The paper defines Malta’s disaster risks parameter. Various data are given on Malta’s earthquake‐related hazards. By referring to mean damage ratios and death rates, earthquake…
Abstract
The paper defines Malta’s disaster risks parameter. Various data are given on Malta’s earthquake‐related hazards. By referring to mean damage ratios and death rates, earthquake losses are equated as a percentage of the gross domestic product, and the number of casualties and homeless estimated. Being a small island, the need for foreign help in the aftermath of a large disaster is analysed. Because of the present large number of vacant premises available, the amount of material foreign help required is minimized, as households could be evacuated to other regions of the Island. The above risks could further be minimized if Malta adopts strategic preparedness and mitigation management. Retrofitting of the present building stock is necessary, as is actively encouraging the purchase of disaster insurance, together with preparation of planning tools and strategic choices.
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To provide data on the tsunami hazard of the Mediterranean region, to outline the Maltese Islands specific tsunami risks.
Abstract
Purpose
To provide data on the tsunami hazard of the Mediterranean region, to outline the Maltese Islands specific tsunami risks.
Design/methodology/approach
The physics of tsunami and the tsunami magnitude scales are first introduced. The Mediterranean tsunami characteristics are introduced by reference to sources (1962‐2003). Following this the Mediterranean tsunami vulnerability assessment is undertaken. This then narrows down to assessing the Maltese tsunami hazards with reference to various newspaper articles, with finally a risk assessment for Malta tsunami exposure calculated.
Findings
Considering the high loss of life occurring in the Indian Ocean catastrophic tsunami, tsunami awareness hazards are to be kept ongoing whilst Malta should form part of an expected European Tsunami Warning System.
Practical implications
Planning is to consider various options available including tsunami barriers, evacuation paths, buildings with vertical evacuation facilities. It would be more prudent to work with nature by moving all inessential structures further into the interior and to protect the shoreline with suitable vegetation.
Originality/value
Creates a Mediterranean/Maltese awareness to tsunami hazards/risks in a highly developed tourist region.
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Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some…
Abstract
Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.
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Oliver Mtapuri, Joseph Daitai, Mark Anthony Camilleri and Anna Dluzewska
The tourism industry may result in positive as well as negative effects for local communities. Although it is generating economic growth and job creation in different parts of the…
Abstract
The tourism industry may result in positive as well as negative effects for local communities. Although it is generating economic growth and job creation in different parts of the world, it can impact on sociocultural and ecological dimensions of destinations. A high influx of tourists can disrupt the residents' attitudes, behaviors, and their quality of life. It can also lead to the degradation of natural environments, including land, air, water, plants, and animals. In this light, this research raises awareness about the importance of managing tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner. The researchers deliberate about the opportunities and challenges of tourism. Afterward, they focus on the implementation of sustainable tourism development activities in the South African context. In conclusion, they put forward their recommendations for policymakers.
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This study aims to explain how socially responsible investing (SRI) has evolved in the past few decades and sheds light on its latest developments. It describes different forms of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explain how socially responsible investing (SRI) has evolved in the past few decades and sheds light on its latest developments. It describes different forms of SRI in the financial markets, and deliberates on the rationale for the utilization of positive and negative screenings of listed businesses and public organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review suggests that the providers of financial capital are increasingly allocating funds toward positive impact and sustainable investments. Therefore, this descriptive paper provides a factual summary of the proliferation of SRI products in financial markets. Afterwards, it presents the opportunities and challenges facing the stakeholders of SRI.
Findings
This research presents a historic overview on the growth of SRI products in the financial services industry. It clarifies that the market for responsible investing has recently led to an increase in a number of stakeholders, including contractors, non-governmental organizations and research firms who are involved in the scrutinization of the businesses’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) behaviors.
Originality/value
This discursive contribution raises awareness on the screenings of positive impact and sustainable investments. The researcher contends that today’s socially responsible investors are increasingly analyzing the businesses’ non-financial performance, including their ESG credentials. In conclusion, this paper puts forward future research avenues in this promising field of study.
