Assessment of human-induced impacts on hydrological regime of Gomti river basin, India

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 631-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkatesh Dutta ◽  
Ravindra Kumar ◽  
Urvashi Sharma
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Satellite Data ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
River Channels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gomti River ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Management And Development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential impact of human-induced intervention on hydrological regimes of Gomti river, one of the important tributaries of the Ganga Alluvial Plain in India aiming at an overall assessment of the status quo. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology includes following four components: study of basin morphology, sub-surface geology and sediments profile of Gomti river; a comparison of LANDSAT satellite data of 1978 and IRS-1C/LISS-III satellite data of 2008 to study the changes occurring in the built-up area, forest and water bodies of the basin; study of flow patterns in different stretches of river Gomti from 1978 to 2012; and water quality assessment at different sites from origin of the river to its confluence in the Ganges. Findings – The paper shows that over the years, the water source in the tributaries feeding the river Gomti has shrunk, reducing the flow in the river. A steady increase in developed land area due to rapid urban sprawl has occurred in recent decades, due to which forest cover and wetlands are decreasing, the river and floodplains are getting fragmented, the hydromorphology changed considerably and several tributaries are getting dried as a result of indiscriminate exploitation of groundwater. There is no flow in the initial 57 km stretch of the river with wide encroachment in active floodplains. Groundwater over-extraction to meet the demands of increasing population and intensive agriculture has led to reduction in base-flows and in some reaches even negative. Extensive land-use changes in the Gomti river basin (GRB) severely impact the river and floodplain connectivity, the impacts are already evident as several tributaries are getting dried during the non-monsoon months. Research limitations/implications – The information provided by the paper for GRB is significant for the understanding of the basin and to formulate integrated management and development plan of the basin. Significant changes have taken place in the GRB over the recent past and are still continuing. Because of the chosen river basin and the site-specific research approach, the research results may lack generalization. However, it provides a general framework of analysis which could be applied to other regions. Practical implications – River channels with their floodplains and adjoining ecosystems have to be addressed as interconnected ecological entity in a holistic way. This requires comprehensive observations of the river systems and catchment characteristics using long-term data. The paper could be used as the starting point in the development of management and development strategies for the basin. Originality/value – River and its floodplain offer multiple ecosystem services and deserve an integrated approach for their conservation and restoration. Conservation and protection of ecologically intact river-floodplain systems is extremely important and urgently needs integrated planning and management. This paper has adopted a integrated approach to study the integrity of river ecosystems and the potential pressures on them.

Intellectual capital in family firms: human capital identification and measurement

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Claver-Cortés ◽  
Patrocinio Carmen Zaragoza-Sáez ◽  
Hipólito Molina-Manchón ◽  
Mercedes Úbeda-García
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Based on the literature devoted to family firms and the intellectual capital-based view of the firm, the purpose of this paper is not only to identify the most important human capital intangibles owned by family firms but also to show a number of indicators that can help measure them. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case-study-based research approach was adopted taking as reference: 25 family firms belonging to different sectors; previous works existing in the literature; and the intellectus model. Findings – The present study identifies ten intangibles associated with the human capital of family firms and shows 60 indicators that can be used to measure them. It additionally provides empirical evidence and gives examples of these intangibles through the analysis of 25 international family firms. Research limitations/implications – The difficulty in collecting all the human capital intangibles of family firms; the problems associated with the creation of accurate indicators; and those specific to the research methodology adopted. Practical implications – Identifying the human capital intangibles of family firms and their indicators can help managers become aware of their importance, and this will consequently help them improve their management. This could be an interesting starting point to value these intangibles in the balance sheet as well as to draw comparisons between family and non-family organisations. Originality/value – The framework provided by family firms sheds light on several intangibles specific to these firms – precisely for their condition as “family” firms. Those intangibles – human capital intangibles being especially highlighted in this study – provide the basis for the achievement of competitive advantages.

