Social cryptocurrencies as model for enhancing sustainable development

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Mora ◽  
Mario R. Morales-Morales ◽  
Francisco A. Pujol-López ◽  
Rafael Mollá-Sirvent

Purpose Growing inequality and socioeconomic and environmental degradation concerns forces us to think about how innovative technologies can contribute to reduce this problem. This study aims to analyze the potential of social cryptocurrencies to enhance the community development and cooperation between small businesses of the near environment. The evolution of these technology-based schemes could be key factors for generating innovative social enterprises, improving the quality of life in the community; in this way generate a conceptual model to sustainable development, while being more transparent, efficient and scalable as they are supported by technological applications. Design/methodology/approach Based on an in-depth study of the relevant literature, a conceptual model was designed. The concept of social cryptocurrency is proposed as a new approach to virtual currencies for social purposes and sustainable development. Findings The key findings point out that actors such as innovation and social entrepreneurship will come together in a new generation of social currencies, extending cryptocurrency technology to social business domains. Research limitations/implications The impact of this will result in a better quality of life for society and the achievement of several sustainable development goals. However, a limitation would be that its scope depends on certain characteristics of the local environment. Furthermore, the proposed model will require validation in later phases through social experiments. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper is in structuring a formal model that, based on empirical experiences and the use of the technology that underlies cryptocurrencies, proposes a set of constituent elements and characterizes them to contribute to achievement of sustainable development.

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Busaya Virakul

Purpose – This paper aims to propose an effective response by business organizations to the impact of global challenges and sustainable development (SD). It also presents an overview model of organizational performance employing such an approach. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a conceptual work based upon a review of theories, research findings and reports gathered from relevant literature. The review yielded the following research framework: many countries are facing global challenges; these global challenges are affecting business organizations as external factors; SD is a concept employed to address these challenges; SD can be applied in business organizations through corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate governance (CG) and sustainability policy and practices; and embedding CSR, CG and sustainability concepts at a strategic level is an effective response to global challenges. Findings – Global challenges are impacting on business organizations and will continue to do so into the future. CSR, CG and sustainability concepts are increasingly being adopted by leading business organizations throughout the world. Embedding CSR, CG and sustainability concepts at a strategic level can sustain long-term organizational performance, as they help businesses face global challenges in a positive manner and maintain their position in societies on good terms with all stakeholders. Research limitations/implications – Different cultural or socio-economic environments may limit the interpretation and application of the findings or propositions in this research. Practical implications – How CSR, CG and sustainability concepts can be holistically implemented in business practices. Social implications – The role of business in lessening the effect of global challenges and supporting SD is illustrated in the proposed model. Originality/value – This paper demonstrates connections among the following critical influences on organizational performance: global challenges; SD; and CSR, CG and sustainability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-114
Author(s):  
Sheshadri Chatterjee

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing the citizens to use robots that would improve the quality of life of the citizens. Design/methodology/approach With the help of different adoption theories and models and with the support of background studies, some hypotheses have been formulated and a conceptual model has been developed with the consideration of the impact of artificial intelligence regulation (IAR) that controls the use of robots as a moderator. The model has been validated and the hypotheses have been tested by statistical analysis with the help of survey works involving consideration of feedbacks from 503 usable respondents. Findings The study reveals that the use of robots by the citizens would appreciably increase if government imposes strict artificial intelligence (AI) regulatory control concerning the use of robots, and in that case, it appears that the use of robots would improve the quality of life of the citizens. Research limitations/implications The duly validated model would help the authority to appropriately nurse and nurture the factors such as ethical dilemma, perceived risks and control beliefs for enhancing the intention of the citizens to use robots for many purposes including domestic usage in the context of appropriate restrictions imposed through AI regulation. Such use of robots would eventually improve the quality of life. Originality/value There are a few studies covering analysis of IAR as a moderator on the linkages of the predictors with the intention of the citizens to use robots. In this context, this study is claimed to have offered a novel contribution.