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Carla Marano-Marcolini, Anna D’Auria and Marco Tregua
This chapter analyses the development of oleotourism through the use of local resources in a democratised decision-making process. It explains that the production of olive oil is…
Abstract
This chapter analyses the development of oleotourism through the use of local resources in a democratised decision-making process. It explains that the production of olive oil is making a novel contribution to the tourism industry. The authors suggest that oleotourism is also offering opportunities for stakeholder engagement. Therefore, the authors identify key elements that serve as drivers for the development of oleotourism in Jaén. They put forward a framework that can lead to a democratised decision-making process that is intended to support the stakeholders of oleotourism.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on higher education institutions globally, together with the wellbeing, social life, and study experiences of students…
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on higher education institutions globally, together with the wellbeing, social life, and study experiences of students (Goldstone & Zhang, 2022; Hordosy & McLean, 2022; Maslimova et al., 2022), and academic staff (Gilbertson, 2020; LUSA, 2020). This chapter describes a review of the Masters program in Educational Leadership and Management at the Faculty of Education, University of Malta. While acknowledging the need to better understand the impact of the pandemic – personally and professionally – the focus was to develop a program that helped staff and mature students develop, through a different learning and lived experience, by cultivating the values that are central to the program, namely community, agency, sharing, collaboration, collegiality, voice, reflection, and inquiry. Ultimately, the scope of this chapter is to highlight how the pandemic has helped to renew the graduate program in a way that forged the wellbeing of the academic staff, the leaders of the various educational institutions, and students.
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The aim of this case study is to outline relevant regulatory guidelines on environmental, social and governance issues in the USA. This contribution includes a thorough analysis…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this case study is to outline relevant regulatory guidelines on environmental, social and governance issues in the USA. This contribution includes a thorough analysis of several institutional frameworks and guiding principles that have been purposely developed to foster corporate citizenship behaviours.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study methodology involved a broad analysis of US regulatory policies, voluntary instruments and soft laws that have stimulated organisations to implement and report their responsible behaviours.
Findings
This contribution ties the corporate citizenship behaviours with the institutional and stakeholder theories. The case study evaluated the US’s federal government, bureaus and its agencies’ policies on human rights, health and social welfare, responsible supply chain and procurement of resources, anticorruption, bribery and fraudulent behaviours, energy and water conservation practices as well as environmental protection, among other issues.
Research limitations/implications
Past research may have not sufficiently linked corporate citizenship with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) paradigm. This research reports how different US regulatory institutions and non-governmental organisations are pushing forward the social responsibility, environmental sustainability as well as the responsible corporate governance agenda.
Originality/value
This research critically analyses US policy and regulatory instruments including relevant legislation and executive orders that are primarily intended to unlock corporate citizenship practices from business and industry. It has also provided a conceptual framework for the corporate citizenship notion. In conclusion, it implies that there are business and political cases for corporate citizenship.
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Peter J. Baldacchino, Elena Marie’ Gatt and Simon Grima
In this chapter the authors identified and discussed the most significant barriers faced by cooperative movements in Malta, providing recommendations for potential solutions…
Abstract
In this chapter the authors identified and discussed the most significant barriers faced by cooperative movements in Malta, providing recommendations for potential solutions. Primary data for this research were collected through the use of semi-structured interviews with a selection of 18 representatives of the small current Maltese cooperative movement, most of whom are active either in individual cooperatives (16) and/or in the cooperative institutions (five).
Findings indicated that the most significant problems are the lack of education and awareness regarding the cooperative movement. These are closely followed by the divide within the movement itself, which is also hindering further development of Maltese cooperatives. Therefore, for the movement to grow and develop, one must first tackle the lack of education and awareness of this business model. Furthermore, in order for the movement to reach its full potential there must be cooperation amongst cooperatives, leading to the appropriate environment for growth.
Through the identification of these significant barriers, targeted action may be recommended and taken so as to reduce, if not eliminate, these barriers and thereby help the Maltese cooperative movement flourish.