Towards an implementation framework for governance in the Ghanaian securities trading industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Marx ◽  
Ronald Henry Mynhardt
Keyword(s):  
Boards Of Directors ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
Audit Committees ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Implementation Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Framework ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Securities Trading

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an implementation framework for governance in the Ghanaian securities trading industry. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was followed, using participatory action research (PAR) by involving stakeholders from the Ghanaian securities trading industry. Findings A governance framework for the Ghanaian securities trading industry is proposed, taking into account the regulatory environment of Ghana, the role of ethical leadership, boards of directors, audit committees, the governance of risk, information technology and internal audit. Research limitations/implications This study used PAR because it is a recognised research methodology aimed at problem resolution, knowledge creation and improving professional practice, through the involvement of the interest group. This paper provides a starting point – a practical solution for the securities industry of Ghana, but not generalisable results. Practical implications Applying the governance framework will create safeguards against corruption and mismanagement, promote transparency in economic life and assist Ghana in attracting investment, ultimately lowering its cost of capital and contributing to economic growth and development in the country. Social implications The implementation of the governance framework will benefit all stakeholders (employees, suppliers and the community at large) as a result of a culture conducive to influencing behaviour, strategy planning and implementation, as well as corporate results and financial sustainability. Originality/value The use of PAR assists the practitioners from the Ghanaian securities trading industry in improving their competencies (knowledge, skills, values and attributes) whilst generating a workable solution for their current governance challenges.

Digitalization challenging institutional logics

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Holmlund ◽  
Tore Strandvik ◽  
Ilkka Lähteenmäki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Models ◽  
Service Management ◽  
Retail Banking ◽  
Customer Relationships ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Executive Team ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Business Challenges

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the mental models of top executive team members in a selected retail bank. The focus is on how each executive team member makes sense of the market situation and changes with regard to customers and customer-bank interactions in the current situation where earlier bank practices are at risk of becoming obsolete. Design/methodology/approach All members in the executive team were interviewed individually in August 2014 on how they reason about challenges in the service business. The study uses an abductive research approach. Findings The mental models were largely dominated by internal bank issues, and adjusting the services to changing customer preferences was considered a main challenge. The research analysis showed that the executive team members identified the same business challenges, but their interpretations of the meanings and implications of the challenges were different. Mental models tend to be hidden and stable and are seldom explicitly elaborated. There was a distinct spread in mental models in terms of content. Limited focus was on customers as the starting point for business development and renewal. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted in the retail banking setting, which is currently affected by many changes. The study, however, was limited to executive members in one bank. Practical implications The foremost implications of this study relate to sensitising executive members and teams to their mental models and exposing different core challenges related to customers and customer relationships in the retail banking sector. Originality/value The value of the study is it sheds light on top executives’ prospective sensemaking of current business challenges by addressing individual mental models. The study represents a novel approach in the strategic service management literature.

scholarly journals Organizational aspects of cybersecurity in German family firms – Do opportunities or risks predominate?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Sven Ulrich ◽  
Alice Timmermann ◽  
Vanessa Frank
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Security Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Survey ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Cyber Risk

PurposeThe starting point for the considerations the authors make in this paper are the special features of family businesses in the area of management discussed in the literature. It has been established here that family businesses sometimes choose different organizational setups than nonfamily businesses. This has not yet been investigated for cybersecurity. In the context of cybersecurity, there has been little theoretical or empirical work addressing the question of whether the qualitative characteristics of family businesses have an impact on the understanding of cybersecurity and the organization of cyber risk defense in the companies. Based on theoretically founded hypotheses, a quantitative empirical study was conducted in German companies.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on a quantitative-empirical survey of 184 companies, the results of which were analyzed using statistical-empirical methods.FindingsThe article asked – based on the subjective perception of cybersecurity and cyber risks – to what extent family businesses are sensitized to the topic and what conclusions they draw from it. An interesting tension emerges: family businesses see their employees more as a security risk, but do less than nonfamily businesses in terms of both training and organizational establishment. Whether this is due to a lack of technical or managerial expertise, or whether family businesses simply think they can prevent cybersecurity with less formal methods such as trust, is open to conjecture, but cannot be demonstrated with the research approach taken here. Qualitative follow-up studies are needed here.Originality/valueThis paper represents the first quantitative survey on cybersecurity with a specific focus on family businesses. It shows tension between awareness, especially of risks emanating from employees, and organizational routines that have not been implemented or established.

