scholarly journals Positive Influence of Certification on the Financial Performance of Cocoa Production Models in Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Lescuyer ◽  
Simon Bassanaga

Cameroon plans to double its cocoa production in the coming decade in line with international requirements for sustainable and deforestation-free cocoa. Private certification, which has developed considerably in recent years, should help achieve this objective. Based on a literature review and 63 individual interviews with farmers, we identified four archetypes of cocoa production using the criteria of plantation size, degree of shade, and support from public or private extension services. We analyzed the average operating accounts of the four archetypes. Our findings show that the net profit rates obtained by small-scale certified producers are 14% (in the savannah zone) and 24% (in the forest zone). These rates are much higher than for the other two production models. Certification schemes provide technical and financial support, which has a positive influence on the practices of many small-scale producers and compensates for the lack of public services, which are now almost non-existent. A hybrid governance of the cocoa sector in Cameroon could clarify and improve the organization of the interactions between public regulation and private certification systems.

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bùi Thị Bích Lan

In Vietnam, the construction of hydropower projects has contributed significantly in the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country. The place where hydropower projects are built is mostly inhabited by ethnic minorities - communities that rely primarily on land, a very important source of livelihood security. In the context of the lack of common productive land in resettlement areas, the orientation for agricultural production is to promote indigenous knowledge combined with increasing scientific and technical application; shifting from small-scale production practices to large-scale commodity production. However, the research results of this article show that many obstacles in the transition process are being posed such as limitations on natural resources, traditional production thinking or the suitability and effectiveness of scientific - technical application models. When agricultural production does not ensure food security, a number of implications for people’s lives are increasingly evident, such as poverty, preserving cultural identity, social relations and resource protection. Since then, it has set the role of the State in researching and building appropriate agricultural production models to exploit local strengths and ensure sustainability.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-94
Author(s):  
Mika Viljanen

AbstractFirms increasingly use complex hybrid governance structures to manage value generation networks. Empirical evidence demonstrates that the structures contain soft, “enforcement-challenged” contractual devices. Existing contract theories, however, fail to recognize and explain how these soft contract devices work as legal devices. The article seeks to address this failure.The article uses a conceptual innovation by Schepker et al to construct an actor-network theory (ANT) inspired contract theory. Schepker et al argued that contracts are best understood as often concurrently serving safeguarding, coordination, and adaptation goals. The article argues that combined with ANT the functional contracting frame allows us to recognize that contracts work and gain efficacy in multiple ways. To understand how the soft, “enforcement-challenged” contract devices work, the article traces the efficacy mechanisms the devices perform and enact.The tracings lead the article to propose an ANT contract theory that builds on three intertwined ideas: 1) contract devices have no core efficacy networks but multiple parallel efficacies, 2) contracts should be understood as bricolage collages of small-scale contractual point intervention devices that each deploy and rely on their own efficacy mechanisms and patterns, and 3) the force of contract resides in the socio-material assemblages contracts are capable of creating and sustaining.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Jayne Eastham ◽  
Diane Cox

Purpose The purpose of this paper, practice-based mixed methods small-scale study, is to explore the design features of a “dementia friendly” acute ward environment and, staff views on the implications of daily activity engagement for patients with dementia. Design/methodology/approach Eight staff members of the multidisciplinary team who work full time on an acute “dementia friendly” ward completed semi-structured questionnaires. Thematic analysis explored responses to the open-ended questions, and a further environmental assessment tool rated features of the “dementia friendly” ward design, on promoting aspects of well-being in patients with dementia. Findings Six overarching themes were found. These included: contrasting ward colours; clear ward signage; positive staff interaction; memorabilia, and activity rooms and items, had a positive influence on patient interaction, well-being and engagement in daily activities. The audit scores were rated highly for various aspects of the ward design. These included: the ward design promoting patient interaction, well-being, mobility, orientation, continence, eating and drinking and calm and security. Research limitations/implications This practice-based small-scale study highlights the importance that a “dementia friendly” ward environment may have on patient engagement and well-being, from a daily activity perspective. Further research into the key aspects of design that enable meaningful daily activity engagement is required. Practical implications This study supports staff perceived views of the positive influence that “dementia friendly” design may have for patients with dementia. Both the physical design modifications of the ward and staff interaction were highlighted as positively influencing patient well-being, and daily activity engagement. Staff members also felt that they needed to balance the clinical ward priorities, with the contextual requirements of patients with dementia, to establish an effective “dementia friendly” ward. Originality/value The value of this research is the combined consideration of an environmental assessment tool and qualitative interviews with members of the multidisciplinary team.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21` (01) ◽  
pp. 17125-17139
Author(s):  
Danisile Mthombeni ◽  
◽  
MA Antwi ◽  
T Rubhara ◽  
◽  
...  

