Search results
1 – 10 of 119Guilherme Duarte, Ana M.A. Neves and António Ramos Silva
The goal of this work is to create a computational finite element model to perform thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) with the usage of a non-ideal load frequency, containing the…
Abstract
Purpose
The goal of this work is to create a computational finite element model to perform thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) with the usage of a non-ideal load frequency, containing the effects of the material thermal properties.
Design/methodology/approach
Throughout this document, the methodology of the model is presented first, followed by the procedure and results. The last part is reserved to results, discussion and conclusions.
Findings
This work had the main goal to create a model to perform TSA with the usage of non-ideal loading frequencies, considering the materials’ thermal properties. Loading frequencies out of the ideal range were applied and the model showed capable of good results. The created model reproduced acceptably the TSA, with the desired conditions.
Originality/value
This work creates a model to perform TSA with the usage of non-ideal loading frequencies, considering the materials’ thermal properties.
Details
Keywords
Ana Patrícia Duarte, Daniel Roque Gomes and José Gonçalves das Neves
This study aims to examine the influence of different corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions on prospective applicants’ responses, namely, organizational attractiveness…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the influence of different corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions on prospective applicants’ responses, namely, organizational attractiveness and intention to apply for a job vacancy (IAJV).
Design/methodology/approach
Using an experimental 2 × 3 crossed factorial design (n = 195), the level of engagement of a hypothetical company in socially responsible practices (high vs low) was manipulated concerning three dimensions of CSR (employees, community and environment and economic level). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the six conditions and, after reading the corresponding scenario, were asked to evaluate the extent to which the company was considered a good place to work and their IAJV in it.
Findings
The level of engagement in socially responsible practices had a positive effect both on the degree to which participants favorably perceived the organization as a place to work and on their IAJV. Furthermore, the level of engagement in practices toward employees and in the economic domain had a stronger effect on participants’ responses than the engagement in practices that benefit community and environment.
Research limitations/implications
Data were obtained in a laboratory setting, so the generalization of results to actual job search settings must be made with caution.
Practical implications
CSR can be a source of competitive advantage in the recruitment of new employees. Because not all CSR dimensions have the same effect on applicants’ responses, companies should take into account the CSR dimensions in which they are engaged and communicate them to the public.
Originality/value
As far as we know, this is the first study to examine the impact of different CSR dimensions both on organizational attractiveness and IAJV.
Details
Keywords
Francisco Taveira Pinto and Ana Cristina Valente Neves
The aggravation of erosion, with the consequent reduction and, at the limit, disappearance of beaches has great impact in the environment of the area, in tourism and economy of…
Abstract
The aggravation of erosion, with the consequent reduction and, at the limit, disappearance of beaches has great impact in the environment of the area, in tourism and economy of regions affected by this problem. Submerged breakwaters are one possible solution from a wide variety of coastal structures to combat this problem, with reduced environmental and visual impacts than in similar defence structures. However, this solution has also some disadvantages that will be described. This paper intends to present some environmental aspects related with the hydrodynamic phenomena of detached breakwaters (submerged or not) and some of the main advantages and disadvantages of this type of coastal protection solution. The performance of this kind of solution in other countries (such as Italy, Japan, Spain, etc.) has been mostly successful but its use on the Portuguese coast is still a possibility, needing further investigation, due to the high energetic wave levels observed. Some of the main difficulties on its application will also be described.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to propose incorporating another theoretical perspective enabling corporate social responsibility (CSR) to be approached more structurally and with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose incorporating another theoretical perspective enabling corporate social responsibility (CSR) to be approached more structurally and with correspondingly broader impacts. Despite CSR being associated with competitive advantage and providing recognised sustainability related benefits, it is argued that the individual CSR results of each company and community acting separately remain insufficient not only in terms of individual competitiveness but also in terms of achieving a global and systemic improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
It is from this perspective that the clusters concept and the territorial social responsibility (SR) concept are advanced as susceptible to bringing important insights for advancing SR. This article seeks to reflect on the potential of SR networks for strengthening competitiveness and bringing about sustainable development. Based upon a theoretical review of the CSR literature, limitations are discussed before setting out alternative action strategies for the construction of networks focusing upon generating territorial dynamics within the logic of global sustainability.
