In search of the causes of disasters

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihab Hanna Sawalha
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reduction Processes ◽  
Theoretical Reasoning ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Made In

Purpose The term “causes” of disasters is used interchangeably very often with other terms, such as “types” of disasters. Also, causes of disasters are usually explained in the literature in an individualistic fashion relating every single disaster with its own causes only. This limits the ability to identify the real causes of disasters. Second, it reduces the ability to create any kind of grouping for the causes of disasters. The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss causes of disasters in a more categorical manner. Design/methodology/approach An extensive review of the existing literature has been made in order to identify, introduce and discuss theories related to the causes of disasters. Overall, the approach taken is based on theoretical reasoning informed by the literature. Findings Disasters, even those which seem to be composite and complex, are not mysterious incidents that cannot be explained or analyzed. Literally, almost all disasters can be diagnosed and the causes of disasters can be identified in a systematic and reasonable manner. Practical implications This study provides a better conceptualization and understanding of the causes of disasters. It is believed that this study will improve the decision-making process accompanied with the disaster risk reduction processes by understanding the exact causes of disasters. The study also clarifies the differences between the causes, sources and types of disasters which is extremely significant in disaster lifecycle modeling. Originality/value To the author’s knowledge, very few attempts have been made in the literature to capture causes of disasters in a categorical and systematic manner. Almost all disaster occurrences have been discussed in the literature in an individualistic fashion relating every single disaster with its own causes only.

Marketing and delivering information literacy on the web, yesterday and today, from 2009 to 2012

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 10-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Q. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Web ◽  
Made In

Purpose – This study aims to ascertain the trends and changes of how academic libraries market and deliver information literacy (IL) on the web. Design/methodology/approach – The author compares the findings from two separate studies that scanned the Web sites for IL-related activities in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Findings – Academic libraries intensified their efforts to promote and deliver IL on the web between 2009 and 2012. There was a significant increase in IL-related activities on the web in the three-year period. Practical implications – The findings describe the status quo and changes in IL-related activities on the libraries’ Web sites. This information may help librarians to know what they have been doing and if there is space for improvement. Originality/value – This is the only study that spans three years in measuring the progress librarians made in marketing and delivering IL on the Web.

The fierce urgency to create safe spaces for the heart in relation to sustainability

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Livingstone
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safe Spaces ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
The World ◽  
Moral Superiority ◽  
The Mind ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Made In

Purpose The paper aims to rediscover the subtle heart and discuss its importance in relation to conversations regarding sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Based on the imaginal approach of the author’s doctoral research, this paper is informed by the discourse of transpersonal psychology, attempting to open a space through which it becomes possible to perceive the heart differently. Findings This paper discusses the idea that knowledge as generated through the heart has been rendered subservient to knowledge generated through the mind/brain through a dominant/medical narrative (Bound Alberti, 2012). This means that the heart’s wisdom and the heart’s benevolent qualities cannot gain traction at the level at which decisions are made in society. Research limitations/implications While the heart is not unproblematic, and can carry notions of moral superiority, this paper is written as an appeal to create safe enough spaces to bring the heart back into conversation at the level of political discourse. Practical implications This paper suggests that it is the approach of the heart, the qualities and characteristics that the heart embodies, and the different way of being in the world that the heart makes possible, which could play an important role in guiding us towards a more sustainable world. When taken seriously, the heart offers a way of engaging with, and thinking about, ideas of relationship, wholeness and interconnection – all of which have been identified as important by numerous scholars in relation to engaging with global challenges (de Witt, 2016). Social implications This paper suggests that it is the approach of the heart and the different way of being in the world that the heart makes possible, which could play an important role in guiding humanity towards a more sustainable world. Originality/value Since the late 1900s, scholars have been calling for creative thinking in relation to engaging with the myriad of issues facing our planet, and this paper is written as a response to that call – creating a platform for the heart to speak and making a case for its importance in conversations relating to sustainability.

Agency costs in the market for corporate control: evidence from UK takeovers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Jones ◽  
Bing Xu ◽  
Konstantin Kamp
Keyword(s):  
Agency Costs ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Corporate Control ◽  
Sales Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market For Corporate Control ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Theory Framework ◽  
Made In

