Where are fossil fuels prices heading?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Rostan ◽  
Alexandra Rostan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present forecasts of fossil fuels prices until 2030 with spectral analysis to provide a clearer picture of this energy sector. Design/methodology/approach Fossil fuels prices time series are decomposed in simpler signals called approximations and details in the framework of the one-dimensional discrete wavelet analysis. The simplified signals are recomposed after Burg extension. Findings In 2019-2030 average price forecasts of: West Texas intermediate (WTI) oil ($58.67) is above its 1986-2030 long-term mean of $47.83; and coal ($81.01) is above its 1980-2030 long-term mean of $60.98. On the contrary, 2019-2030 average of price forecasts of: Henry Hub natural gas ($3.66) is below its 1997-2030 long-term mean of $4; heating oil ($0.64) is below its 1986-2030 long-term mean of $1.16; propane ($0.26) is below its 1992-2030 long-term mean of $0.66; and regular gasoline ($1.45) is below its 2003-2030 long-term mean of $1.87. Originality/value Fossil fuels prices projections may relieve participants of WTI oil and coal markets but worry participants of Henry Hub, heating oil, propane and regular gasoline markets including countries whose economy is tied to energy prices.

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-91
Author(s):  
Hossein Vaez Shahrestani ◽  
Arash Shahin ◽  
Hadi Teimouri ◽  
Ali Shaemi Barzoki

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to revise the Kano model with a focus on one-dimensional attributes; and second, to use the revised model for categorizing and prioritizing various employee compensation strategies. Design/methodology/approach The Kano evaluation table has been revised and the one-dimensional attribute has been further extended to three categories of OO, OM and OA. In the next step, the literature review-based identified strategies have been categorized and prioritized according to the developed Kano model. Consequently, an employee compensation system has been proposed to a process-based manufacturing company as a case study. Findings Findings indicated that out of the 44 employee compensation strategies, typically 6 were must-be, 13 were one-dimensional, 18 were attractive and 7 were indifferent. Also, the results of the revised Kano model indicated that typically out of the 13 one-dimensional strategies, 7 were one-dimensional tending toward must-be (OM); and 6 were one-dimensional tending toward attractive (OA). Research limitations/implications The case study was limited to one company. The validity of the proposed model can be further studied in a larger population. This study provides managers with a more accurate instrument of decision making in selecting more differentiated employee compensation strategies, which, in turn, might lead to more employee satisfaction. Originality/value Theoretically, this study is different from existing studies, since almost none of the previous studies extended the Kano evaluation table for one-dimensional attributes. Practically, this study is another evidence of the application of the Kano model in the field of human resource management and in particular contributes to the design of employee compensation systems.


2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Machado Saraiva ◽  
Pamella Thaís Magalhães Ferreira

Purpose This paper aims to unveil the spheres that were silenced by the media and academia with regard to the collapse of the Fundão Dam that occurred in 2015, in Mariana (Minas Gerais - Brazil). Design/methodology/approach In an attempt to contribute to studies into the evil side of organizations, the authors use the theoretical contributions of corporate crime and the one-dimensional society. The authors used the “Samarco Mud” corporate crime case as an object of analysis, while a press conference with the company’s CEO and representatives from its parent companies was used as the analytical corpus. For the analysis, the authors used the content analysis technique. Findings The conclusions of this study point to the existence of subjects who were silenced about the phenomenon of the Fundão Dam collapse, a situation that reveals the power exercised by corporations and the totalitarian domination of the one-dimensional society as a social factor that favors the occurrence of corporate crimes. Originality/value The case in question is recent and not fully understood by academia. Neither is its organization around political and social movements understood with regard to the management implications for society and the environment. With a discussion that mixes the concepts of corporate crime and the one-dimensional society, this paper contributes to the base of critical studies in management, especially as far as concerns the mining policies used in the Southern Hemisphere.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1866-1878
Author(s):  
Alfonso Ruiz-Martínez ◽  
Marta Frasquet ◽  
Irene Gil-Saura