Findings
The idea of CSR clusters and territorial SR presupposes groupings of companies located in the same territory and engaged in some degree of interaction with other local actors to optimise practices contributing towards sustained regional development in an integrated and global perspective. The definition of social goals shared by different actors structured within a network thus improves the design and implementation of actions that extend beyond a micro-scale of action, with significant benefits accruing to local communities. Analysis of these forms of social innovation, based on integrated CSR networks, constitutes the central objective of the present research.
Research limitations/implications
This theoretical perspective is, in turn, based upon the assumption that only the consideration of a wider and more extensive conception of CSR, which aligns and guides various social actors (companies, civil society organisations and local authorities) and seeks to nurture integrated SR networks, will be able to drive development characterised by significant higher levels of sustainability.
Practical implications
These concepts (SR clusters and territorial SR) presuppose groupings of companies located in the same territory and engaged in some degree of interaction with other local actors are able to optimise practices contributing towards sustained regional development from an integrated and global perspective. The definition of social goals shared by different actors structured within a network thus improves the design and implementation of actions that extend beyond a micro-scale of action, with significant benefits accruing to local communities.
Social implications
Considering a larger scope of intervention, connecting different social actors (companies, civil society organisations and local authorities) and working for the construction of a development model based on the concept of sustainability constitute the relevance of clusters to CSR and the SR of territories.
Originality/value
This article highlights the position that SR, to have any effective and widespread impact, has to extend beyond isolated actions uncoordinated with overall territorial development. The challenge involves establishing a connection between the business level and civil society organisations in which each acts within their own spheres and with their respective specific competences and skills whilst able to ensure cooperation and engagement in actions focussed upon improving the quality of life of the host community and bringing about cluster development in overall terms. This theoretical perspective is, in turn, based upon the assumption that only the consideration of a wider and more extensive conception of CSR, which aligns and guides various social actors (companies, civil society organisations and local authorities) and seeks to nurture integrated SR networks, will be able to drive development characterised by significantly higher levels of sustainability.
Details
Keywords
Vimal Kumar Eswarlal and Martina Vallesi
The purpose of this paper is to explain the different stages of business sustainability through a visual metaphor. This metaphor compares the interaction between the different…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explain the different stages of business sustainability through a visual metaphor. This metaphor compares the interaction between the different variables of sustainability to the interaction between the colour wheels in the Interconnected Spinning colour wheel. As a result of this comparison, we propose the different stages of business sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
Domains-interaction model approach is used to develop the metaphor.
Findings
The four stages of the business sustainability system resulting from this metaphor are: designable, feasible, endurable and responsible.
Research limitations
We recognize that a visual metaphor provides only a limited insight, which is a general drawback of a metaphor.
Practical implications
This visual metaphor as a tool will help practitioners, students and academics to easily understand the concept of business sustainability and the various stages of the system. This new perspective can support the practitioners in making effective decisions for sustainability.
Originality/value
This paper contributes in the field of corporate sustainability through the novel visual metaphor proposed. This metaphor can enhance the theoretical development in this field by approaching the concept of corporate sustainability from a different perspective.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to explore, with the view to establish the prospects of applying Ubuntu-Botho African approach to stakeholder corporate social responsibility (CSR) for business…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore, with the view to establish the prospects of applying Ubuntu-Botho African approach to stakeholder corporate social responsibility (CSR) for business organisations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the experience of Basotho of Lesotho in using Ubuntu-Botho African principles and practices to pursue their socially responsible development fashioned in social responsibility (SR) terms.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data mainly from desktop research, the theoretical or conceptual content of the paper was established to inform the discussions on the prospects of applying Ubuntu-Botho African principles and practices to stakeholder CSR for business organisations in SSA.
Findings
Ubuntu-Botho African approach to stakeholder CSR could generate a very different notion of ideal SR of business organizations in the context of SSA as the experience of Basotho of Lesotho reveals. Whether or not one is persuaded by this Ubuntu-Botho approach to stakeholder CSR, the discussion serves to illuminate the need to broaden the terms of the debate over the appropriate role of business organizations, at least in the context of SSA, regarding their CSR and performance within which they operate.
Originality/value
The paper mainly uses secondary data that is considered to be most relevant, valid and reliable to inform discussions on the prospects of the application of Ubuntu-Botho African ethics to stakeholder CSR for business organisations in the context of SSA. The author’s knowledge of Lesotho – where he lived, studied and worked – informed the writing of this paper, as well as discussions on the prospects of applying Ubuntu-Botho African approach to stakeholder CSR for business organisations in SSA using the experience of Basotho of Lesotho in engineering their socially responsible development to become the granary of Southern Africa in 1900s.
