scholarly journals Sustainability insights from the mission statements of leading Brazilian Universities

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Mattos Deus ◽  
Rosane Aparecida Gomes Battistelle ◽  
Gustavo Henrique Ribeiro da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Environmental Management System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campus Sustainability ◽  
Sustainable Action ◽  
Sustainability Model ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mission statements from 30 leading Brazilian universities, evaluating the statements based on a sustainable model that involves an environmental management system, public participation and social responsibility, and sustainable education and research. Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis was conducted on the mission statements. The points used were based on the campus sustainability model of Alshuwaikhat and Abubakar. After grading, the Pearson correlation was verified for indicator and ranking points. Findings – The authors find few universities with clear sustainability aspects in their mission statements; just 10 percent of institutions achieve five points out of a maximum of nine points. Research limitations/implications – This study analyses only mission statements, which do not provide substantiated real sustainable action as much as reporting does. Practical implications – Higher education managers should review the universities’ mission statements in terms of a sustainability overview and improve the statements. Social implications – The authors criticize the real mission stated by leading Brazilian universities and their true role in society. Originality/value – Studies frequently focus on reporting and this work instead focusses on mission statements, which are important for guiding reporting and acting as a strategic tool. The results highlight aspects that have only been rarely addressed by Brazilian universities.

scholarly journals Environmental management system (EMS)

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1233-1253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azilah Kasim
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Management System ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Environmental Management System ◽  
Organization Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The paper aims to discuss the link or relationship between environmental management system (EMS) adoptions with organization learning (OL). It postulates that EMS adoption has the potential to catalyze organizational learning in hotels to make them more dynamic and competitive. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviewed the literature to link the purpose and steps involved in an EMS adoption with the benefit of managing organizational knowledge and OL. It also uses the literature to identify phases of learning in EMS adoption and the level of employees exposed to the learning. Findings – There are two reasons why more hotels should not be hesitant to adopt EMS: flexibility – EMS does not dictate the level of environmental performance a firm should achieve, thus giving hotel firms the flexibility to determine the level of sophistication of their environmental management; and the building of company’s dynamism – EMS facilitates organizational learning, leading to enhanced organizational performance. Research limitations/implications – The proposed link between EMS implementation with OL in this paper can only be proven by means of empirical studies. Practical implications – Understanding the OL value of EMS adoption may persuade more hotel practitioners to adopt it. Originality/value – This paper proposes a link between a systematic approach to managing environmental responsibility with knowledge management in hotels.

Website communications for campus sustainability: an analysis of Canadian universities

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leaya Amey ◽  
Ryan Plummer ◽  
Gary Pickering
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campus Sustainability ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Canadian Universities ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Present Understanding

Purpose This study aims to better understand the communication of sustainability by Canadian universities, specifically the use of websites, interactive features and sustainability plans. Design/methodology/approach A total of 95 Canadian universities were included in this study. The mixed-methods approach sought to capture the communication of sustainability via websites, the interactive features used, as well as to evaluate the quality of sustainability plans. Findings The study revealed that 67% of universities address sustainability on their websites. On average, universities offer three to four interactive features on their sustainability-related Web pages, and the average score of the quality of campus sustainability plans was 29 (out of 41). Research limitations/implications This study does not investigate the extent to which interactive features enhance the involvement and participation in sustainability efforts or the extent to which the sustainability plans were put into practice by universities. Practical implications The findings assist with understanding how higher education institutions (HEIs) can enhance their sustainability communication via their websites to encourage interaction and engagement in campus sustainability. The findings can also help universities to enhance the effectiveness of sustainability plans. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to assess sustainability content and the interactive features on sustainability-related pages of Canadian universities’ websites. The quality of sustainability plans is also evaluated. The study informs the present understanding of communicating sustainability by Canadian universities and provides a basis for future investigations in HEIs in Canada and beyond.

