scholarly journals Power and logics in Scottish football: the financial collapse of Rangers FC

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Morrow

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the implications of power imbalance and over-emphasis on commercial logic on the structure and governance of Scottish football. Design/methodology/approach – An in-depth analysis of secondary sources is used to identify the logics at play in Scottish football and to explore implications of the liquidation of Rangers for the structure of the game. Findings – Over-emphasis on commercial logic has led to power being concentrated in two clubs, Celtic and Rangers, and to other clubs and the league itself becoming financially dependent on those clubs. The collapse of Rangers thus threatened the stability of other clubs and the league. The case highlights the challenge of reconciling competing logics and the role played by previously peripheral actors in bringing about change in the field. Research limitations/implications – The on-going nature of the case, related investigations and legal process meant that it was not possible to supplement the secondary source material with primary evidence. Practical implications – It demonstrates the multi-faceted nature of elite contemporary football and of the challenges faced by leagues and governing bodies in accommodating logics and multiple stakeholder interests. It also highlights the need for more effective financial regulation of corporate football clubs and their officials and emphasises the importance of inclusive stakeholder governance. Originality/value – It highlights the risks inherent in football business in small markets dominated by one or a few clubs. It highlights the role that previously peripheral actors can play in bringing about change within a field.

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 242-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Cudworth

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to map the field of sociological animal studies through some examples of critical and mainstream approaches and considers their relation to advocacy. It makes the argument that while all these initiatives have made important contributions to the project of “animalising sociology” and suggest a need for change in species relations, the link between analysis and political strategy is uncertain. Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops its argument by using secondary sources, reviewing sociological positions and offering illustrations of possible interventions. Findings – Sociological interventions in the field of animal studies have been informed by critical perspectives, such as feminism and Marxism, or taken less critical routes deploying actor-network theory and symbolic interactionism. Whilst those working in critical traditions may appear to have a more certain political agenda, an analysis of “how things are” does not always lead to a clear position on “what is to be done” in terms of social movement agendas or policy intervention. In addition, concepts deployed in advocacy such as “liberation”, “quality of life” or “care” are problematic when applied beyond the human. Despite this, there are possibilities for coalition and solidarity around certain claims for change. Research limitations/implications – If the central argument of the paper were taken seriously by general sociologists, then sociology may be more open to “animal studies”. In implications for exisitng sociological animal studies scholarship is to trouble some of the certainties around advocacy. Practical implications – If the central argument of the paper were taken seriously by advocacy groups, then the hiatus between “welfarism” and “liberation” might be overcome. Originality/value – There have been recent attempts to map the field of scholarship in animal studies, but surprisingly little consideration of how different emergent positions inform questions of advocacy and the possibilities for political intervention.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Maghrebi ◽  
Ali Shamsoddini ◽  
S. Travis Waller

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to predict the concrete pouring production rate by considering both construction and supply parameters, and by using a more stable learning method. Design/methodology/approach Unlike similar approaches, this paper considers not only construction site parameters, but also supply chain parameters. Machine learner fusion-regression (MLF-R) is used to predict the production rate of concrete pouring tasks. Findings MLF-R is used on a field database including 2,600 deliveries to 507 different locations. The proposed data set and the results are compared with ANN-Gaussian, ANN-Sigmoid and Adaboost.R2 (ANN-Gaussian). The results show better performance of MLF-R obtaining the least root mean square error (RMSE) compared with other methods. Moreover, the RMSEs derived from the predictions by MLF-R in some trials had the least standard deviation, indicating the stability of this approach among similar used approaches. Practical implications The size of the database used in this study is much larger than the size of databases used in previous studies. It helps authors draw their conclusions more confidently and introduce more generalised models that can be used in the ready-mixed concrete industry. Originality/value Introducing a more stable learning method for predicting the concrete pouring production rate helps not only construction parameters, but also traffic and supply chain parameters.


