scholarly journals Influences of Non-Financial Factors and the Sustainability of Micro Hydro Plants in Malawi

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Andrew Munthopa Lipunga
Keyword(s):  
Significant Role ◽  
Financial Sustainability ◽  
Archival Data ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Financial Measures ◽  
Financial Factors ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Financing

The paper evaluates the influence of non-financial factors on the financial sustainability of micro hydro plants (MHPs) in Malawi. It uses case study methodology conducted through interviews triangulated with archival data. The findings suggest the significant role played by non-financial factors on determining the quantity of financing and on long-term financial sustainability for MHPs. This may imply that the difficulties to design suitable sustainable financing models for MHPs may to some extent be attributable to non-financial factors. Therefore when deciding on the appropriate financial measures to address the problem of financial sustainability and in developing financing models of MHPs, consideration should be given to the underlying non-financial factors.

A Profile of Wine Tourism Entrepreneurs: Study in Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-39
Author(s):  
Adriana Backx Noronha Viana ◽  
Luísa Cagica Carvalho ◽  
Inna Sousa Paiva
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Critical Perspective ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Wine Tourism ◽  
Learning Capacity ◽  
Study Methodology

Background: Wine tourism is one of the tourism components adopted as part of Portugal’s strategy due to its eminence as a wine producer. Such strategy has received great prominence in recent years and aims to promote regional development from an economic, social, cultural and environmental perspective. The aim of this study was to understand the entrepreneur profile in this sector. Methods: The study uses a qualitative, case study methodology with data analysis and triangulation. In this study, a literature review of scientific studies was carried out on the scientific knowledge in the area of study from a critical perspective and an interview was conducted where qualitative data were collected. Results and Discussion: The entrepreneurs have shown the following characteristics: initiative, innovation capability, optimism, creativity, creative energy, tenacity, selfconfidence, capability for long term involvement with the project, and learning capacity. Conclusion: The study shows that most entrepreneurs state that they have established partnerships with other companies, particularly with restaurants, catering businesses, hotel units, tourism companies and companies that organize tours. This is one of the factors of economic importance recognized by another study which enables increased prominence of the company and widens the value of wine tourism.

scholarly journals Aspire UWA: A case study of widening access in Higher Education

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Skene ◽  
Louise Pollard ◽  
Helen House
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Educational Goals ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
University Access ◽  
Age Appropriate ◽  
Study Methodology

Widening university access to students from low socio-economic status (LSES) and non-traditional backgrounds has been a key equity objective for Australian universities, particularly since the 2008 Review into Australian Higher Education (Bradley, Noonan, Nugent & Scales, 2008). Aspire UWA is an equity pathway that aims to inform aspirations and build academic attainment through direct involvement with students who are the “most able least likely” to access the benefits of higher education (Harris, 2010, p. 7). Through forming long-term partnerships with 63 secondary schools across Western Australia (WA), Aspire UWA has grown since 2009 to engage over 10,000 students annually. Its learning framework is designed to deliver age-appropriate activities to inspire and inform students from Years 7-12 to achieve their educational goals. This paper adopts a case study methodology to explore the Aspire UWA approach, the specific operation of Aspire UWA and the efficacy of the program. 

Organisational ambidexterity within process improvement

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 458-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert L. Matthews ◽  
Kim Hua Tan ◽  
Peter E. Marzec
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Process ◽  
Dynamic Operating ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
New Research ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – Organisational ambidexterity has emerged as a new research paradigm that is relevant for promoting long-term firm performance however, research within practice-oriented domains has been limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore process improvement through the theoretical lens of organisational ambidexterity to understanding the conflicting aims of variation increasing and decreasing forms of operational process improvement. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on reviews of both operations and strategic management literature, the paper employs a case study methodology to unpack critical aspects of ambidextrous process improvement across a range of organisational environments. Findings – The research shows that while the companies engaged in qualitatively different forms of improvement, by interpreting practices from an ambidextrous perspective, the complimentary nature of the two forms of improvement could be appreciated. The diversity of firms involved in the research also allowed findings to be considered in relation to a range of operational contexts. Research limitations/implications – The research highlights the relevance of an organisational ambidexterity perspective on operational process improvement, although the selection of companies the research draws from, limits it relevance to non-project-oriented organisations. Practical implications – Provides practitioners with a framework to inform their views and aims when engaging in process improvement activities. Originality/value – This is one of the first articles exploring process improvement from an ambidextrous perspective. This will help re-conceptualise process improvement away from wholly focusing upon quality improvement and variation reducing activities to help account for a more dynamic operating environment.

scholarly journals Investigating the viability of unit trust business in Zimbabwe

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 705-710
Author(s):  
Kunofiwa Tsaurai
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Market Growth ◽  
Confidence Levels ◽  
Liability Management ◽  
Good Potential ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Trust Business ◽  
Unit Trust

This paper uses a case study methodology to investigate the viability of unit trust business in Zimbabwe during the period from 2000 to 2005. The research revealed that unit trust companies at least managed to break even during the period under study except in 2004. However, factors which worked against unit trust business viability in Zimbabwe during the period under study include among others the restrictive regulatory framework, harsh operating economic environment, trustee inefficiency, low volume of funds under management, poor asset and liability management strategy, high levels of withdrawals and low confidence levels in unit trust companies. It can be concluded that unit trust business has good potential in Zimbabwe. The fact that unit trust funds’ returns have been consistently outperforming both inflation and stock market growth shows a great potential for unit trust business in Zimbabwe. The author therefore recommends that policies, which are geared towards boosting unit trusts’ funds under management, should be intensified, in order to promote long-term viability of unit trust business in Zimbabwe