Harnessing managerial performance dynamics in the pursuit of corporate environmental strategy

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 43-45
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Environmental Strategy ◽  
Managerial Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on the relationships between environmental strategy, managers' environmental performance, and the use of environmental management control systems (MCSs). The results show that integrating regular MCSs and environmental MCSs was the move that had a significantly positive effect on environmental management performance, which was stimulated as a result of renewed motivation in managers to follow the environmental MCS. Consequently, environmental MCSs do prove to be crucial in yielding individual environmental managerial performance guided from an environmental strategy. Achieving this position requires managers to adopt integrated thinking to the benefit of the organization. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Improving operational and environmental performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Green Manufacturing ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean And Green ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are becoming more prevalent in Indian manufacturing. In order to be internationally competitive, they need to improve in strategies such as lean and green manufacturing. Organizational factors such as invested managers, certifications in quality and environmental management, collaboration with larger companies, and innovation in technology all help to increase operational and environmental performance. Importantly, these practices need to combine holistically in order to increase operational and financial performance, and competitive performance on the global stage. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Reintegrating prâxis, practices, phrónêsis and sustainable action for the relationship between business and society

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendelin Kuepers
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Wisdom ◽  
Societal Implications ◽  
Business And Society ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Implications ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Action ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to propose to rehabilitate prâxis and revive possibilities of practical wisdom (phrónêsis) and a reinterpret excellence as an ethically committed way for responsible and sustainable form of living, while operating in the midst of a systematically constrained world of neoliberal regimes. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review, this essay first presents some basic understandings of prâxis, practices and its architecture as well as phrónêsis and its interconnection. Further, possibilities for integrating excellence in prâxis and success in poiêtic practice are suggested in form of a critical poiêtic phrónêsis, and some implications are outlined in conclusions. Findings Considering the systemic constrains of contemporary neoliberal regimes, this paper has shown the significance of a reviving the inter-relational nexus between prâxis, embodied practices, phrónêsis and sustainable action. An integral holonic approach of constrained prâxis was discussed, by which the macro-level is holonically connected to meso-level of likewise constrained practices to micro-level of action and vice versa. In particular, constrained excellence-oriented practical wisdom was connected with constraining result- and success- poiesis in a critical poietic phrónêsis and creative actions in inter-practices as part of inter-prâxis discussed. Research limitations/implications The paper is a meta-reflective paper and view point, but links to “prâxis-related research” are offered. Practical implications Some practical and political implications are provided. Social implications Some links to social and societal implications are discussed. Originality/value The proposed integration of prâxis, embodied practices, sustainable actions and practical wisdom for organisation and in relation to society is genuine and critical. It is orginal in that it provides possibilities to re-assess, re-vive and further investigate the relevance of embodied forms of an integral prâxis, practicing, phronesis and action in and through organizations as well as stakeholder towards a flourishing unfoldment.

Main causes that lead strategies to decline at execution phase: an analysis of Brazilian companies

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 424-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Moretti Bernardo ◽  
Rosley Anholon ◽  
Olivio Novaski ◽  
Dirceu Silva ◽  
Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Pearson Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Objectives ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
Execution Phase ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify what are the main causes that lead strategies to decline at execution phase. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted the strategy of survey with the 69 Brazilian businessmen. The questionnaire was developed from 16 causes pointed out in the literature and the results analyzed using Cronbach’s α coefficient, multidimensional scaling, exploratory factor analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings The results of statistical analysis showed that the main causes are primarily associated to leaders’ defaults during execution strategies, lack of support and feedback of senior management, no involvement of the teams during the strategies formulation, failure of communication on the strategic objectives in all organizational levels, and others. Research limitations/implications The 69 businessmen work in different sectors and there may be specific causes for each sector. The research presented by this paper did not have objectives to analyze specific sectors of the economy. Practical implications The results are extremely important and useful for managers during the implementation phase of the strategies and researchers in the field of business strategies. Originality/value There are no research with the same focus and objective presented by this paper about Brazilian companies.

A qualitative study of green practices adoption for restaurants in Malaysia

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1087-1099
Author(s):  
Booi Chen Tan ◽  
Teck Chai Lau ◽  
Gun Fie Yong ◽  
Nasreen Khan ◽  
Thi Phuong Lan Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Environmental Management System ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Green Practices ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Environmental Guidelines ◽  
Klang Valley ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand restaurant operators’ perception towards key areas of green practices that could be adopted in the future operations of the restaurant business in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The paper used a qualitative approach through face-to-face interviews. Five restaurant operators who operated their independently owned casual upscale restaurants in the Klang Valley were selected as the respondents for the interviews. Findings Eight areas of green practices adapted from Hu et al. (2010) have been commented and proposed to be served as a guideline to design the Environmental Management System (EMS) for restaurants to go green in Malaysia. Although the feedback given on the feasibility of implementing these green practices provided by the restaurant operators were generally positive, challenges lies ahead in getting them to adopt these green practices. It required understanding of the difficulties and motivations of implementing these practices. Practical implications An in-depth understanding from the voices of restaurant operators was essential for further policy formulation and implementation in fostering the green practices which in turn can serve as a “win-win” situation for all parties. Originality/value There seems to be a dearth of studies conducted on the perceptions of restaurant operators about the feasibility of green practices adoption in the operation of the restaurants in Malaysia. The implementation of EMS or the adoption of green practices was a vital missing-link among the restaurants. The outcome of this paper was expected to provide new ideas and knowledge on the areas of green practices to be adopted as the environmental guidelines to operate restaurants in Malaysia.