Author(s):  
Kanchan Lala ◽  
Kunal Sinha

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze and summarize growth and development of technology business incubation system in India. The study in this route tries to explore factors which include various actors and agencies influencing the process of incubation and innovation. Design/methodology/approach The paper in route to access the role of different actors and agencies situated around the incubation process is being executed through the systems of innovation framework. Data have been collected from the secondary sources including government department, ministries and other sources. Findings The study besides providing an in-depth analysis of the incubation process in India finds that the process is relatively new in the Indian context and lacks a profound policy for escalating the process of technological incubation. The study also finds that over the years India’s innovation potential has escalated significantly which in a way can be seen as an optimistic result in the growth and development of technology business incubation. Originality/value The proposed study is one of the few in this category, especially while analyzing technology business incubation with respect to India. The study also tries to add on literature in the domain of technology incubation especially in the context of India.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Habibu Umar ◽  
Sulaiman Musa

Purpose This paper aims to establish whether Jaiz Bank Nigeria, Plc (JBNP) adopts the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice and disclosure of Islami Bank Bangladesh (IBBL) as the latter provided managerial and technical assistance to the former. Design/methodology/approach The data were extracted from the annual reports and accounts of the banks from 2013 to 2017. Findings The study established that over the period, IBBL had clearly disclosed sector-wise CSR expenditures and the number of beneficiaries, such as humanitarian and disaster relief, education, health and environment, among others, for the welfare of the poor and the needy in the country. However, the CSR practice and disclosure of IBBL have not yet been adopted by JBNP. It only discharges CSR activities through its foundation called Jaiz Foundation, with unlawful income based on the doctrine of necessity, as approved by the Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts (FRACE) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Further, the total amount to expend for CSR activities is located in the statement of sources and uses of charity funds. Research limitations/implications The study covered only two Islamic Banks. Besides, only CSR aspects for the community service and development over five years were examined. Practical implications It is suggested that JBNP should adopt the CSR practice and disclosure of IBBL for the welfare of the poor and the needy in Nigeria. Social implications Adopting the IBBL CSR practice and disclosure by JBNP would contribute to the minimization of the incidence of poverty in Nigeria. Originality/value This study, to the best knowledge of the researchers, is among the few of its kind that deeply evaluated the CSR expenditure of Islamic banks solely for the welfare of the poor and the needy of the society.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1209-1220
Author(s):  
Heidi Reeder

PurposeWithout the stability of tenure, adjunct faculty have few barriers to leave their position. The purpose of this article is to understand the variables that predict commitment among adjunct instructors.Design/methodology/approachThis paper statistically analyzed data from a survey completed by adjunct instructors at two 4-year universities. The survey included scales on commitment, satisfaction, investments, alternatives and the psychological concepts of grit and self-efficacy. In addition, a qualitative analysis was conducted on supplemental open-ended questions that allowed participants to describe the basis of their commitment.FindingsSatisfaction and investments were the main predictors of commitment and those together accounted for just over 50 percent of the variance. Grit and self-efficacy did not correlate with commitment, but did correlate with satisfaction and investments.Practical implicationsGiven the predictive power of satisfaction to explain commitment, understanding the specific rewards and costs experienced by this population can give administrators ideas for making the part-time position more appealing. Similarly, given the predictive power of investments, administrators might consider identifying avenues for adjunct faculty to contribute to the department and university in a meaningful and rewarding way.Originality/valueUniversities are increasingly dependent on adjunct instructors, so it is worthwhile to understand the experience of such faculty. This is best done through research, rather than relying on assumptions, stereotype or anecdotes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 33-35

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint 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 Building a regional rather than a global supply chain can help firms guard against the damaging impact of the bullwhip effect and increase the stability of their supply chain. The possibility of better communication, greater flexibility, and ability to respond more quickly are factors that can appease the bullwhip severity. The benefits of a regional supply chain increase further in times of economic certainty, when the risk to global supply chains intensifies. 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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 43-45