1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy A. Lang ◽  
Glenn Neil-Dwyer ◽  
John Garfield

Object. The goals of this study were twofold: 1) to determine outcome, including quality of life, in patients who have undergone surgery for petroclival meningioma in which a standard skull base approach was used; and 2) to assess the impact of the patients' surgical treatment on their caregivers.Methods. Seventeen patients (13 women and four men ranging in age from 29 to 63 years) who underwent a transpetrosal approach for a petroclival meningioma during a 5-year period were prospectively included in this study. Pre- and postoperative data including adverse events were noted. The patients were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter, and they completed a postoperative SF-36 questionnaire. In addition, each patient's caregiver was interviewed to determine the effect of the patient's illness on the caregiver's life and responsibilities.Twenty-two operations were performed. A new permanent neurological deficit developed in five patients and in eight a temporary deficit or exacerbation of existing deficits occurred. Two patients underwent surgery to create a facial—hypoglossal nerve communication; five required a temporary percutaneous gastrostomy and/or tracheostomy; three required a shunt; and one underwent successful squint surgery. At 1 year postoperatively 13 patients had made a good or moderate recovery, three were severely disabled, and one had died—outcomes in keeping with other studies. By contrast, responses to the SF-36 questionnaire showed that, in all eight of its categories, between 43% and 75% of surviving patients were functioning below accepted norms. Fifty-six percent of caregivers experienced a major change in lifestyle and 38% experienced a major change with respect to their work.Conclusions. After transpetrosal excision of a petroclival meningioma, the quality of life for the patient is worse than that indicated in surgeons' reported results. The impact on the patient's caregiver is profound—a burden perhaps not fully appreciated by the surgeon.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krysia Emily Waldock

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the possible impact of normalisation on the perceptions of quality of life (QoL) and the impact of this association on the research to date. This commentary reflects on the implications of limiting QoL research to autistic people who are perceived to be “more able”. Design/methodology/approach This commentary discusses the implications of undertaking QoL research in the field of autism. Findings This commentary argues for further consideration of the autistic voice in QoL research. Researcher epistemology and life experience, including experience of autistic people, is examined in terms of how QoL might be perceived and attributed. Further participatory research in the field of quality of life of autistic people, including those with a learning disability and engagement with a variety of autistic people, is called for. Originality/value This commentary suggests that the existing definitions of QoL, founded on principles of normalisation, may not be completely applicable to autistic people, and that new ways of both defining and measuring QoL might be needed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Vázquez Maguirre ◽  
Luis Portales ◽  
Isabelle Velásquez Bellido

The aim of this article is to explore the mechanisms by which indigenous social enterprises contribute to a rural community’s sustainable development and improves the quality of life of its inhabitants. The work follows a qualitative methodology and uses the case study as a research technique. The research suggests that social enterprise uses four main mechanisms to promote rural sustainable development in the community where it operates: labor as a source of quality of life, gender equality, sustainable exploitation of the resources, and the equitable distribution of benefits between the economic, social and environmental dimensions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-446
Author(s):  
José Manuel Hernández-Mogollón ◽  
Elide Di-Clemente ◽  
Ana María Campón-Cerro

Purpose This paper aims to develop an original model in the context of food-based experiences considering new experiential variables, such as to experience quality, memorability and quality of life (QOL), and their impact on marketing outcomes, namely, satisfaction and loyalty, approached from an experience perspective. Design/methodology/approach An empirical approach has been adopted. Data have been collected through an online and a paper-and-pencil method, using an original questionnaire addressed to tourists who had a food-based experience during their recent holidays. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling is the technique used for data analysis. Findings The results confirm that local food, enjoyed through quality experiences, is a determining factor in designing memorable products, achieving tourist satisfaction, improving their QOL and encouraging loyalty to experiential food-based practices. Research limitations Results should be interpreted within the context of this research because of the use of a sample conveniently selected. Practical implications Gastronomic experiences represent a successful strategic resource for tourist destinations and professionals who want to adapt their business/destination to the new requirements of the experiential context. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is first to relate the impact of memorable and quality culinary experiences on the QOL of tourists, chasing, as a final result, loyal intentions towards a specific kind of experience (culinary) rather than towards the destination.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 887-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suane A. Moschen ◽  
Janaina Macke ◽  
Suélen Bebber ◽  
Marcelo Benetti Correa da Silva

