Assessment tools’ indicators for sustainability in universities: an analytical overview

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naif Alghamdi ◽  
Alexandra den Heijer ◽  
Hans de Jonge
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Concept ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Main Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Full Picture ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse 12 assessment tools of sustainability in universities and develop the structure and the contents of these tools to be more intelligible. The configuration of the tools reviewed highlight indicators that clearly communicate only the essential information. This paper explores how the theoretical concept of a sustainable university is translated into more measurable variables to support practitioners and academics in assessing sustainability in universities. Design/methodology/approach The main method for this paper was a desk study approach, which incorporated reviewing research papers, graduate theses, academic books, network platforms and websites. Findings The tools reviewed share similar traits in terms of criteria, sub-criteria and indicators. Five benchmarks are essential for a holistic framework: management; academia; environment; engagement and innovation. Practical implications This research can not only be used to improve existing assessment tools but also as a means to develop new tools tailored for universities that face a variety of challenges and lack the ability to measure their sustainability policies. Social implications Making higher education more sustainable through all the criteria mentioned influences students, as well as staff, to maintain a culture of sustainability. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by simplifying and detailing the structure and contents of the tools in a way which indicators are shown, giving a full picture of these tools to enable universities to be more aware of the sustainability issues that affect them.

scholarly journals Whole community co-production: a full picture behind the successful COVID-19 response in S. Korea

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jungwon Yeo ◽  
Eun Sun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Public Administration ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Current Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Approach ◽  
Full Picture ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to examine and understand South Korea’s (S. Korea) COVID-19 response operations, a notable case for other countries to emulate, and suggest some practical implications for other countries struggling with coping with the current pandemic. Design/methodology/approach To examine the case, the authors propose a new theoretical framework based on concepts of the whole community approach in the emergency management field and on co-production in public administration studies, and use the theoretical framework to analyze the details of S. Korea’s whole community co-production for COVID-19 response. Findings The findings demonstrate that the successful pandemic response in S. Korea is attributable to a nationwide whole community co-production among multiple actors, including government, various industries, sectors, jurisdictions and even individual citizens, within and across relevant public service and public policy domains. Originality/value This study suggests a new theoretical framework, whole community co-production, which contributes to the conceptual advancement of co-production in the field of public administration and a whole community approach in the field of emergency and crisis management. The framework also suggests practical implications for other countries to integrate whole community coproduction that may transform current response operations to cope with COVID-19.

Technology brokering and innovation: linking strategy, practice, and people

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Hargadon
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Growth Opportunities ◽  
Main Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Leaders ◽  
Continuous Innovation ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe author has spent the last ten years studying the innovation process in modern organizations and found that the most successful firms pursue an innovation strategy termed technology brokering.Design/methodology/approachHow are the objectives achieved? Include the main method(s) used for the research. What is the approach to the topic and what is the theoretical or subject scope of the paper?FindingsRather than chasing wholly new ideas, these successful firms focus on recombining old ideas in new ways. The results have sparked many technological revolutions and produced a steady stream of growth opportunities for existing businesses.Research limitations/implicationsNeeds cases showing that technology brokering, and the complementary work practices and people, can successfully execute such a strategy.Practical implicationsBy transforming traditional R&D organizations through a strategy of technology brokering firms can build competencies for continuous innovation..Originality/valueTo pursue a strategy of recombinant innovation, corporate leaders must put themselves in position to be the first to see how existing technologies in one market could be used to create breakthrough innovations in another.

