Autio ◽  
Elina Hyrkäs
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Public Private Partnership ◽  
Private Partnership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Social ◽  
Private Entrepreneurs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to probe experiences of entrepreneurs in the social and health care service provision. Design/methodology/approach – Information was collected regarding entrepreneurs’ views on the factors affecting the collaboration between public and private sectors. A sample of social and health care entrepreneurs was interviewed using open-ended questions. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings – Three main categories of factors affecting the success of partnership were identified: the nature of partnership, business aspects and tension builders. Research limitations/implications – The research was undertaken in rural Finland and the sample consisted 13 entrepreneurs. The results must be considered as observations with more generalised conclusions. Practical implications – The results of this study support municipalities in their social and health care service strategy work and especially in consideration of how to also facilitate a fruitful public-private partnership (PPP)-framework, which will largely depend on mutual understanding and consensus. Originality/value – The reform of the social and health care system has raised intensive public debate throughout Europe. Key issues include the reorganising of social and health care processes as well as PPPs in provision of services. This study observes the views and experiences of private entrepreneurs and points out where some potential problems and solutions of social and health care PPPs are.

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