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the dimensional structure of relationship value by comparing the results of one-dimensional versus multidimensional conceptualisation in the prediction of satisfaction and loyalty in a B2B context. Design/methodology/approach A survey was carried out and 219 responses were obtained from retail companies in the furniture sector in Spain. The model was estimated using the partial least squares (PLS) approach. Findings The results revealed that the multidimensional conceptualisation of relationship value explained satisfaction and loyalty levels to a greater extent than the one-dimensional conceptualisation. Research limitations/implications Given the complexity involved in conceptualising relationship value, its study needs to be expanded to encompass other contexts. Practical implications Manufacturers should focus their efforts on improving each of the axes of relationship value, to ensure the satisfaction and loyalty of their retail customers. Originality/value This study integrates and justifies the measurement of relationship value and its axes in the nomological structure with other relational constructs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 29-31

Purpose Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints 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 The problem with developing a reputation of being something of an oracle in the business world is that all of a sudden, everyone expects you to pull off the trick of interpreting the future on a daily basis. Like a freak show circus act or one-hit wonder pop singer, people expect you to perform when they see you, and they expect you to perform the thing that made you famous, even if it is the one thing in the world you don’t want to do. And when you fail to deliver on these heightened expectations, you are dismissed as a one trick pony, however good that trick is in the first place. 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.


2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shital Jhunjhunwala

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance and means of making corporate social responsibility (CSR) an integral part of corporate strategy with the help of case studies. Design/methodology/approach – The article explores the transformation of business from being egocentric to socially responsible. With the use of examples it demonstrates how integrating CSR into strategy can create sustainable business models. Findings – Firms need to develop a framework for integrating CSR into their business strategy for long term successful survival. Social implications – Corporates and society are intertwined and mutually dependent. Business cannot survive without society's acquiescence nor succeed without its active support. Originality/value – The article explains the benefits of CSR and how to make it an integral part of business strategy to gain a competitive advantage.


Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Ahmad ◽  
Razman bin Mat Tahar

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of Malaysia's renewable capacity target. Malaysia relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation. To diversify the fuel-mix, a technology-specific target has been set by the government in 2010. Considering the complexity in generation expansion, there is a dire need for an assessment model that can evaluate policy in a feedback fashion. The study also aims to expand policy evaluation literature in electricity domain by taking a dynamic systems approach. Design/methodology/approach – System dynamics modelling and simulation approach is used in this study. The model variables, selected from literature, are constituted into casual loop diagram. Later, a stock and flow diagram is developed by integrating planning, construction, operation, and decision making sub-models. The dynamic interactions between the sub-sectors are analysed based on the short-, medium- and long-term policy targets. Findings – Annual capacity constructions fail to achieve short-, medium- and long-term targets. However, the difference in operational capacity and medium- and long-term target are small. In terms of technology, solar photovoltaic (PV) attains the highest level of capacity followed by biomass. Research limitations/implications – While financial calculations are crucial for capacity expansion decisions, currently they are not being modelled; this study primarily focuses on system delays and exogenous components only. Practical implications – A useful model that offers regulators and investors insights on system characteristics and policy targets simultaneously. Originality/value – This paper provides a model for evaluating policy for renewable capacity expansion development in a dynamic context, for Malaysia.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Buell Hirsch

