Sherri Brokopp Binder, Alex Greer and Elyse Zavar
Home buyout programs are typically funded by the federal government and implemented by local agencies. How these agencies design and implement buyouts has considerable impacts on…
Abstract
Purpose
Home buyout programs are typically funded by the federal government and implemented by local agencies. How these agencies design and implement buyouts has considerable impacts on participating households and communities, making understanding the internal processes of implementing agencies a critical component of buyout research. This study addresses this issue by exploring the early design and implementation phases of a buyout program in Harris County, Texas, following Hurricane Harvey.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with buyout staff and government stakeholders. Data were analyzed in two phases using grounded theory methodology and holistic coding.
Findings
There was considerable tension regarding the role of buyouts in mitigation and recovery. Participants conceptualized buyouts as mitigation programs, but recognized that residents, in contrast, viewed buyouts as a tool for household recovery.
Research limitations/implications
This study adds to questions raised in the literature about the efficacy of buyouts and other relocation efforts implemented in response to disasters and global climate change. Future research should work to build systematic knowledge regarding design, implementation, and impacts of buyouts on affected households and communities.
Practical implications
Tension in the purpose of buyouts may be the cause of consistent shortcomings in buyout implementation including attrition, checkerboarding, and transfer of risk. Funding, timing, and the scale of buyouts do not align with household recovery needs and priorities, limiting the mitigation potential of buyouts.
Originality/value
This study identifies a fundamental tension in the purpose of buyout programs that has yet to be discussed in the literature.
Details
Keywords
Elyse Zavar and Ronald R. Hagelman III
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides guidelines for the management of open space created through property acquisition (buyouts); however, land use decisions are…
Abstract
Purpose
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides guidelines for the management of open space created through property acquisition (buyouts); however, land use decisions are primarily left to local governments manifesting in a variety of uses. The purpose of this paper is to provide a land use assessment of buyout sites, to describe the changes in those uses that have occurred during a ten-year period from 1990 to 2000, and to offer an assessment of management approaches employed across these sites.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed-methods approach consisting of a land use classification survey and a semi-structured questionnaire of floodplain managers, this study explores the land use trends at buyout sites, diverse approaches local governments take in managing the open spaces created through floodplain buyout programs, and the successes and challenges communities face in open space management.
Findings
Results indicate strong support from floodplain managers for property acquisition and several cases emerged where communities put their newly acquired public land to creative uses. However, the opportunity to leverage these properties for greater public values is largely being missed, primarily because of limited funding.
Practical implications
The analysis indicates strong support among floodplain managers for the buyout approach; however, additional resource-sharing and funding opportunities are needed to increase the utility of buyout properties.
Originality/value
By evaluating the long-term management strategies floodplain managers utilize on buyout sites, this study adds to an underrepresented area of scholarship and is of value to practitioners, government officials, and academics.
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Shyamala Venkatachalapathi, Radha Shankararajan and Kiruthika Ramany
Milk is often referred to as the ultimate food because it meets the nutritional needs of infants, children and adults alike. It is a rich source of protein, fat, sweetness…
Abstract
Purpose
Milk is often referred to as the ultimate food because it meets the nutritional needs of infants, children and adults alike. It is a rich source of protein, fat, sweetness, vitamins and minerals. Because of its widespread usage as a healthy dairy product, the issue of milk adulteration is of global significance. The increasing frequency of fraudulent methods in the dairy business raises concerns about its purity and quality.
Design/methodology/approach
A study was conducted and reviewed that looked at several approaches for detecting milk adulteration during the past 15 years. This study examines the current state of research and analyzes recent advances in development.
Findings
There are ways and technology available that can effectively put an end to the abhorrent practice of milk adulteration.
Originality/value
This research takes a unique approach, focusing on the application of milk adulteration. It provides an overview of milk adulteration detection and investigates the effectiveness of biosensors in identifying common milk adulterants.