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint 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 This research paper uses a case study of St Petersburg, Russia, to analyze the best ways in which to build an enviably effective place brand architecture, given the complex nature of managing multiple stakeholders with varying interests. The results uncovered that a sub-brands strategy is effective at making space for the multiple stakeholder voices that can add value to a city's master brand through coordinated co-creation. Increasing the low resident participation levels that are apparent in St Petersburg has the potential to transform the city's brand energy and touristic allure. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists 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.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Abdulla Al Mamun ◽  
Alima Aktar

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) practices of financial institutions in an emerging economy of Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach Based on 93 items of intellectual capital categorized into internal capital, external capital and human capital, ICD index is developed for 53 financial institutions listed in Dhaka Stock Exchange. This study uses descriptive statistics to analyze ICD practices, and parametric and non-parametric tests to analyze the variation of ICD practices in terms of different categories as well as in terms of different sectors. Findings Results indicate that more than 70% of ICD items are generally not disclosed by financial institutions in Bangladesh. The highest of 36% of external capital disclosure items are disclosed, whereas the lowest of 18% of human resource capital elements are disclosed. Furthermore, results find the significant variability of ICD practices in terms of different intellectual capital categories and in between banking companies and non-banking financial institutions. Practical implications Findings have critical implications for managers, policymakers and regulators for setting appropriate strategies and regulations for improving the level of ICD, which, in turn, may reduce the information asymmetry problems of financial institutions as well. Originality/value In-depth analysis about variability of ICD practices creates value in the ICD literature by highlighting strategic priority of financial institutions to disclose information about the strategic resources in unique emerging economic settings such as Bangladesh.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Bebbington ◽  
Henrik Österblom ◽  
Beatrice Crona ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Jouffray ◽  
Carlos Larrinaga ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to interrogate the nature and relevance of debates around the existence of, and ramifications arising from, the Anthropocene for accounting scholarship. Design/methodology/approach The paper’s aim is achieved through an in-depth analysis of the Anthropocene, paying attention to cross-disciplinary contributions, interpretations and contestations. Possible points of connection between the Anthropocene and accounting scholarship are then proposed and illuminated through a case study drawn from the seafood sector. Findings This paper develops findings in two areas. First, possible pathways for further development of how accounting scholarship might evolve by the provocation that thinking about the Anthropocene is outlined. Second, and through engagement with the case study, the authors highlight that the concept of stewardship may re-emerge in discussions about accountability in the Anthropocene. Research limitations/implications The paper argues that accounting scholarship focused on social, environmental and sustainability concerns may be further developed by engagement with Anthropocene debates. Practical implications While accounting practice might have to change to deal with Anthropocene induced effects, this paper focuses on implications for accounting scholarship. Social implications Human well-being is likely to be impacted if environmental impacts accelerate. In addition, an Anthropocene framing alters the understanding of nature–human interactions and how this affects accounting thought. Originality/value This is the first paper in accounting to seek to establish connections between accounting, accountability and the Anthropocene.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Heitel ◽  
Annette Kämpf-Dern ◽  
Andreas Pfnür

Purpose – In addition to financial returns, German housing companies are expected to achieve social and ecological outcomes. This achievement is challenging for management, as expectations from different stakeholders are only partly apparent and often conflicting. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a process model that supports the management of housing companies to systematically explore, evaluate, and integrate stakeholders’ interests into the company’s strategic targets. Findings – The integrated process model improves sustainable value creation, as stakeholders’ interests are transparent and can thus be better satisfied. Research limitations/implications – Due to the action research design, further research cycles and empirical testing with other companies are needed before findings can be generalised. Practical implications – The process enables housing companies to focus on value-generating activities, to react timely to changing needs, and to improve their relationships with stakeholders. Management benefits from increased clarity and legitimacy for strategic decisions as stakeholder demands are made transparent and integrated into the strategic targets. Originality/value – Compared to common participation approaches, all stakeholder groups are consulted, and their expectations are documented transparently within the suggested process model. This results in a better foundation for sustainable management planning and decisions.


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