Agro-processing is becoming more popular and practiced by farmers to reduce post-harvest losses,add value to farm products and increase farm income. This paper presents the small-scale crop farmers’ level of participation in agro-processing in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Data were collected from 255 small-scale crop farmers selected by random sampling using a semi-structured questionnaire.Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23 of 2015)was used to analyse data. Descriptive statistics (in form of percentages) were used to analyse the background characteristics of the farmers,whereas the multinomial logit model was further used to show the level of participationamongst the small-scale crop farmers. With respect to agro-processing, results indicated that 47.1% of the small-scale crop farmers participated partly,40.8% of them participated fully while 12.2% did not participate at all. Results of the multinomial analyses indicated that, educational level(p<0.05), size of the field(p<0.05),distance to the market (p<0.01),and access to credit (p<0.01)had positive significant influence on small-scale crop farmers’choice to participate fully in agro-processing. Gender,regarding male participation (p< 0.05),and age of farmer (p<0.01) had significant influence on farmers’ choice to fully participate in agro-processing. Furthermore, the results of the multinomial analyses showed that size of the field (p<0.01)owned by the farmer and access to credit(p< 0.05)had positive influence on the farmers’choice to participate partly in agro-processing whereas older farmers (p< 0.05),widows (p< 0.1) and farmers with more number of fields(p<0.01) were less likely to participate partly in agro-processing activities. These results have implications for the development of small-scale farmers venturing into agro-processing in the Gauteng province. Young females should be encouraged to join the agricultural sector as they are likely to participate in agro-processing activities which in turn results in improved income and food security at the household level. Furthermore, new agricultural education programmes should be encouraged in the area households as educated farmers are more likely to participate in the value addition activities of agro-processing.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.. Wattie

Abstract This is a study that represents ongoing academic research into the folds of perception, organizational culture and high reliability. In the shadow of persistent industrial failures it is probable that problems with operational safety reside in abnormalities of culture. Such cultural apparitions regularly fuel failure in high risk technologies making innovation rather unreliable. As innovation grows it is worth the effort to investigate further how resilience in the face of eternal socio-technical biases can be improved. Problem solving approaches offer regressive ideas that increase the chances of deviation and the appearace of disasters. The assumption is that resilience can be improved in critical operations using High Reliability Theory (HRT). Moreover HRT is more robust when the new constructive method of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is applied. This early study shows that existing safety culture in a highly reliable group is positively transformed by AI and makes a more productive organization feasible. Research was conducted from the characteristic insider perspective. A small section of a highly reliable organization was sampled. Using ethnographic methodology feedback from electronic surveying collected personal responses for discussion. While individual interviews proved difficult and the sample group was small there was enough evidence to acknowledge the influence of positive revolution. This study had two major findings a) Using AI methodology stimulates positive, resilient feelings in members and b) members readily used these positive experience to envision a more productive organization. This study can potentially reduce over emphasis on problem solving methods to explain and change the human factors associated with failure. Cultural factors are better studied and modified by positive influence. The study here makes way for more persuasive academic discussion on resilience by constructivist perspectives. High reliability organizations are more sustainably designed on positive principles.