Merger regulation in Central and Eastern Europe: Evidence from Hungary, Romania and Slovenia

2002 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Kravtseniouk
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Central And Eastern Europe ◽  
Merger Control ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Economic Competition ◽  
Close Link ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Domestic Markets ◽  
Study Methodology

This paper shows the principal features of merger control in selected transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), namely Hungary, Romania and Slovenia, by applying case study methodology. The presented findings are based on the analysis of Hungarian, Romanian and Slovenian competition law and merger rulings reached by the Competition Offices of these countries. A substantial part of the conclusions is drawn from a sample of 42 merger applications processed by the Office of Economic Competition of Hungary between 1994 and 2000. The results of empirical analysis demonstrate the considerable flexibility of merger control in the studied countries, its orientation towards the future of domestic markets and a close link with industrial policy. The paper also highlights the areas of interdependence of competition policy and transition and argues that merger control in the studied CEE countries may be regarded as currently adequate to the requirements imposed by transition.

scholarly journals Roles, relationships and emotions: Student teachers’ understanding of feedback as interpersonal

2021 ◽  
pp. 003452372198937
Author(s):  
Caroline Elbra-Ramsay
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
First Year ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Undergraduate Programme ◽  
Phenomenological Case Study ◽  
International Teacher

This paper reports the findings of a small-scale study seeking to investigate how student teachers, within a three-year undergraduate programme, understand feedback. Feedback has been central to debates and discussion in the assessment literature in recent years. Hence, in this paper, feedback is positioned within the often-contradictory discourses of assessment, including perspectives on student and teacher feedback. The study focused on two first year undergraduate student teachers at a small university in England and considered the relationships between their understanding of feedback as a student, their understanding of feedback as an emerging teacher, and the key influences shaping these understandings. A phenomenological case study methodology was employed with interviews as the prime method of data collection. Themes emerged as part of an Nvivo analysis, including emotional responses, relationships and dialogue, all of which appear to have impacted on the students’ conceptual understanding of feedback as indelibly shaped by its interpersonal and affective, rather than purely cognitive or ideational, dimensions. The paper therefore seeks to contribute to the wider feedback discourse by offering an analysis of empirical data. Although situated within English teacher education, there are tentative conclusions that are applicable to international teacher education and as well as higher education more generally.

scholarly journals Packaging Innovations to Reduce Food Loss and Waste: Are Italian Manufacturers Willing to Invest?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1963
Author(s):  
Antonella Cammarelle ◽  
Mariarosaria Lombardi ◽  
Rosaria Viscecchia
Keyword(s):  
Technological Opportunity ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Food Loss ◽  
Latent Demand ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Global Food

The target 12.3 of the 2030 Agenda by the United Nations (UN) calls for halving per capita global food loss and waste. In this regard, the Food & Drink industry (F&D) could play a crucial role in reducing food waste and improving food safety by adopting healthy and eco-innovation packaging. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the F&D manufacturers’ willingness to invest in packaging innovations, such as active, intelligent, and compostable ones to achieve the UN target. In order to reach the stated objective, a multiple case study methodology was developed and administered to a sample of Italian micro and small-medium entrepreneurs located in the Apulia region. Results show that many firms were aware of their need for packaging innovation and of the available technological opportunity. However, only the F&D manufacturers who showed a Real demand, according to a taxonomy approach which also considers the Potential and Latent demand for the innovation, were effectively prompt to invest. Finally, most of the interviewed manufacturers were willing to invest in at least one packaging innovation, choosing mainly between the active packaging and the compostable one.

scholarly journals Manufacturing Pre-Decisions: A Comparative Analysis of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Reviews in Brazil and Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Fan Rocha ◽  
Tomás B. Ramos ◽  
Alberto Fonseca
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Environmental Impact Statements ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Environment Agency ◽  
Review Reports

The review of environmental impact statements (EIS), despite its relevance to impact assessment effectiveness, has received scarce scholarly attention. Few studies have gone beyond the realm of regulatory evaluations to understand the managerial meanders of the review process. This study evaluated the responsibilities, procedures, information inputs, and scope of EIS reviews within two environmental authorities: APA (Portuguese Environment Agency), in Portugal, and SEMAD (State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development), in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Based on a qualitative multiple-case study methodology informed by participant observation, unstructured interviews, and content analysis of 12 EIS review reports, the study provided what is arguably one of the most detailed characterizations of EIS review to date. While following similar institutional arrangements and broad procedural steps, the EIS review has important differences in APA and SEMAD. Overall, the Portuguese agency was found to have a more structured, participative, interdisciplinary, detailed, and grounded review, thus meeting some of the good practices often cited in the literature. The EIS review reports prepared by APA reviewers were also found to provide a profoundly more complete and transparent account of the review process. The details of the review process revealed in the article can affect perceptions around the legitimacy and reliability of reviewers’ recommendations.

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