Purpose This paper aims to examine whether agency costs predict disciplinary takeover likelihood for the UK listed companies between 1986 and 2015. Design/methodology/approach Using survival analysis, the approach is to identify candidates for disciplinary takeover on the basis of Tobin’s Q (TQ), which is consistent with the approach advocated by Manne (1965). This study then examines how indicators of agency costs affect takeover likelihood within the set of disciplinary candidates. Findings This paper provides evidence of the effectiveness of TQ, rather than excess return, in identifying disciplinary takeover candidates. Takeover hazard for disciplinary candidates is higher for companies with higher levels of asset utilization and sales growth in particular. Companies with stronger agency problems are relatively less susceptible to disciplinary takeover. Practical implications Given the UK context of the study, where anti-takeover provisions are disallowed and when compared to findings of US studies, the results imply some support for the effectiveness of an open merger policy. Originality/value While the connection between takeover likelihood and the market for corporate control has been made in previous studies, the study adopts a more explicit agency theory framework than previous studies of takeover likelihood. A key component of the contribution follows from differentiating candidates for disciplinary takeovers from other forms of mergers and acquisitions.

scholarly journals Online disclosure practices of halal-friendly hotels

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ikram Nur Muharam ◽  
Mehmet Asutay
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
Islamic Identity ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Fresh Insight ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This research analyses the online disclosure practices of halal-friendly hotels, denoting their service provision within “halal” expectancies. This study aims to discover the halal attributes commonly used in the online marketing practices of halal-friendly hotels. Design/methodology/approach The methods used in this study include a deductive approach through literature, which was then followed by an initial investigation of several random samples that produced 24 points of halal-friendly attributes, and then content analysis to find out the online disclosure practices of 55 halal-friendly hotels. Further insights gathered through analysis of the use of Islamic images and symbols; also, by examining the nexus between the disclosure level and other variables such as halal-friendly certification level, star-level and guest ratings. Findings The results show that most hotels classify themselves as halal-friendly by providing information that articulates Islamic identity or by informing the existence of prayer facilities. Information displayed includes halal food, halal places, alcohol-free policy, prayer facilities and Qibla direction. Furthermore, image analysis shows that almost all hotels use human photographs, and the preferred gender is male; only a few hotels expose Islamic symbols. Most hotels maintain a neutral impression by avoiding “Islamised gender” and not overly emphasising Islamic images. Otherwise, halal-friendly certification level is positively correlated with the disclosure level. Practical implications The results provide a fresh insight regarding the online marketing practices of the halal-friendly hotels and could be used as a benchmark by the practitioners. Originality/value This topic is still unexplored; it shows this research originality.

Construct creation from research questions

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 1817-1838
Author(s):  
Sarah Forbes ◽  
Mark Avis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Methodological Problem ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Made In

Purpose Construct Creation (CC) is a methodological problem occurring when a research process, instead of measuring an extant construct in the participant’s mind, creates the construct. The purpose of this paper is to argue that CC derives from problems around ecologically invalid research and attitudinal responses developed on the spot, both resulting from self-generated validity. Design/methodology/approach A between-subjects design was used to explore whether the personification prime (PP), a component of brand personality (BP) methodology, influenced the CC of BP for rocks. Analysis of qualitative data on how participants made their BP ratings in the absence of a PP was also completed. Findings Findings revealed that a methodology can enable CC in the participant’s mind, despite the construct being ecologically invalid prior to them participating in the study. Analysis also revealed that participants will use varied, and sometimes elaborate, strategies to enable CC and provide researchers with the answers to their questions. Research limitations/implications Previous research has drawn attention to CC as a problem but the implications of prior research have so far been “sidestepped”. Consequently, this paper demonstrates CC and why it is a problem, while rebutting some arguments made in prior research for sidestepping CC. Practical implications CC is a potentially serious methodological problem that can result in invalid findings informing or misdirecting theory used by practitioners. As such, this paper proposes methods to ameliorate CC and improve ecological validity of future research. Originality/value This study will contribute to methodological literature by refocusing attention to the currently neglected problem of CC and by proposing a model of CC by participants.

HCL Technologies puts employees before customers

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-14
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Pole Position ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Grassroots Innovation ◽  
Percent Increase ◽  
Almost All ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Reveals that, in an era when almost all businesses accept that the customer comes first, a company that is putting its employees in pole position is reaping the benefits in terms of innovation, customer satisfaction and profitability. Design/methodology/approach – Underlines the reasons for the employee first, customer second approach at HCL Technologies, the information-technology and software-development division of HCL Enterprise, how this has evolved into the corporate philosophy of “ideapreneurship” at the company and the effects of this corporate philosophy. Findings – Explains that grassroots innovation has led to 20,000 ideas being put forward by some 12,000 employees over the last eight years. Almost 4,500 ideas have been implemented and a further 3,000 are being introduced. They have generated more than $250 million of value. On a wider level, HCL has seen a 500 percent increase in revenues since 2005. Practical implications – Demonstrates that the company, a software-engineering partner for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner passenger jet, is delivering one of the best returns on equity among offshore IT providers by creating an entirely differentiated set of offerings focused both on running and changing the business. Originality/value – Reveals an unorthodox approach to human-resource management that has helped to turn round the fortunes of an information-technology company.

