The purpose of this paper is to bring the concept of a “hierarchy of action”, as it is currently being used in other fields, into library and information science (LIS).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to bring the concept of a “hierarchy of action”, as it is currently being used in other fields, into library and information science (LIS).
Design/methodology/approach
Hierarchy theory is adopted to describe three hierarchies of action, which include the human processes of semantic and social innovation, as well as a system of biological interpretence, from which human processes are thought to have evolved as a development of biosemiosis in nature. By way of example, it is argued that a text is a complex achievement, and hierarchy theory shows how to account for this complexity; the everyday definition of “text” is augmented with accounts from different levels of observation.
Findings
The concept of a hierarchy of action enables a person to account for a text as a meaning/symbolic product; include in that account the processes whereby texts are produced and used; and say why these processes are important to the health of the biosphere that is called home.
Originality/value
“Hierarchy of action” has been developed as a concept in biology and ecology; it belongs to a way of thinking whereby human reality, like nature, is construed as dynamical processes operating in symbiotic relationship with each other; it has not yet been adopted in LIS with reference to hierarchy theory and its potential is yet to be explored.
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The purpose of this article is to consider the meaning of “reductionism” within the context of renewed efforts to make library and information science philosophy.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to consider the meaning of “reductionism” within the context of renewed efforts to make library and information science philosophy.
Design/methodology/approach
This article argues that the question of reductionism, as discussed in other traditions of thought, is relevant to the conversation about development of new library and information science (LIS) philosophy. Based on the viewpoint that one can be opposed to philosophical reductionism yet still be in favour of science, some forms of reductionism are described and links are drawn to library and information science by way of examples.
Findings
How reductionism is defined and understood should be addressed in the efforts to make new LIS philosophy.
Originality/value
Being “non‐reductionist” can be a stance in its own right, as evidenced by broader transdisciplinary conversations, but this is yet to be considered at any depth in LIS.
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Steven A. Murphy and Michael L. McIntyre
This paper proposes mainly that boards of directors (BOD) are teams that share characteristics with many other kinds of teams. As a consequence, some of the factors that lead to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes mainly that boards of directors (BOD) are teams that share characteristics with many other kinds of teams. As a consequence, some of the factors that lead to board effectiveness are the same factors that lead to team effectiveness in general. By integrating the organizational behaviour literature on teams with the governance literature, a comprehensive model of BOD performance is proposed.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper proposes a model to assess the performance of a board and situates board performance as one input into firm performance.
Findings
This paper outlines the dynamic interplay between board characteristics, functionality and performance and proposes a comprehensive model, based largely on the group dynamics literature.
Research limitations/implications
Suggests that future research attempt to empirically address some (or all) of the items in the conceptual model. Acknowledges that operationalizing certain variables will prove challenging, but suggests that ethnographic accounts of how these variables (and potentially others) interact may be a valuable first step in more fully understanding board composition, functioning and performance.
Practical implications
It is argued that by extending traditional passive agency roles, BOD may be able to provide a wider range of contributions to enhance shareholder value.
Originality/value
This interdisciplinary paper integrates the group dynamics literature with the governance literature to propose a comprehensive model of BOD performance.
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Desalegn Yayeh Ayal, Maren Radeny, Solomon Desta and Getachew Gebru
Climate variability and extremes adversely affect the livestock sector directly and indirectly by aggravating the prevalence of livestock diseases, distorting production system…
Abstract
Purpose
Climate variability and extremes adversely affect the livestock sector directly and indirectly by aggravating the prevalence of livestock diseases, distorting production system and the sector profitability. This paper aims to examine climate variability and its impact on livestock system and livestock disease among pastoralists in Borana, Southern Ethiopia.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods using household questionnaire, field observations, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Areal grid dikadal rainfall and temperatures data from 1985 to 2014 were collected from national meteorological agency. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed and interpreted using appropriate analytical tools and procedures.
Findings
The result revealed that the study area is hard hit by moisture stress, due to the late onset of rainy seasons, decrease in the number of rainy days and volume of rainfall. The rainfall distribution behavior coupled with the parallel increase in minimum and maximum temperature exacerbated the impact on livestock system and livestock health. Majority of the pastoralists are found to have rightly perceived the very occurrence and manifestations of climate variability and its consequences. Pastoralists are hardly coping with the challenges of climate variability, mainly due to cultural prejudice, poor service delivery and the socio-economic and demographic challenges.
Research limitations/implications
Pastoralists are vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate variability and extreme events.
Practical implications
The finding of the study provides baseline information for practitioners, researchers and policymakers.
Originality/value
This paper provided detailed insights about the rainfall and temperature trend and variability for the past three decades. The finding pointed that pastoralists’ livelihood is under climate variability stress, and it has implications to food insecurity.
