Levi Ribeiro de Abreu and Bruno de Athayde Prata
The purpose of this paper is to present a hybrid meta-heuristic based on genetic algorithms (GAs), simulated annealing, variable neighborhood descent and path relinking for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a hybrid meta-heuristic based on genetic algorithms (GAs), simulated annealing, variable neighborhood descent and path relinking for solving the variant of the unrelated parallel machine scheduling problem considering sequence-dependent setup times.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors carried out computational experiments on literature problem instances proposed by Vallada and Ruiz (2011) and Arnaout et al. (2010) to test the performance of the proposed meta-heuristic. The objective function adopted was makespan minimization, and the authors used relative deviation, average and population standard deviation as performance criteria.
Findings
The results indicate the competitivity of the proposed approach and its superiority in comparison with several other algorithms. In small instances proposed by Vallada and Ruiz (2011) and on small and large instances proposed by Arnaout et al. (2010), the proposed approach presented the best results in most tested problem instances.
Practical implications
In small instances proposed by Vallada and Ruiz (2011) and on small and large instances proposed by Arnaout et al. (2010), the proposed approach presented the best results in most tested problem instances.
Originality/value
The proposed approach presented high-quality results, with an innovative hybridization of a GA and neighborhood search algorithms, tested in diverse instances of literature. Furthermore, the case study demonstrated that the proposed approach is recommended for solving real-world problems.
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This paper intends to compare the sustainability reporting (SR) in three different national and institutional contexts, namely Italy, Brazil and USA, and aims to investigate…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper intends to compare the sustainability reporting (SR) in three different national and institutional contexts, namely Italy, Brazil and USA, and aims to investigate whether companies show a different approach to SR depending on the institutional setting where they operate.
Design/methodology/approach
To reach this goal, a sample of 150 reports was content-analyzed through a methodology based on a coding process which overcomes part of the limitations in previous works.
Findings
Results observed a relationship between the SR and the characteristics of institutional contexts, thus suggesting that while there is a general acceptance and use of international SR standards and initiatives, the content is influenced by and shaped on the characteristics of the national institutional context. In other words, although a widely diffused base of data and information can be found in the SR of companies in different contexts, the accent is put on specific issues which reflect the political, cultural, religious, legal and otherwise defined institutions in the national system.
Originality/value
Using the institutional theory the paper demonstrated that institutional contexts is one of the drivers of contents of sustainability reports.
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Rabail Tariq, Yifan Wang and Khawaja Fawad Latif
This paper is drawn on resource-based theory (RBV), dynamic capability theory (DCV) and situational strength theory (SST). It aims to investigate the relationship of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is drawn on resource-based theory (RBV), dynamic capability theory (DCV) and situational strength theory (SST). It aims to investigate the relationship of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) on project success (PS) through the mediating role of dynamic capabilities (DCs), big data analytic capability (BDAC) and sustainable resilience (SR). It also explores the moderating effect of knowledge sabotage behaviour (KSB) on the relationship of BDAC and SR with PS.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected via Questionnaire survey through convenience sampling from the sample of 550 employees working on project in software companies. Of these, 467 response was deemed valid for analysis. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with SMART-PLS tool.
Findings
The study revealed a significant impact of EL on PS (p < 0.05). It also confirmed the significant mediating role of BDAC and SR (p < 0.05) in EL and PS relationship. These findings emphasize that adapting an entrepreneurial leadership style provides an environment conducive to achieving project success. Moreover, the presence of DCs like BDAC and SR enhances the organization adaptability, efficiency and firms’ endurance to disruption and strengthens their ability to navigate challenges and drive firm outcomes.
Originality/value
The research provides valuable insight into the role of EL as a contemporary leadership style in project-based firms that are marked by high risk and uncertainty. Also, this research is the first to examine the role of DCs, i.e. BDAC and SR as essential support in the execution of a project. Moreover, the research also highlights the importance of the effective role of DCs in achieving PS by mitigating the moderating influence of KSB. Thus, these DCs are empirically proven to facilitate EL in-driving project success in volatile environment while avoiding counterproductive work behaviour.
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Amos Gavi, Emma Plugge and Marie Claire Van Hout
The dual epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased substantially in recent years, with…
Abstract
Purpose
The dual epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased substantially in recent years, with cardiovascular disease representing a significant contributor to the regional burden of disease. Very little is known about the cardiovascular health of people deprived of their liberty in the region. The purpose of this study was to collate extant literature on the topic.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping review mapped and described what is known about cardiovascular disease in prison populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic search of empirical literature with no date limitation was conducted in English. Sixteen studies representing six Sub-Saharan African countries (Cameroon, Nigeria, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Ethiopia) were charted, categorised and thematically analysed.
Findings
Seven key themes were identified: custodial deaths and autopsy; cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise; cardiovascular disease and elderly people in prison; cardiovascular disease and women in prison; dietary deficiencies; influence of sleep patterns on cardiovascular disease; and other associated risk factors. Most natural deaths at autopsy of custodial deaths were due to cardiovascular disease. Cardiorespiratory fitness was low in prisons, and poor sleep patterns and dietary deficiencies are likely contributors to the burden of cardiovascular disease in prisons. The needs of elderly and female prison populations are ill-considered.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known attempt to scope extant literature on cardiovascular disease in Sub-Saharan African prisons. A strategic focus on the cardiovascular health of people in prison is warranted. Routine monitoring and expansion of existing prison health-care services and integration of NCD services with infectious disease (HIV and tuberculosis) programmes in prisons are required.