Norman E. Hutchison, Piyush Tiwari, Alla Koblyakova, David Green and Yan Liang Tan
This paper assesses the lending risks associated with the level of total household indebtedness at the local authority level across the UK.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper assesses the lending risks associated with the level of total household indebtedness at the local authority level across the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
Using GIS-based Exploratory Data Analysis and mapping, the paper identifies local concentrations of household borrowing, both secured and unsecured, which is referenced against regional Gross Added Value.
Findings
Significant local differences are revealed which are tracked over the period 2013–2019. Total debt relative to the size of economy is larger in London and local authorities around London. A positive correlation was revealed between areas of multiple deprivation in England and those local authorities with proportionally high unsecured lending, confirming that the less well-off require access to debt facilities and in the absence of availability of secured loans, resort to unsecured borrowing.
Originality/value
Understanding where the additional lending risks are located across the UK is relevant when evaluating the robustness of the economy to recession, with its uneven effects on different sectors and households and the impact of monetary policy changes, particularly sharp rises in interest rates. The mapping of these risks is illuminating and aids understanding.
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Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro, Aurora Martínez-Martínez, David Cegarra-Leiva and María Eugenia Sánchez-Vidal
Being open-minded means listening to others’ proposals, even if they go against our criteria. Although having an open mindset is the key to “open innovation,” we find that many…
Abstract
Purpose
Being open-minded means listening to others’ proposals, even if they go against our criteria. Although having an open mindset is the key to “open innovation,” we find that many managers are reluctant to make sustainable changes, either because they prefer to stick to what they know and prefer to stay in their comfort zone or just because they are embarrassed to assume errors or ignorance in certain issues of an environmental nature. The study aims to examine the role of green skills in overcoming defensive rigidity and defensive embarrassment barriers that hinder open innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey was administered to 208 SMEs in the Spanish textile industry. The data collected were processed and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique (PLS-SEM) and SmartPLS 4.
Findings
The study reveals that green skills significantly contribute to the development of open innovation and the mitigation of defensive routines among managers. This indicates that equipping managers with green skills can reduce their defensive rigidity and embarrassment, thereby fostering a more open and innovative organizational culture.
Originality/value
This research is original in its focus on the Spanish textile industry and its exploration of the specific psychological barriers that managers face in adopting sustainable innovations. By highlighting the importance of green skills, it provides a novel perspective on overcoming defensive routines to promote open innovation.
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David Dyason, Peter Fieger and John Rice
The New Zealand city of Christchurch provides a leading example of post-disaster rebuilding in a Central Business District (CBD) area. In its rebuilding programme, the city has…
Abstract
Purpose
The New Zealand city of Christchurch provides a leading example of post-disaster rebuilding in a Central Business District (CBD) area. In its rebuilding programme, the city has given emphasis to the greening of hospitality and traditional retail space through a combination of development of shared pedestrian spaces (with traffic exclusion and calming) and the integration of greening within the streetscape design. This paper aims to assess whether the development of greened pedestrian areas leads to higher retail spending and, thus, retail rental rates.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses pedestrian movement data collected from several CBD locations, as well as spending data on retail and hospitality, to assess relationships between pedestrian movements and spending. This study explores retail spending in greened pedestrian shared spaces, and explores how this differs from retail spending in traditional street areas within the Christchurch CBD.
Findings
Spending patterns are location-related, depending on the characteristics of pedestrian space in the selected area. Greened shared pedestrian areas have the highest spending per measured pedestrian for retail and hospitality, whereas traditional street areas have lower spending for retail and hospitality per measured pedestrian, demonstrating the benefits in redeveloped central city areas.
Originality/value
The scope of smart data continues to develop as a research area within urban studies to develop an open and connected city. This research demonstrates the use of innovative technologies for data collection, use and sharing. The results support commercial benefits of greening and pedestrianisation of retail and hospitality areas for CBDs and providing an example for other cities to follow.
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David Asamoah, Ishmael Nanaba Acquah, Dorcas Nuertey, Benjamin Agyei-Owusu and Caleb Amankwaa Kumi
This study examines green absorptive capacity as an important intervening variable that elucidates the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines green absorptive capacity as an important intervening variable that elucidates the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices (specifically, green purchasing, customer cooperation and investment recovery) and firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from the theoretical underpinnings of the natural-resource-based view theory and information processing theory, a research model is developed and tested using data obtained from 368 manufacturing firms in Ghana. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results indicate that green purchasing, customer cooperation and investment recovery have a direct positive and significant effect on firm performance. Additionally, green purchasing and customer cooperation have a positive and significant effect on green absorptive capacity but investment recovery does not. Further, the results show that the paths from green purchasing and customer cooperation to firm performance are positively mediated by green absorptive capacity.
