Giuseppina Uva, Francesco Porco, Andrea Fiore and Mauro Mezzina
The purpose of this paper is to collect the numerical elaboration of resistances measured on cubes made during the concrete casting and on cores extracted after the completion of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to collect the numerical elaboration of resistances measured on cubes made during the concrete casting and on cores extracted after the completion of the structure, for the concrete used in the construction of the “Esaro” Dam facilities (Cosenza, Italy). In addition to the statistical treatment of the sample, aimed at assessing the analytical congruence with the homogeneous classes provided in the design, the influence of compaction degree on in place strength value was qualitatively evaluated.
Design/methodology/approach
The reliability of the concrete during the construction phases was evaluated by two analytical control types according to Italian and European technical rules: “production controls” based on statistical processing of resistance values; “laying controls” that serve to assess the compaction degree with a statistical approach.
Findings
Results highlighted in the assessing of compliance checks of the mixture, the fundamental relation between statistical approach and concrete laying control. They become important when is necessary to quantify, especially in the case of great infrastructure, the gap between “potential” and “structural” concrete.
Originality/value
The advantage obtained by controlling the compaction degree in the construction phase is unquestionable. Specifically, it might allow a reduction of the drilling cores, and so minor structural damage, especially for relatively recent structures favouring extensive non-destructive tests.
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Niccolò Nirino, Felice Petruzzella, Gazi Mahabubul Alam and Francesco Campobasso
The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between firms' sustainable practices and corporate financial performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between firms' sustainable practices and corporate financial performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this study aims to analyse the effect of sustainable practices on firms' stock returns during and after the first COVID-19 pandemic emergency.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study was conducted to determine the impact of sustainable practices on firms' stock returns, using a sample of 1,418 European listed firms. In particular, we tested the effect of environmental (E) and social (S) scores, providing a multi-sectoral analysis in order to consider sector specificities.
Findings
The empirical outcomes indicate the existence of a negative (weak) or null relationship between sustainable practices and stock returns, failing to provide evidence that these practices are able to protect shareholders value during times of crisis.
Practical implications
The results obtained made it possible to highlight significant implications for investors and practitioners. They may have particular attention in evaluating firm's sustainable practices trying to understand more precisely the value that such practices can have for the company and its shareholders.
Originality/value
This article is part of the stream of studies that analysed the impact of sustainable practices on stock returns during a period of crisis in order to contribute to filling the gap due to the lack of consensus and the mixed results in the literature.
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Francesco Scarpa, Riccardo Torelli and Simona Fiandrino
This paper aims to understand how companies addressed and revisited their sustainable development goals (SDGs) engagement during COVID-19.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to understand how companies addressed and revisited their sustainable development goals (SDGs) engagement during COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducts semi-structured interviews with the sustainability managers of 16 Italian listed companies acting for the accomplishment of the SDGs. Then, the interviews’ transcripts and the companies’ sustainability reports were thematically analysed to tease out relevant findings.
Findings
The findings show that companies have intensified their SDGs efforts during COVID-19, implementing an approach closer to the “Sustainability for Braving Crisis”. The findings unveil the transformational mechanisms which determined and facilitated this improvement at three levels of the business SDGs engagement: “WHY” (general awareness and motivations), “HOW” (governance mechanisms, organizational structure and stakeholder dialogue) and “WHAT” (SDGs identification and prioritization and actions for the SDGs). These findings uncover the mechanisms through which a global crisis may prompt and catalyse sustainable business practices, acting as i) an inspirational and empowering event, ii) an organisational lever and iii) a reference point.
Practical implications
This research has important implications for practice and policy, as it offers managers and stakeholders guidance to understand how companies have reshaped their sustainability practices during the pandemic and drives future corporate responses in times of crisis.
Social implications
This study shows that a crisis may be a powerful lever to intensify business sustainability practices towards a better contribution to the SDGs.
Originality/value
This study focuses on how companies have revised their SDGs practices when faced with a global crisis such as COVID-19.