Purpose The aims of this study is to put on the agenda discussions concerning the approach of sustainable goals and indicators, in terms of how they relate to each other and how to list their importance within a network of contemporary city management. From the millennium objectives experience, UN has launched the continuity of the development program, through the sustainable development goals (SDG), which have the purpose of giving support to local and regional governments for the 2030 agenda in local sphere. In the city context, sustainable development has also been approached in regulations, like ISO 37120: 2017 “Sustainable development of communities: Indicators for city services and quality of life”. These instruments have in common the concern of offering parameters of public services to citizens and promoting in a uniform manner both social and economic growth of the urban environment. Design/methodology/approach The present study aims to compare these two sustainable development tools by means of a documentary analysis and to analyze the feasibility of the proposed indicators and their qualitative evaluation goals to improve citizens’ quality of life. Findings The results suggest that the main urban challenges are related to unplanned urban growth and poor-quality public services, which generate a lack of commitment to enforce laws and to achieve sustainable development goals. Originality/value The study establishes bases for guiding the discussion to support managers and investors decisions to promote paradigm changes in the citizens’ life and in the way cities are planned.


Author(s):  
Salil K. Sen

Purpose – There is a global convergence on issues pertaining to sustainability, such as water sharing, energy security and waste management. Symbiosis focus the need to secure an enduring relationship satisfying the quality of life need for novelty aspirations of the customers and stakeholders. This is addressed as sustainable differentiation. This study aims: to understand the need to develop the symbiosis of sustainable development and sustainable differentiation, to analyze the research framework of sustainability symbiosis though the underlying attributes of: need to develop, need to innovate and need to differentiate. Design/methodology/approach – The research design conceptualizes sustainable development as a process or evolution where firms may be symbiotically configured on the attributes of sustainability, development and differentiation. The logit analysis methodology addresses competitiveness coupled with environmentally benign technology to sustain the customers' preference for products and services that satisfy their quality of life needs. The approach is to estimate the symbiotic index of a local, regional or globally scalable habitat. The competitiveness coupled with environmentally benign technology can be sustained when the customers' preference for products and services satisfies their quality of life needs. Findings – The output indicates the significance (0.037 at 95 percent confidence level) of the constant term representing “quality of life need for novelty” justifying symbiotic linkage of sustainability, development and differentiation. There is goodness of fit (α 0.5617, Wald statistic 0.093) to establish the significance of the three variables of GDP (representing intensity of eco-efficient technology), population (standing for intensity of competitiveness) and sustaining empathy (in response to climate change). Their statistical significance indicates the propensity to differentiation given sustainable development would substantively improve the overall construct. Research limitations/implications – There is need for further research with primary data. The assumption that sustainable differentiation may become an indicator variable that may assume binary form needs thorough justification. The key implication is that differentiation creates grassroots distinctiveness to development that transforms sustainability into opportunity. This cost to benefit gap is bridged through the symbiotic chain of sustainability, development and differentiation. Originality/value – This sustainable differentiation metric harnesses a dormant, yet fundamental key to the success of sustainable development, the emotive linkage. This explanatory variable adds robustness to sustainable development models by way of etching a long-term memory trace for the sustainability practices of the organization as well as innovation efforts to differentiate long term providing an essence of competitiveness.


2022 ◽  
pp. 101-114
Author(s):  
Roxana Yasmín Durán Sosa ◽  
Iliana Araya Ramírez ◽  
Rui Alexandre Castanho

Costa Rica is recognized for its efforts in sustainable development. This study analyzes the challenges of environmental sanitation to articulate environmental management in the Canton of Heredia. Currently, the country faces significant challenges regarding access to water and environmental sanitation. This research contributes to the analysis of the challenges of the environmental sanitation system in this territory. The testing techniques and photographic registration in the impact area, along with the interviews with employees and professionals on the subject, and extensive bibliographic consultation support this methodology. The study's conclusions regarding the challenges of environmental sanitation are 1) legal and institutional framework faced by the environmental sanitation project of the Publics Services Company of Heredia (ESPH for its initials in Spanish), 2) strategy for the treatment of sanitary waters in the canton, and 3) improvement in the quality of life of the Heredia's citizens.


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