Practical implications
The study reveals to supply chain managers that green absorptive capacity is an important conduit through which firms can achieve enhanced firm performance from GSCM initiatives.
Originality/value
This study makes a contribution by integrating the absorptive capacity literature and green management literature and establishes green absorptive capacity as a mechanism through which GSCM practices enhance firm performance.
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Emmanuel Doe Dzramado, Richard Ohene Asiedu, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, David J. Edwards, Michael Adesi and Alex Acheampong
This paper explored the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development. Extant literature have highlighted green cities as a major path towards sustainability in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explored the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development. Extant literature have highlighted green cities as a major path towards sustainability in the construction industry but very little is known on the socioeconomic aspect of green cities and its bid in promoting sustainability in the construction industry; hence, the premise of this study which highlights the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities. A quantitative research strategy was adopted to collect primary data from respondents who have the requisite understanding and knowledge in green cities using questionnaires. The data gathered was then analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis viz principal component analysis.
Findings
The socioeconomic factors affecting green city development comprised: Green support mechanisms (i.e. innovation and technology, green city planning (urban planning), stakeholder engagement, awareness, city planning (transportation) and environmental regulations); green inhibitors (i.e. population, culture, housing and policy implementation); green market and finance (i.e. digital finance, green market mechanism, green investment finance, risks and uncertainties, income levels of clients). It was evident that socioeconomic factors are significant to the development of green cities in Ghana and hence policy makers and various stakeholders should prioritize socioeconomic factors in the bid to achieve sustainability through green cities in the construction industry.
Originality/value
This paper presents a foremost and comprehensive study on the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities in Ghana. The study results showed that even though the path to sustainability in green cities has pivoted mainly on environmental factors, socioeconomic factors are also significant to green city development, hence, policy makers and the construction industry should keenly consider the socioeconomic factors affecting green city development in the bid towards sustainability for cities.
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Introduction: Investments in environmentally friendly initiatives can bolster infrastructure projects, agricultural methods, and water management systems that improve the ability…
Abstract
Introduction: Investments in environmentally friendly initiatives can bolster infrastructure projects, agricultural methods, and water management systems that improve the ability to withstand climate-related difficulties. Green investments encompass endorsing carbon markets and financial instruments that incentivise reducing emissions. This research helps attain the climate objectives described in sustainable development goal 13 (SDG 13).
Purpose: This chapter aims to investigate the relationship between greenhouse gases (GHG) and gross domestic product (GDP), with the underlying objective of understanding the relevance of green investment for sustainable development.
Methodology: For the analysis, the top five countries: the USA, China, Germany, Japan, and India, were chosen based on the world’s largest economies in 2023, as per their GDP data. For testing the hypothesis, data from the World Bank database during the period 2002-2022 was retrieved and GDP is used as a dependent variable and GHG as an independent variable. For the study, panel data are used, and the Johansen cointegration test and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression are applied.
Findings: In the case of China and India, the null hypothesis has been rejected, which is depicted by the significant and high degree of relation between GHGs and the GDP of these two countries. The null hypothesis is also rejected for the USA and Germany, but it shows a significant and moderate degree of relationship between GHG and GDP. For Japan, the null hypothesis is accepted and reflects a negative relationship between GHG and GDP.
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Ravita Kharb, Charu Shri, Neha Saini and Dinesh Kumar
Green and digital transitions (twin transition) help in achieving climate neutrality, cutting down the pollution level and reviving biodiversity. Organizations can mitigate their…
Abstract
Purpose
Green and digital transitions (twin transition) help in achieving climate neutrality, cutting down the pollution level and reviving biodiversity. Organizations can mitigate their ecological footprint, improve their digital portfolio and fulfil their ethical responsibilities by fostering a sustainable global community and adhering to a well-defined plan. In such backdrop, this study aims to propose strategies by identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the twin transition and to categorize and evaluate the internal and external factors for achieving environmental sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a comprehensive review of the literature, 27 factors have been identified and analyzed using the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threat matrix (SWOT). Threats, opportunities, weakness, strength matrix analysis approach is used to limit risk, overcome weaknesses and take advantage of opportunities. Effective strategies are designed and implemented using strategic planning action and evaluation matrix (SPACE) and quantitative strategic planning (QSPM) approach.
Findings
The study found that aggressive strategies considering economic strength and global opportunities must be used to accomplish green growth objectives. Out of three strategies, the focus on green technological innovation by taking advantage of financial mechanisms at the international level is highly recommended to achieve environmental sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
Through promoting green and digital transformation, the current study provides insightful policy recommendations for economic development. It may help to improve operational efficacy and to obtain a competitive edge by successfully limiting their adverse environmental effects in the global market through the implementation of twin transition. The process of developing a strategy aids stakeholders, including society, workers and other parties, in giving environmental sustainability a top priority while making financial decisions.