Purpose The purpose of the viewpoint is to examine the various ways in which the pandemic has exposed structural vulnerabilities in global business infrastructures that have long existed and been long ignored. It urges business leaders not to return to a “new normal” but make fundamental changes to ensure that their businesses are truly resilient and can withstand future threats more effectively. Design/methodology/approach The viewpoint looks at the various kinds of vulnerability to which businesses are exposed – such as supply chain, human capital, cyber security and climate change – and proposes ways to ensure that businesses, as well as shareholders and government entities work together to build true resilience. Findings At its core, the viewpoint exposes the various ways in which businesses have turned a blind eye to vulnerabilities that have always lurked just below the surface and suggests. The argument is that to secure the long-term future of our global business system, we can no longer remain oblivious to fundamental weaknesses in our infrastructures. Research limitations/implications The viewpoint looks selectively at the available data and is, therefore, by definition, subjective and non-comprehensive. Practical implications If businesses and shareholders truly take the recommendations of this viewpoint to heart, we can build a more resilient future through long-term investments in risk management infrastructures of all kinds that will secure a more prosperous and stable future. Social implications Developing a more resilient and stable global business infrastructure will help reduce the business volatility deriving from last minute responses to predictable threats. This will, in turn, help provide more stable, fulfilling employment, especially in developing countries that will act as a fly wheel for the secure development of human potential around the world. Originality/value While there has been much speculation of what the “new business normal” will look like once the pandemic has been conquered, this is, the author believes, the first piece to look concretely on how we can not only “build back better” but build back more soundly for the long term.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Craig ◽  
Rawiri Taonui ◽  
Susan Wild ◽  
Lũcia Lima Rodrigues

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the accountability reporting objectives of four Māori-controlled organizations. The examples cited reflect the core values of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand (Aotearoa) and help demonstrate how these values are manifest in the accountability reporting of Māori-controlled organizations. Design/methodology/approach Narrative sections of ten annual reports of two small and two large Maori organizations, drawn variously from their financial years ending in the calendar years 2009 to 2014, are read closely. These organizations represent diverse tribal and regional associations in terms of size, scope and structure; and in terms of the business, social and cultural activities they pursue. Findings Three core Māori values are identified: spirituality (wairuatanga); intergenerationalism and restoration (whakapapa); and governance, leadership and respect (mana and rangatiratanga). The commitment to these values and the way this commitment is reflected in accountability reports of Maori organizations, is presented. Originality/value The examples provided, and the associated discussion, should help inform reporting initiatives of organizations that are seeking better accountability in terms of their long-term engagement with indigenous communities, the environment and broader society.


Kybernetes ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaka Vadnjal ◽  
Predrag Ljubotina

Purpose – Family businesses represent the largest share of small-sized firms in majority of economies around the world. Having in mind the global economic situation this trend is expected to be continued. With the goal of better understanding of the process of transferring the business to the next generation, which ensures a long-term success, the purpose of this paper is to investigate expectations of student’s with family business background. Design/methodology/approach – The research addresses the issue of an individual’s perception of entrepreneurship and the related factors that influence individual’s decision on whether to build a career as an employee, become a successor of family business or start own business as an independent entrepreneur. The authors separately analyzed West European (data from another study), East European and Slovenian senior student population for the purpose of comparative study. Students were surveyed and binominal regression was used for statistics. Findings – The results show differences between investigated populations and positions Slovenian students in the mean. The authors anticipate that differences are caused by historical, cultural and educational backgrounds. This challenging area is raising a lot of sub-questions for possible future research. Originality/value – The value of the study is in the replication of the existing methodology from the benchmarking study and result comparison.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 312-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier González-Benito ◽  
Gustavo Lannelongue ◽  
Luis Miguel Ferreira ◽  
Carmen Gonzalez-Zapatero

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the environmental management of purchases and firm performance. The authors examine the moderating role played by two variables: the establishment of long-term relationships with suppliers and the strategic integration of the purchasing function. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conduct an empirical study on a sample of 100 Portuguese firms. Findings – Evidence reveals that green purchasing management improves the performance of the purchasing function, although the impact is greater when the organisation forges lasting alliances with its suppliers. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the study of the consequences of introducing environmental practices into the purchasing function, especially with regards to the formation of a panel of sustainable suppliers. Specifically, this research provides evidence to show that the implementation of those practices has positive impacts on the operating performance of the purchasing function and that the said effect is greater when a firm establishes long-term relationships with its suppliers.


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