2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2019-002151
Author(s):  
Margo Annemans ◽  
Koen Coomans ◽  
Ann Heylighen

ObjectiveThis study explored how built space plays out in palliative care, focusing on spatial aspects that could support or hamper patients’, relatives’ and caregivers’ well-being.MethodsThis study was conducted in a freestanding small-scale hospice combining a residential part for eight guests with a day-care part for groups of about five persons. Observations were combined with semistructured, individual interviews with eight guests (sometimes accompanied by relatives) and three focus-group interviews with staff, volunteers and relatives. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed based on the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.ResultsThe most important spatial aspects that impact on physical and social well-being in palliative care turned out to be the building scale and physical proximity. The small-scale setting counters the (often negative) association of palliative care with hospital environments. When the medical condition of the guest allows, it makes communal or outdoor spaces reachable, which enhances emotional and social well-being. In worse conditions, it still makes that care and nature are always nearby. The compactness of communal spaces intensifies social contacts.ConclusionsThe building scale and physical proximity play out in the relationship between the building and its surroundings, between the residential and the day-care parts and among people within the building. Future research could investigate to what extent these spatial aspects are relevant in more conventional palliative care units or even in general hospital wards.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnhild Reiso ◽  
Berit Langli ◽  
Eva Sommerseth ◽  
Aud Johannessen

Abstract Background Performing obstetric ultrasound is part of midwifery practice in Norway. Knowledge of these midwives’ working situation can enhance understanding of what their work involves and the challenges they encounter in their practice. The aim of this study was to gain insight into how midwife sonographers perceive their work in obstetric ultrasound. Methods A qualitative study with individual interviews was conducted in 2018. Midwives (n = 13) with a postgraduate ultrasound qualification who performed obstetric ultrasound in private clinics and/or the public health sector were included. All four regional health authorities in Norway were represented. The data gathered were analysed using content analysis. Results The analysis resulted in three main themes. (1) Working as a midwife sonographer involves a holistic approach. By practising their competence, in both midwifery and sonography, they could answer questions and reassure pregnant women. The participants also had a feeling of great responsibility in their work. (2) Being part of a professional environment in obstetric ultrasound was important for professional interaction, belonging and learning. (3) Developing and maintaining competence as a midwife sonographer had a positive influence on midwives’ motivation and confidence, and allowed for more variety in their work. Conclusions Holistic care of the pregnant woman, her partner and the unborn baby was an important part of the participants’ work. They wanted to meet colleagues within their field, develop their expertise and have influence over their work situation. Organizational factors seemed to affect the participants’ overall ability to practise their skills and thus also their job satisfaction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5738
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder ◽  
Aili Pyhälä ◽  
Md. Abdul Wahab ◽  
Simo Sarkki ◽  
Petra Schneider ◽  
...  

This paper considers the hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery of southern Bangladesh as a case study regarding governance and power dynamics at play in a small-scale fishery, and the relevance of these for the sustainable management of coastal fisheries. Qualitative methods, involving in-depth individual interviews (n = 128) and focus group discussions (n = 8) with key stakeholders in the hilsa fishery, were used to capture multiple perspectives on governance from those in different positions in the relative power structures studied, while facilitating insightful discussions and reflections. The analysis here is based on a power cube framework along three power dimensions (levels, spaces, and forms) in Bangladesh’s hilsa fishery. The study displays an imbalance in the present hilsa governance structure, with some stakeholders exercising more power than others, sidelining small-scale fishers, and encouraging increasing illegal fishing levels that ultimately harm both the fisheries and those dependent on them. To overcome this, we propose a co-management system that can play a vital role in equalizing power asymmetry among hilsa fishery stakeholders and ensure effective hilsa fishery governance. Our results suggest that recognizing analyzed power dynamics has substantial implications for the planning and implementation of such co-management and the long-term sustainability of the hilsa fishery.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
T. M. Orisasona ◽  
O. Taiwo ◽  
E. E. O. Agbebaku ◽  
K. A. Oluyole ◽  
O. A. Williams ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 100-110
Author(s):  
Fajar Nuurohman ◽  
Eded Tarmedi ◽  
Mayasari Mayasari

Objectives - The purpose of this study is to find out how the picture of the application of net profit margin and earnings per share to stock prices in the sub-sector of investment companies in 2011-2016design / methodology / approach - The method used in this research is descriptive and verifikatif method. The data used are secondary data from each company sub sector of investment company in year 2011-2016 with analysis technique using multiple regression. Sampling in this research use purposive sampling.Findings - The results of this study indicate that, the application of net profit margin effect on stock prices. earnings per share effect on stock prices. The results showed that the application of net profit margin and earnings per share a positive influence on stock prices.Originality - Differences of research with previous research is on the object, population and sample research, the study period, measuring instruments and research results, as well as sources of foreign theories and journals and foreign books and research results


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