Details
Keywords
Rafaela Barros Paiva, Ana Neves, Vera Sequeira, Carlos Cardoso, Narcisa Bandarra, Leonel Serrano Gordo and Maria Leonor Nunes
There are very few studies that characterize the properties of the edible part from deep‐water fish species which constitute a new target for developing fisheries. Therefore this…
Abstract
Purpose
There are very few studies that characterize the properties of the edible part from deep‐water fish species which constitute a new target for developing fisheries. Therefore this paper aimed to examine the balance between health benefits and risks associated to the birdbeak dogfish consumption, with a special emphasis on the assessment of the risks of toxic metal intake.
Design/methodology/approach
Between September 2008 and May 2009, 82 individuals were analysed. The chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein and lipid content), essential elements (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na)), toxic elements (mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) and fatty acid composition were determined using standard procedures.
Findings
The species is a lean fish (fat content <2.0 per cent) and for both females and males the mineral concentration in descending order was K>Na>Mg>Fe>Zn>Cu. The edible part of birdbeak dogfish is a good source of several minerals, namely K and Na, reaching respectively ca 18 and 36 per cent of the recommended daily intakes for a 150 g muscle portion. Polyunsaturated fatty acids prevail in the fatty acid composition of both sexes and significant differences between females and males were only found in palmitic acid, arachidonic acid and omega 6. Females attained larger length and higher Hg values. The risk assessment was established for three different consumption scenarios (one and two portions of 150 g per month and one portion of 150 g per week) and showed that only a regular consumption of one portion of a female dogfish per week posed a higher health risk (15 per cent).
Practical implications
This study presents the information about the quantity of shark muscle (in g) to be ingested in terms of the PTWI allowing each consumer to have access to the risks and benefits in eating this fish.
Originality/value
No data existed for fatty acid profile and risk assessment yet and this is the first information on the essential and toxic elements for the European waters.
Details
Keywords
Naiara Arnaez, Amaia Arizkuren, Marta Muñiz and María Eugenia Sánchez
The purpose of this paper is to analyze repatriation as an active actor on his/her return and not just as a passive receiver of organizational human resource management practices…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze repatriation as an active actor on his/her return and not just as a passive receiver of organizational human resource management practices. Traditionally, literature has been focused on investigating the impact of organizational practices and support on repatriation, but new studies suggest that this approach is insufficient. According to these studies, individual and contextual influences are also important on repatriation and new studies are needed to measure its impact.
Design/methodology/approach
This article is the base of future studies to analyze the impact of both approaches at once.
Findings
The paper departs from recent literature in the field, to develop a series of research propositions.
Research limitations/implications
The implications of this study include to contribute to the knowledge and future research on the expatriation process, studying the adaptation, performance, etc. of the expatriate during the international mission and particularly the last part of the process, repatriation, which has not received so much attention.
Practical implications
This paper highlights that mismanagement of repatriation could lead to turnover of these valuable professionals or to a non-satisfactory reinstatement or even to inefficiency. On the other hand, the perception that repatriation is not well managed and that it does not lead to an advance for the employee could discourage future expatriates to accept international missions, which could even slow down the international progress of the company.
Originality/value
The integration of the traditional and the emerging perspectives of repatriation process.
Details
Keywords
Dolores Gallardo-Vázquez, M. Isabel Sánchez-Hernández and Francisca Castilla-Polo
– The purpose of this paper is to address a theoretical and methodological framework to validate a model for explaining social responsibility in cooperative societies.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address a theoretical and methodological framework to validate a model for explaining social responsibility in cooperative societies.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology based on the assessment and agreement of an expert panel has been used. More exactly, a Delphi technique will help achieve agreement about the set of indicators previously defined and to get a single and agreed definition.
Findings
The results consist of a consensus scale for each variable of the proposed model. This unanimity in the opinions about the final result will be the basis for further quantitative treatment of the proposed conceptual model.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations derive from the initial state of the study and the need to practical analysis.
Practical and social implications
Cooperative societies could have a way to analyze their position related to social responsibility. In general, contributions to social responsibility have improved, in particular, in the field of these entities.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to properly measure the variables of the conceptual model. The main variable of analysis, called Orientation to Social Responsibility in Cooperatives (OSRCOOP), is not directly observable, and it is necessary to measure it through a set of indicators. Likewise, with the other strategic variables with which OSRCOOP is related to the model proposed (member satisfaction, innovation, quality of service and cooperative outcome or performance).
Details