scholarly journals Flying asset

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Martinetti ◽  
Erik Jan Schakel ◽  
Leo A.M. van Dongen
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Maintenance Strategy ◽  
Component Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reliability Centered Maintenance ◽  
Maintenance Program ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to create a framework to provide a scalable maintenance program for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in order to choose the most suitable and feasible maintenance strategy in terms of reliability. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for a reliability-centered maintenance-based approach to develop the framework using a UAS as the starting point of the research. A linear and user-friendly design of the methodology based on a Boolean flowchart was chosen in order to lead the analyst through the process avoiding as much as possible subjectivity decision-making issues. Finally, the framework was, on the component level, performed by a UAS company gathering feedback on its applicability. Findings An agile and structured decision-making framework for developing scalable maintenance program of UAS is provided. The proposed solution gives the opportunity to tailor the maintenance strategy to the technical characteristics, considering not only the single component but also situations and conditions in which the machine will operate. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the framework is potentially applicable to every UAS. A first trial of the method was run on a multirotor vehicle equipped with eight electric brushless motors. Further studies focused on different UAS will be mandatory in order to obtain comparable and robust findings and a reliable approach. Practical implications This study offers a different scheme to elaborate a specific maintenance solution related to the characteristics of the system. It strives to remedy the drawbacks of the traditional approach for a manned aircraft not completely suitable for systems with such different functions, features and tasks. The authors believe that the method presented in this paper will provide a new selection tool for choosing maintenance actions based on the features of the UAS. Originality/value This paper provides a new and usable solution to include the maintenance actions in the management of pioneering products. In spite of the maintenance program representing an essential aspect to provide reliable assets, frameworks to create programs and to help manufacturers and users are still difficult to find or to apply to different UAS. This gap enhances the misunderstanding that the maintenance is not required or essential for the unmanned aircrafts management.

Using the domain analytical approach in the study of information practices in biomedicine

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 961-986
Author(s):  
Annikki Roos ◽  
Turid Hedlund
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Approach ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Biomedical Domain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scientific Domain ◽  
Mutual Dependence ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Task Uncertainty

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the information practices of the researchers in biomedicine using the domain analytical approach. Design/methodology/approach The domain analytical research approach used in the study of the scientific domain of biomedicine leads to studies into the organization of sciences. By using Whitley’s dimensions of “mutual dependence” and “task uncertainty” in scientific work as a starting point the authors were able to reanalyze previously collected data. By opening up these concepts in the biomedical research work context, the authors analyzed the distinguishing features of the biomedical domain and the way these features affected researchers’ information practices. Findings Several indicators representing “task uncertainty” and “mutual dependence” in the scientific domain of biomedicine were identified. This study supports the view that in biomedicine the task uncertainty is low and researchers are mutually highly dependent on each other. Hard competition seems to be one feature, which is behind the explosion of the data and publications in this domain. This fact, on its part is directly related to the ways information is searched, followed, used and produced. The need for new easy to use services or tools for searching and following information in so called “hot” topics came apparent. Originality/value The study highlights new information about information practices in the biomedical domain. Whitley’s theory enabled a thorough analysis of the cultural and social nature of the biomedical domain and it proved to be useful in the examination of researchers’ information practices.

Developing an information classification method

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Bergström ◽  
Fredrik Karlsson ◽  
Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Information Security ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Breaches ◽  
Information Classification ◽  
Subjective Judgement ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Iec 27002

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for information classification. The proposed method draws on established standards, such as the ISO/IEC 27002 and information classification practices. The long-term goal of the method is to decrease the subjective judgement in the implementation of information classification in organisations, which can lead to information security breaches because the information is under- or over-classified. Design/methodology/approach The results are based on a design science research approach, implemented as five iterations spanning the years 2013 to 2019. Findings The paper presents a method for information classification and the design principles underpinning the method. The empirical demonstration shows that senior and novice information security managers perceive the method as a useful tool for classifying information assets in an organisation. Research limitations/implications Existing research has, to a limited extent, provided extensive advice on how to approach information classification in organisations systematically. The method presented in this paper can act as a starting point for further research in this area, aiming at decreasing subjectivity in the information classification process. Additional research is needed to fully validate the proposed method for information classification and its potential to reduce the subjective judgement. Practical implications The research contributes to practice by offering a method for information classification. It provides a hands-on-tool for how to implement an information classification process. Besides, this research proves that it is possible to devise a method to support information classification. This is important, because, even if an organisation chooses not to adopt the proposed method, the very fact that this method has proved useful should encourage any similar endeavour. Originality/value The proposed method offers a detailed and well-elaborated tool for information classification. The method is generic and adaptable, depending on organisational needs.