Engaging tourists as citizen scientists in marine tourism

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikki Schaffer ◽  
Aaron Tham
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Environmental Management ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Marine Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marine Tourism ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to propose a framework for engaging tourists as citizen scientists in marine research. Justification for such a framework is driven by the increasing use of citizen science (CS) as a method for collecting data in various research projects. While the tenets of CS exist, few studies have demonstrated how these could be integrated to address the challenges and benefits of engaging tourists as scientists. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review focused on CS-based literature within environmental management, tourism and marine tourism revealed 18 models. Key themes, those repeatedly identified, were extracted. These were adapted to inform the proposed theoretical framework for engaging tourist scientists. Findings The key themes were clarified and incorporated into the framework to enhance the value of marine research by engaging tourists. Important features considered were the singularity and sporadic nature of tourist participation, training and engagement as well as the reliability of data collected by citizen scientists. Practical implications Originality/value The framework informs the unique requirements of research in marine environments and the under-used potential of tourist scientists.

Consumer value creation through WhatsApp use

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-471
Author(s):  
Jorge Cruz-Cárdenas ◽  
Jorge Guadalupe-Lanas ◽  
Ekaterina Zabelina ◽  
Andrés Palacio-Fierro ◽  
Margarita Velín-Fárez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Role Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Value ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand in-depth how consumers create value in their lives using WhatsApp, the leading mobile instant messaging (MIM) application. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the perspective of customer-dominant logic (CDL) and uses a qualitative multimethod design involving 3 focus groups and 25 subsequent in-depth interviews. The research setting was Ecuador, a Latin American country. Findings Analysis and interpretation of the participants’ stories made it possible to identify and understand the creation of four types of value: maintaining and strengthening relationships; improving role performance; emotional support; and entertainment and fun. In addition, the present study proposes a conceptual model of consumer value creation as it applies to MIM. Practical implications Understanding the way consumers create value in their lives using MIM is important not only for organizations that offer MIM applications, but also for those companies that develop other applications for mobile phones or for those who wish to use MIM as an electronic word-of-mouth vehicle. Originality/value The current study is one of the first to address the topic of consumer behavior in the use of technologies from the perspective of CDL; this perspective enables an integrated qualitative vision of value creation in which the consumer is the protagonist.

scholarly journals Advantages and potential challenges of data management in e-maintenance

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arian Razmi-Farooji ◽  
Hanna Kropsu-Vehkaperä ◽  
Janne Härkönen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Data Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Maintenance Systems ◽  
Industry Leader ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to understand data management challenges in e-maintenance systems from a holistically viewpoint through summarizing the earlier scattered research in the field, and second, to present a conceptual approach for addressing these challenges in practice. Design/methodology/approach The study is realized as a combination of a literature review and by the means of analyzing the practices on an industry leader in manufacturing and maintenance services. Findings This research provides a general understanding over data management challenges in e-maintenance and summarizes their associated proposed solutions. In addition, this paper lists and exemplifies different types and sources of data which can be collected in e-maintenance, across different organizational levels. Analyzing the data management practices of an e-maintenance industry leader provides a conceptual approach to address identified challenges in practice. Research limitations/implications Since this paper is based on studying the practices of a single company, it might be limited to generalize the results. Future research topics can focus on each of mentioned data management challenges and also validate the applicability of presented model in other companies and industries. Practical implications Understanding the e-maintenance-related challenges helps maintenance managers and other involved stakeholders in e-maintenance systems to better solve the challenges. Originality/value The so-far literature on e-maintenance has been studied with narrow focus to data and data management in e-maintenance appears as one of the less studied topics in the literature. This research paper contributes to e-maintenance by highlighting the deficiencies of the discussion surrounding the perspectives of data management in e-maintenance by studying all common data management challenges and listing different types of data which need to be acquired in e-maintenance systems.

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