ICT as an enabler for sustainable development: reflections on opportunities and barriers

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bull
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
First Century ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose – Information and communications technology (ICT) offers a peculiar twenty-first century conundrum, as it offers both a cause and solution to rising carbon emissions. The growth in the digital economy is fueling increased energy consumption while affording new opportunities for reducing the environmental impacts of our daily lives. This paper responds and builds on Patrignani and Whitehouse’s overview of Slow Tech by providing examples of how ICT can be used to reduce energy. Encouraging examples are provided from the field of energy and buildings and implications for wider society are raised. Design/methodology/approach – This paper builds on the previous overview “The Clean Side of Slow Tech”, based on a comprehensive knowledge of literature of the latest developments in the field of digital economy, energy and sustainability. Findings – This paper provides clear and encouraging signs of how ICT can be used to contribute to sustainability through controlling systems more efficiently, facilitating behavioural changes and reducing energy consumption. Future challenges and recommendations for future research are presented. Originality/value – This conceptual paper presents the latest research into the use of ICT in energy reduction and offers cautious, but encouraging signs that while the environmental impact of ICT must not be overlooked, there are benefits to be had from the digital economy.

Transnationality in the XXI century. Concept and indicators

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grazia Ietto-Gillies
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Transnational Corporation ◽  
First Century ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Degree ◽  
Fixed Assets ◽  
Inclusive Concept ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of major structural changes on the conceptualization of the transnational corporation (TNC) based on foreign direct investment (FDI) and on indicators of transnationality. Design/methodology/approach Analysis of three major structural changes which impact the current conception of transnationality. They are: the rise of digital companies; the increased role of finance in the economy; externalization of activities via non-equity modalities (NEMs) with an impact on FDI and on the labour market. Findings The paper finds that the current concept of transnationality needs widening to take account of companies with a low degree of fixed assets abroad such as the digital and the financial companies and those internationalizing via NEMs, as well as to take account of the evolving relationship between TNCs and labour. Research limitations/implications Future research along the lines proposed should consider: working explicitly with the new, inclusive concept of transnationality and arrive at an empirical estimate of the proposed indices of transnationality which modify and amplify the current United Nations Conference on Trade and Development indices. Social implications Useful for understanding the nature of transnationality in the twenty-first century and for developing policies. Originality/value The paper proposes a new concept of transnationality and of the TNC, one that allows for new ways of organizing direct business activities abroad. It also proposes broadening the list of indicators of transnationality.

Leadership competencies for the 21st century: a review from the Western world literature

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Major Ngayo Fotso
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
World Literature ◽  
Leadership Competencies ◽  
First Century ◽  
Western World ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Decision Choices ◽  
Twenty First Century ◽  
Recruitment And Selection

Purpose The proliferation of studies on leadership competencies have not yet provided a consistent set to guide the work of researchers and practitioners. This paper aims to generate a clear, literature-based overview of the relevant leadership competencies for the twenty-first century. Design/methodology/approach The paper is an integrative literature review and identifies four strands of literature on leadership, reaching back to traditional works. It reviews each strand to establish which leadership competencies remain relevant for the twenty-first century. Findings This paper shows it is essential to clarify and harmonize terminology used in leadership literature. It identifies 18 groups of leadership competencies required for the twenty-first century. The research reveals that leaders of the twenty-first century must be able to combine a strong concern for people, customer experience, digitalization, financialization and the general good. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a non-exhaustive list of literature derived from studies published in Western journals, written in English. Future research should include papers beyond the confines of Western academia and entail fieldwork to test the comprehensive framework derived here. Practical implications This paper will help practitioners develop leadership training curricula and transform the leadership culture in their organizations. The competency list can be useful in recruitment and selection processes for leadership positions. Professionals will find it helpful as an index in self-diagnosis and personal development for their career decision choices. Originality/value The paper addresses the growing need for clarity on the required leadership competencies for the twenty-first century.

Organizing inter-firm project governance – a contextual model for empirical investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon von Danwitz
Keyword(s):  
Organization Theory ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Governance ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The management of major inter-firm projects requires a coherent, holistic governance framework to be effective. However, most existing models of project governance are limited to a narrow selection of contractual, structural or procedural aspects, and further neglect contextual factors, such as key characteristics of a project and its partners. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper proposes an integrative analytical model of inter-firm project governance, building upon contingency theory and drawing from established constructs rooted in organization theory. Findings The paper aims to integrate two largely distinct streams of research and synthesize the respective constitutive dimensions of project governance into a coherent conceptual model. Further, interrelationships with contextual factors, such as project-related and partner-related characteristics, and project performance are discussed. Originality/value The proposed model purposefully merges two complementary streams of project governance research. As the model further provides clear contextual factors, it strengthens an emerging stream of project research by systematically examining external influences of project organizing. Future research may utilize this model and the suggested operationalization for each of the constructs as a basis to empirically investigate the design and effectiveness of governance regimes of major projects.