Improving transport performance in supply networks: effects of (non)overlapping network horizons

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Eriksson ◽  
Kajsa Hulthén ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Relationship ◽  
Transport Service ◽  
Change Initiative ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Supply Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate how the efforts of improving transport performance within the scope of one business relationship are embedded in a transport service triad, which, in turn, is embedded in the wider supply network. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framing originates from the IMP approach with a specific focus on the concept network horizon, and literature on triads. The study is explorative and applies a qualitative design and a case study approach to illustrate how three actors engage in a change initiative to improve transport performance. Findings The paper concludes that it is crucial to get counterparts aware of the importance of expanding and defining their network horizons for a certain change initiative. Interaction among actors is important to create awareness and expand its own as well as others’ network horizons for a certain change. Three generic facets are proposed: overlapping network horizons, partly overlapping network horizons and non-overlapping network horizons. Practical implications The framework offers a tool to managers in terms of the concept of network horizon that can help to understand the challenges when dealing with change in supply networks and to understand where to deploy resources to cope with change. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by explicating facets of the concept of network horizon, especially when firms are faced with a change, how they are affected by this change and how they can cope with the related challenges.

How tall is your claim? Strategically acing patent scope

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Mayuree Sengupta
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Academic Discourse ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Patent Grant ◽  
Patent Scope ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The article examines strategically directing the breadth of scope of a patent and hazards of litigation vis-à-vis the length of claims for innovating firms. Design/methodology/approach This paper enumerates latest literature on assessing patent scope and hence protection afforded to firm innovations. Based on prior research findings, this paper proposes to maintain a balanced and nuanced approach to claim drafting to assure grant of patent while minimizing litigation threats. Findings To strategically manage patent grant and minimize litigation threat, firms would better take a leaf out of academic discourse and streamline claim drafting – not too wide to earn an examiner’s ire and not too narrow to let an infringer bypass by. Unlike smaller firms or universities, big firms are less likely to renew a patent with less scope. Research limitations/implications The study sample in contemporary literature is exclusive to patents from US Patent and Trademark Office. Whether the same result will be replicated for diverse countries is uncertain. Practical implications The understanding that patent scope not only influences grant chances but also is an indicator of future litigation threat can help patent practitioners and innovating firms in strategically directing the patent. Originality/value The paper draws from the findings of three well-articulated recent research papers. The paper’s originality and value is in providing practical insights on how to perfect patent scope in a real world based on academic discourse.

Fashion subscription retailing: an exploratory study of consumer perceptions

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 494-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Tao ◽  
Yingjiao Xu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Adoption ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Social Shopping ◽  
Subscription Service ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Adoption Intention

Purpose Fashion subscription service is a newly emerged retailing model that provides an innovative way of shopping to meet consumers’ fashion needs. From the perspective of innovation adoption, the purpose of this paper is to provide an insight of consumers’ perceptions as well as adoption intention of this innovative retailing format. Design/methodology/approach This research is qualitative in nature, utilizing focus group study approach. In this paper, content analysis was applied to analyze the data. Findings While possessing varying degrees of knowledge about fashion subscription retailing, the participants shared the following perceptions of relative advantages, including convenience, personalization, consumer excitement, opportunities to try new styles, and opportunity to better manage their apparel budget. Concerns mainly focused on missing social shopping experiences and the hassle in the cancellation process. The overall adoption intention was high. Research limitations/implications Due to the nature of this research, the sample size was limited and results may not be generalized. This research paid less attention to individual differences, in terms of demographic and psychographic characteristics. Practical implications Future marketing could focus more on educating consumers about the attributes of the services they provide. Retailers can strategically leverage the positively perceived advantages in their marketing communications to enhance consumers’ adoption intention of their services. Originality/value The paper fills a gap in the literature on consumer behavior toward fashion subscription retailing and sheds light for companies in their endeavors to excel in this new retailing venue.

Strengthening and sustaining a community through reciprocal support between local businesses and the community

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Siemens
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Communities ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Rural Context ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it. Findings The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts. Practical implications The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike. Originality/value This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.