Social implications
Strategy development helps society, employees and all the other stakeholders to prioritize their green and digital transition decisions for environmental sustainability.
Originality/value
The current study identifies the factors formulating strategies using SWOT, TOWS, SPACE and QSPM matrix analysis for achieving environmental sustainability in the pervasive twin transition.
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The Tyseley Energy Park’s (TEP) mission is to transform clean energy innovation by stimulating and demonstrating new technologies, turning them into commercially viable systems…
Abstract
The Tyseley Energy Park’s (TEP) mission is to transform clean energy innovation by stimulating and demonstrating new technologies, turning them into commercially viable systems contributing to Birmingham City Council’s commitments to be Net Zero (NZ) by 2030.
TEP’s development plan commits to delivering low and zero carbon power, transport, heat, waste and recycling solutions delivered through development phases: 10 MW Waste Wood Biomass Power Plant, a £47 million investment, supplies renewable electricity to Webster and Horsfall, the original site owner, along with tenants across this 17-acre site, providing the foundations for a distributed energy system. The Waste Wood Biomass Power Plant diverts 72,000 tonnes of waste wood from landfill with the sustainable power generated equivalent to 17,000 homes’ requirements. Later, phases have seen the development of the UK’s first low and zero carbon refuelling station with the hydrogen station supplying public and commercial vehicles with hydrogen for Birmingham’s bus fleet. Partners on site are in the process of bringing forward a first-of-a-kind commercial scale electric charging station supply liquid fuels including drop in replacements for diesel such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is also avaliable.
On site, the University of Birmingham has created a sustainable energy research and innovation centre that promotes innovation in waste, energy and low carbon vehicle systems across the West Midlands.
Within refurbished building on site, the Incubation Hub offers an integrated package of support to drive business growth amongst low-carbon energy businesses. This initiative has been developed in partnership with the University of Birmingham’s Energy Institute’s SME Engagement Programme.
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Ikhsan Budi Riharjo, David Efendi, Kurnia Kurnia and Wimba Respatia
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the perceived firm ethicality and loyalty behaviour of consumers through the lens of corporate social responsibility…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the perceived firm ethicality and loyalty behaviour of consumers through the lens of corporate social responsibility (CSR), green brand innovativeness (GBI) and green marketing (GM).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used questionnaires as a primary method of data collection. The authors selected four large malls in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia and three large malls in Surabaya, the second-largest city in the country. These locations were chosen due to their high levels of consumer activity and the presence of numerous products from major companies.
Findings
The findings provide strong support for all proposed hypotheses, confirming that perceived firm ethicality plays a crucial role in significantly enhancing brand loyalty. This positive relationship however is mediated through distinct pathways, namely CSR, GBI and GM. Each of these factors contributes meaningfully to shaping consumer perceptions of a firm’s ethicality, which in turn drives greater loyalty to the brand. Collectively, these strategies synergise to amplify a firm’s perceived ethicality, further solidifying brand loyalty. Notably, CSR, perceived firm ethicality, GBI and GM together account for approximately 65.2% of the variance in customer brand loyalty.
Originality/value
The study offers important theoretical insights into attachment theory by extending it to consumer-brand relationships, demonstrating that perceived firm ethicality fosters emotional attachment, which enhances brand loyalty. Just as secure attachment in human relationships builds trust and loyalty, consumers develop emotional bonds with brands they perceive as ethical, supported by CSR practices, GBI and GM from the firms. These strategies reinforce consumer trust and loyalty, paralleling attachment theory’s secure base concept.
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This study develops a theoretical framework to explore the influence of green brand positioning on green brand loyalty, examining the mediating effects of green brand attitude and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study develops a theoretical framework to explore the influence of green brand positioning on green brand loyalty, examining the mediating effects of green brand attitude and identification.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing an empirical approach, the study administers a questionnaire survey to 546 runners at a road race conducted in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Structural equation modeling is employed to validate the research framework.
Findings
The empirical results demonstrate that green brand positioning directly enhances green brand attitude and identification. High green brand attitude and identification lead to favorable green brand loyalty. Thus, the relationship between green brand loyalty and positioning is mediated by green brand attitude and identification.
Practical implications
To foster green brand loyalty, road race organizations can undertake efforts to enhance the brand positioning of their events.
Originality/value
Few studies have assessed green branding from the perspective of sports participants. This study develops a research framework of green brand loyalty through the lens of runners to address this research gap. The findings show that effective market segmentation strategies are crucial for attracting participants in highly competitive event markets. The findings advance the research field by considering green brand positioning, attitude and identification as factors for improving green brand loyalty.