Leadership development trends and challenges in the twenty-first century: rethinking the priorities

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-124
Author(s):  
Majd Megheirkouni ◽  
Ammar Mejheirkouni
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
First Century ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unethical Behaviors ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Twenty First Century

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand challenges facing organizations in the twenty-first century and address these challenges through suggesting future leadership development based on relevant leadership theories, which would motivate and guide future research directions in a streamlined manner. Design/methodology/approach The present study adopted the exploratory literature review, using the integrative method, to review the theoretical and empirical literature on leadership development published since the 2000s, primarily focusing on research published in the Journal of Management Development. Findings The findings of the current review confirmed that leadership theories are the base for leadership development theories, particularly if the purpose is to address and overcome the current challenges facing organizations. The authors suggest that leadership theories and leadership development theories do not exist in isolation from one another, nor do they exist in isolation from challenges facing organizations. Research limitations/implications This review does not cover all studies before the 2000s nor other journals in the field of leadership. Originality/value Given that most organizations are suffering from one or more of the following issues: sexual scandals, unethical behaviors, individualism, crises and a low level of performance or productivity, the development of particular leadership skills has become a priority. This study is one of few studies guiding both future leadership development research directions and leadership development initiatives.

A quest for teacher leadership in the twenty-first century – emerging themes for future research

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 354-372
Author(s):  
Mo Wang ◽  
Dora Ho
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Leadership ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Leadership Capacity ◽  
First Century ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Emerging Themes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a research synthesis of findings drawn from studies of teacher leadership published in English-based journals from 2000 to 2018. The goal of the research synthesis was to develop new insights into teacher leadership through a theoretical discussion and to identify emerging themes for future research. Design/methodology/approach The methodology employed in this study was systematic review. The study first identifies a body of relevant literature and research on teacher leadership from the English-based journals from 2000 to 2018. Information concerning the nature of the studies as well as substantive findings was extracted from each of the articles. Synthesis of findings was accomplished by identifying key themes in the literature. Findings The synthesis yielded four themes: “the notion of teacher leadership,” “the theoretical perspectives are used for understanding teacher leadership,” “the factors are influencing the development of teacher leadership,” and “the approach to build and develop leadership capacity.” Originality/value This paper attempts to offer a critical review on the current literature and research on teacher leadership, reveal if there are any gaps in the ongoing debate, and identify the agenda for future research. This paper not only explores “what there is,” but also examines “what is missing,” and “what could be improved upon” by reviewing research findings that emerged in the teacher leadership literature produced from 2000 to 2018. The paper could shed light on the existing research about teacher leadership.

Spiritual quotient towards organizational sustainability: the Islamic perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sohail Akhtar ◽  
Mohd Anuar Arshad ◽  
Arshad Mahmood ◽  
Adeel Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Sustainability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spiritual Awareness ◽  
Islamic Perspective ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of spiritual quotient (SQ) on the organisational sustainability from the Islamic perspective. Till date, many organisations around the world are facing environmental, social and economic issues affecting their organisational sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The present paper is conceptual paper based on literature review on employee’s behavioural issues and role of SQ for organisational sustainability. Findings This present paper argues that SQ must be considered as the important factor for employee development in the organisation. It develops spiritual awareness among employees which enhances their productivity within the organisation. Furthermore, SQ is necessary means of identifying and harnessing deeper inner resources with the capacity to care for the well-being of the organisation and advance its development. Research limitations/implications The paper suggests SQ and its multi-dimensions with the implication for future research in organisational sustainability. Originality/value The paper discusses the development of the concept of SQ from the Islamic perspective.

Approaching the wicked problem of obesity: an introduction to the food system compass

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Parkinson ◽  
Chris Dubelaar ◽  
Julia Carins ◽  
Stephen Holden ◽  
Fiona Newton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Food System ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Effect Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on food consumption as part of the wicked problem of obesity. Specifically, the authors seek to explore the complex interplay between stakeholders such as food producers, marketers, health and medical practitioners and policymakers and their influence on the ways in which individuals consume food and also chart a course forward using a systems approach, social marketing techniques and social enterprise to develop solutions to effect change. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper that proposes the food system compass to understand the complex interplay between stakeholders. Findings This new tool will provide social marketers with an improved understanding of the complexity of interactions between stakeholders and outcomes and integrating the necessity for coordination within and across micro, meso, exo and macro levels of the system as well as across sectors, institutions and stakeholders. Research limitations/implications This is a conceptual paper and proposes the food system compass which offers a foundation for future research to expand upon. Originality/value This paper seeks to advance the theoretical base of social marketing by providing new insights into the trans-disciplinary and dynamic circumstances surrounding food consumption and obesity and highlights leverage points where joint actions can be facilitated with actors across and between micro, meso, exo and macro levels.