Conservation plan and “green maintenance” from sustainable repair perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brit Anak Kayan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Generation ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Historic Buildings ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Carbon Economy ◽  
Conservation Plan ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Carbon Economy

Purpose – It is well recognised that Conservation Plan has attracted attention to the maintenance of historic buildings; despite diverse array of issues, particularly associated with “Green Maintenance” concept and methodology and sustainable repair approach. The theory of these three concepts currently exists, but fails to be realised in practical integration. The purpose of this paper to ask why this failure is occurring and how it influences sustainable historic environment. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is composed of a critical review of existing literature and an argument built based on the concept of a Conservation Plan, “Green Maintenance” concept and methodology and sustainable repair approach for historic buildings. Findings – Despite the need of maintenance of historic buildings, this review suggests that a Conservation Plan often mitigates against its own association with “Green Maintenance”. Conversely, this could be improved by transforming the integration to be more pronounced in achieving sustainable repair for historic buildings. Practical implications – An integration of the concept of a Conservation Plan, “Green Maintenance” and sustainable repair approach could be utilised to form the basis of decision-making process for achieving sustainable historic environment. Social implications – An integration of Conservation Plan, “Green Maintenance” and sustainable repair approach will be positively welcomed as our society moves towards a low carbon economy and materials as well as “green” procurement. Originality/value – Unless integration between of a Conservation Plan, “Green Maintenance” and sustainable repair is improved, much of our culturally significant historic buildings will not be repaired in sustainable ways and our future generation may lose their historic environment.

scholarly journals Made in India: an interview with Mr Vimal Mahendru, CEO, Indo-Asian Fusegear Ltd.

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Guru Prakash Prabhakar ◽  
Pankaj Saran
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Made In

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 – Great leaders in the field of business tend to have an understanding of business environments of other countries; they are quick at learning from the strengths of other leaders. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. 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.

Research measurement of knowledge advances in building maintenance issues

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Falorca ◽  
R. Calejo Rodrigues ◽  
R. Mendes da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Maintenance ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Management Functions ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Approximate Measurement ◽  
Made In

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the general progress of Building Maintenance knowledge, to ascertain the growth of the whole body of literary production, and to determine which research lines may require further development. Design/methodology/approach – Using several means of support, a detailed survey of over 2,000 titles of publications was made. The survey data were grouped into six pre-defined bibliographic indicators. The survey results were gradually organized into a database and MS Excel features were used for the subsequent process of counting and statistical analysis. Findings – The results allowed the authors to develop an approximate growth model of the literature and provided indications of possible gaps in the development of knowledge. Research limitations/implications – To allow for a more extensive analysis of the problem, this study was structured differently to a traditional literature review. Practical implications – This study offers an overview of the evolution of building maintenance literature to researchers and institutions. A dynamic bibliographic database was also created which could be useful for those who perform management functions. Originality/value – The approach of this study differs from other known studies in the area of building maintenance. This study releases an approximate measurement of advances made in the knowledge of a particular subject.

scholarly journals Splitting to survive: understanding terrorist group fragmentation

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Francis Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Significant Role ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Terrorist Group ◽  
Al Qaeda ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose From Al-Qaeda to the IRA, almost all terrorist organisations have experienced splits in some shape or form. This can spell the dawn of violent spoiler groups, but it may equally play a significant role in the overall politicisation of a group. The purpose of this paper is to provide a greater understanding of these splits by assessing the issue from a political organisational perspective. Design/methodology/approach The author proposes that by addressing splits through the lens of organisational survival, we may gain a greater insight into the process which takes place in the lead up to, and in the aftermath of, organisational cleavage. Findings It is posited that the rationale behind schism can, at times, be the result of a desire from at least one side to maintain the survival of the organisation in a form they both respect and recognise. In order to achieve this, it might require forming an independent, autonomous organisation, or alternatively promoting the exit of internal factional competitors. Research limitations/implications Within the paper, three organisational hypotheses are proposed. It is vital that in order to assess their validity, these are empirically tested by future researchers. Practical implications To be able to counter terrorist organisations, one must first have an understanding of the external and internal events and processes. While much of our attention is on understanding paid to the external violent activity of the groups, we must also develop a significant understanding of the non-violent internal activities as well. This paper provides a theoretical basis for understanding one of these process, organisational split. Originality/value By addressing splits from an organisational survival viewpoint, the paper challenges the previously held assumption that splits should be analysed as part of the “end of terrorism.”

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