Adam J. Sulkowski, Wojciech Kowalczyk, Bruce L. Ahrendsen, Robert Kowalski and Edward Majewski
While progress has been made in the realm of teaching about sustainability to business students, integrating sustainability into experiential learning with a systemic mindset has…
Abstract
Purpose
While progress has been made in the realm of teaching about sustainability to business students, integrating sustainability into experiential learning with a systemic mindset has been identified by leading scholars as an area for improvement. The purpose of this paper is to describe a pilot project in which students prepared a sustainability report for a client company and to answer the question of whether the experiment yielded the anticipated benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents an initiative that was part of an MBA course delivered at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Poland by an international team of professors. The multinational group of students was confronted with the task of preparing an integrated sustainability report for a large corporation.
Findings
The initiative creates opportunities for both students and commercial organizations to understand large business commercial activities from a sustainability perspective. This paper identifies the next steps for others to build upon.
Originality/value
The paper explains the experiential learning opportunity that was created, describes how students rose to meet the challenge, discusses the benefits that accrued to students, professors and a commercial organization and shares some guidance for those seeking to emulate this practice.
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Dr Priyanka Verma, Dr Deepa Gupta and Dr Mukul Gupta
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting is crucial for organizations, especially in the current era where sustainability holds significant importance. Proper…
Abstract
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting is crucial for organizations, especially in the current era where sustainability holds significant importance. Proper utilization of ESG reporting offers long-term benefits and enhances overall corporate well-being. This study explores fundamental aspects of ESG reporting, elucidating the reporting process, its advantages and requirements. An analysis highlights key impacts on businesses and their influence on consumer behaviour. The disclosure of ESG reporting and its determinants, such as business size and profitability, is discussed. Additionally, the study underscores the role of promoting diversity and inclusion as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) function. Global firms undertake diverse initiatives to advance sustainability. The study emphasizes the triple bottom line theory as a strategy for sustainable development. ESG is recognized as a valuable tool for ensuring sustained growth and development in businesses. The research underscores the imperative for businesses to adopt sustainable measures consistently. Overall, the findings stress the significance of ESG reporting in the contemporary business landscape, linking it to corporate success, responsibility and the pursuit of sustainable practices.
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Nadine Bianca Sulkowski and Michael Kent Deakin
This paper aims to discuss whether cultural conceptualisations can explain student behaviour and to discuss tactics to enhance teaching and learning in a multinational classroom.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss whether cultural conceptualisations can explain student behaviour and to discuss tactics to enhance teaching and learning in a multinational classroom.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on Hofstede's cultural dimensions a questionnaire was devised to test students' values associated with education, teaching and learning, ethics and aspirations. Results were triangulated with existing literature stating positions about whether culture can inform teaching and learning strategies.
Findings
There is evidence of a positive correlation between culture and learning approaches. However, institutional, social and personal factors limit the degree to which culture can inform the profiling of learning characteristics.
Research limitations/implications
Previous research has focused on students from a limited number of origins. Further studies are needed to generate deeper insights into the influence of culture on students' learning experiences.
Practical implications
In an attempt to eliminate segregation and prejudice, institutions should focus on managing diversity rather than individual cultural groups within the student body.
Originality/value
This paper is of value for everyone supporting culturally diverse students. It is hoped that it will stimulate further debate and lead to a review of current practices.
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Vic Benuyenah and Bharti Pandya
In this study, the authors build on the current frameworks of happiness provided by the PERMA model, the World Happiness Report Index and the theoretical framework provided by the…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, the authors build on the current frameworks of happiness provided by the PERMA model, the World Happiness Report Index and the theoretical framework provided by the proponents of job-satisfaction model, motivation, employee engagement and commitment. The authors argue that, the existing theoretical framework in the management and the HR literature are just different aspects of a common goal – happiness. This position is consistent with the overall happiness projects championed by governments across the world, including the UK, Bhutan, several Scandinavian nations and essentially the United Arab Emirates. A chasm that currently exists in the literature is the availability of a universally acceptable definition for happiness and protocols for measuring happiness. The authors conclude that more research is required to keep pace with industry development relating to employee happiness initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach
Using quasi-literature review, the authors analysed selected studies on the theory of happiness to identify how each have treated the concept of happiness in organisations.
Findings
It is erroneous to promote national or international happiness initiatives without starting from the micro level – in this case, the institutions of society should start measuring happiness from the micro level to help understand what happiness actually means.
Research limitations/implications
As an opinion piece, its recommendations need to be applied cautiously.
Originality/value
Till date, only a few studies have explored the concept of happiness from micro-organisational level.
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This research paper highlights the economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to Coronavirus outbreaks. It proposes factors that influence the strengthening…
Abstract
Purpose
This research paper highlights the economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to Coronavirus outbreaks. It proposes factors that influence the strengthening and survival of SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, resilience is reflected in the following aspects hope, problem resolution and persistence. This quantitative study analyses a purposive sample of 120 small and medium-sized firms in India. The study's primary data are the responses to questionnaires issued to respondents, analyzed and hypotheses formed and tested using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.
Findings
The study results show that all the variables significantly reduce the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. The presented model is expected to help researchers, business modelers, analysts and real professionals with further studies in the SME context.
Originality/value
This new approach adds to the business resilience knowledge of SMEs and has practical implications for manufacturing organizations seeking to become robust during and after COVID-19.
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Joseph Bick, Gabriel Culbert, Haider A. Al-Darraji, Clayton Koh, Veena Pillai, Adeeba Kamarulzaman and Frederick Altice
Criminalization of drug use in Malaysia has concentrated people who inject drugs (PWID) and people living with HIV into prisons where health services are minimal and HIV-related…
Abstract
Purpose
Criminalization of drug use in Malaysia has concentrated people who inject drugs (PWID) and people living with HIV into prisons where health services are minimal and HIV-related mortality is high. Few studies have comprehensively assessed the complex health needs of this population. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
From October 2012 through March 2013, 221 sequentially selected HIV-infected male prisoners underwent a comprehensive health assessment that included a structured history, physical examination, and clinically indicated diagnostic studies.
Findings
Participants were mostly PWID (83.7 percent) and diagnosed with HIV while incarcerated (66.9 percent). Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (90.4 percent), untreated syphilis (8.1 percent), active (13.1 percent), and latent (81.2 percent) tuberculosis infection was several fold higher than non-prisoner Malaysian adults, as was tobacco use (71.9 percent) and heavy drinking (30.8 percent). Most (89.5 percent) were aware of their HIV status before the current incarceration, yet few had been engaged previously in HIV care, including pre-incarceration CD4 monitoring (24.7 percent) or prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) (16.7 percent). Despite most (73.7 percent) meeting Malaysia’s criteria for ART (CD4 <350 cells/μL), less than half (48.4 percent) ultimately received it. Nearly one-quarter (22.8 percent) of those with AIDS (<200 cells/μL) did not receive ART.
Originality/value
Drug addiction and communicable disease comorbidity, which interact negatively and synergistically with HIV and pose serious public health threats, are highly prevalent in HIV-infected prisoners. Interventions to address the critical shortage of healthcare providers and large gaps in treatment for HIV and other co-morbid conditions are urgently needed to meet the health needs of HIV-infected Malaysian prisoners, most of whom will soon transition to the community.