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Joseph Press, Paola Bellis, Tommaso Buganza, Silvia Magnanini, Abraham B. (Rami) Shani, Daniel Trabucchi, Roberto Verganti and Federico P. Zasa
Sintayehu Alemayehu, Daniel Olago, Opere Alfred, Tadesse Terefe Zeleke and Sintayehu W. Dejene
The purpose of this study is to analyze the seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia and its effects on agriculture and livestock production. By…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia and its effects on agriculture and livestock production. By examining these climate variables in relation to global sea surface temperatures (SST) and atmospheric pressure systems, the study seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms driving local climate variability. Furthermore, it assesses how these climate variations impact crop yields, particularly wheat and livestock production, providing valuable insights for developing effective adaptation strategies and policies to enhance food security and economic stability in the region.
Design/methodology/approach
The design and methodology of this study involve a multifaceted approach to analyzing seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia. The research uses advanced statistical techniques, including rotated empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and rotated principal component analysis (RPCA), to identify and quantify significant patterns in seasonal rainfall, temperature and drought indices over the period from 1981 to 2022. These methods are used to reveal the spatiotemporal variations and trends in climate variables. To understand the causal mechanisms behind these variations, the study correlates seasonal rainfall data with global SST and examines atmospheric pressure systems and wind vectors. In addition, the impact of climate variability on agricultural and livestock production is assessed by linking observed climate patterns with changes in crop yields, particularly wheat and livestock productivity. This comprehensive approach integrates statistical analysis with environmental and agricultural data to provide a detailed understanding of climate dynamics and their practical implications.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal significant seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia, characterized by notable patterns and trends in rainfall, temperature and drought indices from 1981 to 2022. The analysis identified that over 84% of the annual rainfall occurs during the March to May (MAM) and September to November (SON) seasons, with MAM contributing approximately 53% and SON over 31%, highlighting these as the primary rainfall periods. Significant spatiotemporal variations were observed, with northwestern (35.4%), southern (34.9%) and northeastern (19.3%) are dominant variability parts of the zone during MAM season, similarly southeastern (48.7%), and northcentral (37.8%) are dominant variability parts of the zone during SON season. Trends indicating that certain subregions experience more pronounced changes in climate variables in both seasons. Correlation with global SST and an examination of atmospheric pressure systems elucidated the mechanisms driving these variations, with significant correlation with the southern and central part of Indian Ocean. This study also found that fluctuations in climate variables significantly impact crop production, particularly wheat and livestock productivity in the region, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate adverse effects on agriculture and food security.
Research limitations/implications
The implications of this study highlight the need for robust adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate variability. Detailed research on seasonal climate patterns and the specific behaviors of livestock and crops is essential. Gaining a thorough understanding of these dynamics is critical for developing resilient adaptation strategies tailored to the unique ecological and economic context of the Borana zone. Future research should focus on seasonal climate variations and their implications to guide sustainable development and livelihood adjustments in the region.
Originality/value
This study offers significant originality and value by providing a detailed analysis of seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia, using advanced statistical techniques such as rotated EOF and RPCA. By integrating these methods with global SST data and atmospheric pressure systems, the research delivers a nuanced understanding of how global climatic factors influence local weather patterns. The study’s novel approach not only identifies key trends and patterns in climate variables over an extensive historical period but also links these findings to practical outcomes in crop and livestock production. This connection is crucial for developing targeted adaptation strategies and policies, thereby offering actionable insights for enhancing agricultural practices and food security in the region. The originality of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis and practical relevance, making it a valuable contribution to both climate science and regional agricultural planning.
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Tareq Mahbub and Juthathip Jongwanich
The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that deter firms from pursuing foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh’s power sector.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate factors that deter firms from pursuing foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh’s power sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a mixed-method approach comprising semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. A quantitative analysis including a one-way analysis of variance and analytical hierarchy process is also included.
Findings
The results reveal that political aspects are the most influential barriers impeding FDI in the power sector, followed by economic and financial, societal and regulatory aspects. Of the individual factors, land acquisition/rent/lease, corruption, political interference, an inadequate gas transmission system and a long independent power producers’ approval process are key obstacles deterring FDI in the power sector. The ownership structure matters in ranking decisions to conduct FDI.
Practical implications
The study can assist managers in identifying key factors that deter FDI in the power sector. It can also assist the government to establish the right policies for the sustainable development of FDI in the power sector.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind in Bangladesh’s power sector that analyzes the key barriers hindering FDI systematically. It also discusses policies on removing these barriers for sustainable development of FDI in the power sector.