Emerging financial risks from climate changes on building assets in the UK

Facilities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 460-475
Author(s):  
Abdullah Alzahrani ◽  
Halim Boussabaine ◽  
Khalid Almarri
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Financial Risks ◽  
Building Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Management And Development ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The different scenarios of climate change, such as floods, temperature change and storms, are considered the main drivers influencing the building sector. Understanding how and when these climatic risks will emerge, specifically financial risks, is pivotal in dealing with these risks and applying the adaptation and mitigation strategies so as to minimise the effects and damages. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to discover the financial risks emerging from climate change impact on the building sector and determine the timescale of occurrence for such risks. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology formulated in this study is founded on a systematic literature review and statistical analysis. Built on this, the potential financial risks emerging from climate change scenarios (CCS) were identified and designed as a questionnaire to collect data from UK expert professionals. Statistical methods were used to rank and compare the outcomes of the survey. Findings The research observed that around 40 per cent of the participants in this study indicated that one-third of the total identified financial risks (23 factors) would emerge within 5-10 years. The most important factors are increased insurance excess and additional expense in insuring buildings in flood risk zones, whilst the least important financial risks are inability to repay debts and un-insurability because of climate change. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the UK, and regional implications are not covered. However, it is a starting point. Originality/value The main contribution of this research project is establishing and developing clusters of the potential risks emerging from CCS, which can assist professionals in the building sector in the management and development of strategies to cope with these emerging risks.

scholarly journals Introducing the Hoshin Kanri strategic management system in manufacturing SMEs

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 2507-2523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Melander ◽  
Malin Löfving ◽  
David Andersson ◽  
Fredrik Elgh ◽  
Mikael Thulin
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Management System ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Overall Design ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Individual

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the basic principles and introduction of the Hoshin Kanri (HK) strategic management system, as related to the management practices in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This paper reports the findings from the introduction of HK to four manufacturing SMEs by following an assistance support-based research approach where teams of coaches and researchers observed and learned from the introduction phase. The overall design of the project is theory building and learning oriented. Findings It is suggested that the successful introduction of a strategic management system in manufacturing SMEs has to balance the inherent level of formalization therein, with the individual company’s management practices. Based on HK as the strategic management system, pDCA is proposed as an alternative approach to the introduction, matching differences in management practices. Research limitations/implications The explorative nature of this research provides room for subsequent studies by elaborating the knowledge on the introduction of strategic management systems in SMEs. Practical implications Awareness of the existing managerial practices is essential when introducing a new strategic management system in manufacturing SMEs. Such awareness is the starting point of customizing the introduction, so that proper levels of engagement and flexibility can be balanced with increasing systematic formalization, and optimized adequacy. Originality/value Following an assistance support-based research approach the result of this research project is summarized in the iterative pDCA model emphasizing engagement and flexibility when incrementally introducing strategic management systems in SMEs. This model addresses a hitherto under-researched topic in strategic management.

Sustainable procurement initiatives and their risk-related costs: a framework and a case study application

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Sundtoft Hald ◽  
Sofia Wiik ◽  
Anton Larssen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Economic Effect ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Procurement ◽  
Related Cost ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the economic consequences of aiming for sustainable procurement. The authors develop and apply a framework designed to identify and measure the risk-related cost trade-offs inherent in initiatives designed to improve sustainability in procurement. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a combined conceptual and case-based research method. A model is developed from theory; subsequently, it is applied using an action research approach and its limitations in use are identified. Findings Specifically, the authors develop and exemplify a framework designed to measure the risk-related cost impact of initiatives to improve sustainability in procurement and develop an initial list of difficulties and constraints when in use. Research limitations/implications This research presents one instance of a model that is applied in one single setting. The purpose is not to generalize, but to provide a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between sustainability initiatives, risk mitigation and their economic effect. The framework and its calculation methods have to be further developed and refined using more case studies. Practical implications The model can provide initial inspiration and a starting point for firms with the ambition to develop business case models to assess initiatives to improve sustainability in procurement. Its main strength is to demonstrate the multiple cause–effect relationships as well as trade-offs involved in accounting for the risk related effect of a sustainable procurement initiative. Originality/value The presented research contributes to the existing literature by conceptually developing a framework with the potential of outlining the risk-related cost implications of investments initiatives designed to improve sustainability in procurement.

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