A student-focused checklist for creating infographics

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scottie Kapel ◽  
Krista Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Data Visualization ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traditional Research ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Final Selection ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThis paper discusses efforts to produce instructional support objects for undergraduate students engaged in creating infographics, an alternative assignment growing in popularity at the authors' university.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examined scholarly, professional, trade and open-web sources to identify best practices for design and data visualization for this type of assignment. They categorized their findings and used a preponderance-of-evidence method for final selection of relevant practices. The authors detail the creation of their support products (instructional checklists and example infographics) and offer recommendations for librarians engaged in similar efforts.FindingsDespite the growing popularity of alternative assignments, guidance for best practices in data and design as they relate to student-created infographics is nascent, and best practices for design and data visualization in this context have yet to be concretely identified. Without extant guidance for student-created infographics, the authors developed a checklist of potential best practices for design and data visualization.Practical implicationsThe use of alternative projects assigned in lieu of traditional research papers is growing. Additional guidance may be required for students creating non-traditional works as standards and best practices for these projects are under-developed in the academic setting. Librarians will want to consider their role in supporting students assigned to create an alternative project.Originality/valueA consideration of best practices for data and design visualization for students designing research infographics has not yet been written.

Awareness and use of self-archiving options among academic librarians in Nigerian universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement Chukwuma Okeji ◽  
Monica Eberechukwu Eze ◽  
Nneka Maureen Chibueze
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Use Of Self ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scholarly Output ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which academic librarians in Nigerian universities use self-archiving options to make their research papers visible globally. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was designed using SurveyMonkey software to collect data from 394 academic librarians in Nigerian Universities. Findings The study revealed that the academic librarians in Nigerian universities know and actually use self-archiving options such as ResearchGate, institutional repository and Academia.edu to self-archive their publications. While other promotional tools such as kudos, Mendeley.com and personal websites/servers are not popularly used by the academic librarians. Increased exposure of previously published work, broadens the dissemination of academic research generally, and increases institutions’ visibility were among the factors the academic librarians indicated as very important that motivate them to contribute their scholarly output to self-archiving options. Research limitations/implications One major challenge to the study is that many academic librarians in Nigeria do not check their e-mails regularly to enable them to respond to a request to participate in an online survey; some of them do not have stable internet facilities, whereas others are reluctant to respond to an online questionnaire. These reasons led to a low response rate which makes it difficult to generalize findings. Practical implications Findings from the study will create awareness for academic librarians in developing countries to see the need to self-archive their pre-print and accepted version of their papers in different self-archiving platforms. Originality/value Self-archiving of papers by authors will lead to an increased visibility of the author and possible citation of the work and chances of collaboration with international colleagues for research projects.

Artificial intelligence-based training learning from application

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay ◽  
Komal Khandelwal
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Systems ◽  
Effectiveness Of Training ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the rationale, theoretical foundation, application, and future of artificial intelligence (AI)-based training. Design/methodology/approach A review of relevant research papers, articles and case studies is done to highlight developments in research and practice. Findings AI-based training systems are smart, intelligent and expert in handling queries. These systems can curate content, grade, evaluate, and provide feedback to trainee, thus making learning adaptive and contextual. Practical implications Application of AI is vital in the field of training, as it helps personalization and customization of training programs to increase the effectiveness of training. Originality/value Executives and researchers can save time by reading relevant information on the linkage, and its contribution to AI is discussed and summarized in an easy to read format.

Falls prevention: access and acceptability to all?

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Manthorpe ◽  
Jo Moriarty
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Research Review ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Initial Research ◽  
Research And Policy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the equalities’ dimension of falls prevention services in light of the Equality Act 2010 and its protected characteristics. Research and policy are discussed in light of the Act and public services’ duties to be aware of their responsibilities. Design/methodology/approach An initial research review was undertaken in 2012 and updated in 2016. Findings The research on falls prevention services does not always collect data on users of the service and services do not always collect data about their users that would enable them to build a picture of their users in line with the Equality Act 2010. Practical implications Services and commissioners will need to be able to show that the services funded by the public purse are accessible, acceptable and appropriate to the UK’s increasingly diverse older population. This paper describes some of the existing resources and research papers that contain elements of attention to the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010. Originality/value This is an update on a research review undertaken in 2012.

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