Exploring a comprehensive knowledge map for promoting safety management research in the construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Wang ◽  
Yiming Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Network Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Scientometric Analysis ◽  
Knowledge Map ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to map the safety management research of construction industry by scientometric analysis, which can predict important highlights and future research directions of safety management research in the construction industry. As an important issue in the construction industry, safety management issues have been researched from different perspectives. Although previous studies make knowledge contributions to the safety management research of construction industry, there are still huge obstacles to distinguish the comprehensive knowledge map of safety management research in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies three scientometric analysis methods, collaboration network analysis, co-occurrence network analysis and cocitation network analysis, to the safety management research of construction industry. 5,406 articles were retrieved from the core collection database of the Web of Science. CiteSpace was used for constructing a comprehensive analysis framework to analyze and visualize the safety management research of construction industry. According to integrating the analysis results, a knowledge map for the safety management research of construction industry can be constructed.FindingsThe analysis results revealed the academic communities, key research topics and knowledge body of safety management research in the construction industry. The evolution paths of safety management research in the construction industry were divided into three development stages: “construction safety management”, “multi-objective safety management” and “comprehensive safety management”. Five research directions were predicted on the future safety management research of construction industry, including (1) comprehensive assessment indicators system; (2) intelligent safety management; (3) cross-organization collaboration of safety management; (4) multilevel safety behavior perception and (5) comparative analysis of safety climate.Originality/valueThe findings can reveal the overall status of safety management research in the construction industry and represent a high-quality knowledge body of safety management research in the construction industry that accurately reflects the comprehensive knowledge map on the safety management research of construction industry. The findings also predict important highlights and future research directions of safety management research in the construction industry, which will help researchers in the safety management research of construction industry for future collaboration and work.

The inhospitable vulnerability

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiangting Shatina Chen ◽  
Joseph Fiscus
Keyword(s):  
Information Security ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Privacy Rights ◽  
Data Breach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Call To Action ◽  
The Us ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this conceptual paper is to underline several issues related to cybersecurity in the hospitality industry; address the importance of evaluating cyber risks, vulnerabilities and capabilities; and provide suggestions for hospitality operators to minimize the damage that cyberattacks could cause. Future research addressing cyber threats is a call to action. Design/methodology/approach To understand the occurrence and the impact of information security, the researchers reviewed the previous research regarding information security and used the database from Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and collected 76 information security incidents in the US hospitality industry since 2006. Finding The increasing frequency of data breach incidents from 2006 to 2017 indicates that the issue of cybercrimes has become more critical in the hospitality industry. Originality/value This conceptual paper sheds light on the issues of cybersecurity in risk assessment and heightens the necessity of discussing data breach issues in future hospitality research.

Cyber physics system: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changbin Jiang ◽  
Ying Ma ◽  
Hong Chen ◽  
Yangyin Zheng ◽  
Shan Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Smart Manufacturing ◽  
Multiple Time Scales ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Control Circuits

Purpose Cyber physical system (CPS) has attracted much attention from industry, government and academia due to its dramatic impact on society, economy and people’s daily lives. Scholars have conducted a number of studies on CPS. However, despite of the dynamic nature of this research area, a systematic and extensive review of recent research on CPS is unavailable. Accordingly, this paper conducts an intensive literature review on CPS and presents an overview of existing research on CPS. The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges of studying CPS as well as the directions for future studies on CPS. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines existing literatures about CPS from 2006 to 2018 in Compendex, presenting its definition, architectures, characteristics and applications. Findings This study finds that CPS is closely integrated, diversified and large-scale network with complex multiple time scales. It requires dynamic reorganization/reconfiguration, mass computing, and closed, automated and control circuits. Currently, CPS has been applied in smart manufacturing, medical systems, smart city and smart libraries. The main challenges in designing CPS are to develop, to modify, to integrate abstractions and to set predictable timing of openness and physical interconnection of physical devices. Furthermore, security is a key issue in CPS. Originality/value This study adds knowledge to the existing literature of CPS by answering what the current level of development on CPS is and what the potential future research directions of CPS are.

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