“Corporate governance” refers to the top management process that manages and mediates value creation for, and value transference among, various corporate claimants (including the…
Abstract
“Corporate governance” refers to the top management process that manages and mediates value creation for, and value transference among, various corporate claimants (including the society-at-large), in a context that simultaneously ensures accountability toward these claimants (Sundaram, Bradley, Schipani & Walsh, 2000, p. 112).
Christian Scholz and Lisa-Dorothee Grotefend
Generation Z in Germany – born after 1995 – follows in many ways similar trends to be seen in other countries. Contrary to Generation Y, it is less career-focussed, less keen on…
Abstract
Generation Z in Germany – born after 1995 – follows in many ways similar trends to be seen in other countries. Contrary to Generation Y, it is less career-focussed, less keen on financial rewards and less willing to work flexible in a competitive world with total work–life blending. They look for structure, security and feeling good. What is different: Germany is one of the few countries in the world in which Generation Z in many cases can live up to their dreams. Germany has a prospering economy, a stable society and still a good educational system. Most important, for young people, it has an unemployment rate of virtually zero per cent. Therefore, companies definitely must engage in the war for talents and provide Generation Z with a fitting employer value proposition: Generation Z looks for meaningful and exciting work but seeks also meaning and excitement in private lives. In particular, they demand a clear separation of their private lives from their job. All this stands in contrast to the ambitions of the industrial sector in Germany promoting a more Generation Y-type environment with flexibility, agility and work–life blending. This conflict is not dealt with in an open way, since politics and media stand on the side of the large companies. Still, the power of Generation Z is not to be underestimated. Therefore, the chapter leaves it for the future to find out whether the Generation Z or other forces will win.
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Pablo Santos Torres, Carlos Francisco Simões Gomes and Marcos dos Santos
The present paper assesses the decision problem of selecting Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems (SARP) by the hybrid MPSI-SPOTIS approach for deployment in border control and…
Abstract
Purpose
The present paper assesses the decision problem of selecting Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems (SARP) by the hybrid MPSI-SPOTIS approach for deployment in border control and transborder illicit combat.
Design/methodology/approach
By the hybrid MCDA MPSI-SPOTIS approach, and from the database available in Gettinger (2019), models were filtered by Endurance, Range, Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW), and Payload, fitting within the classification of Categories EB 0 and 2. Category EB 1 was not considered in this study due to the limited number of models in the data source.
Findings
The use of the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) tool MPSI-SPOTIS allowed the determination of weights by stochastic criteria, applied in a ranking method resistant to reverse ordering. The application of the method identified the Raybird-3 (Cat EB 0) and Searcher (Mk3) (Cat EB 2) models as the best alternatives. From a proposed clustering, other selection possibilities with close performance in the evaluation were presented. The cost criterion was not taken into consideration due to the absence of information in the data source employed. Future studies are suggested to include criteria related to the life cycle and acquisition cost of the models.
Research limitations/implications
The cost criterion was not taken into consideration due to the absence of information in the data source used. Future studies are suggested to include criteria related to the life cycle and acquisition cost of the models.
Originality/value
This paper aims to propose a technology selection method applied to complex defense acquisitions when multiple factors influence the decision makers and it is hard to obtain a major optimum solution in multitask and multi-mission platform.
Much of the discussion surrounding the antivaccine movement focuses on the decision of parents to not vaccinate their children and the resulting danger posed to others. However…
Abstract
Much of the discussion surrounding the antivaccine movement focuses on the decision of parents to not vaccinate their children and the resulting danger posed to others. However, the primary risk is borne by the child left unvaccinated. Although living in a developed country with high vaccination rates provides a certain amount of protection through population immunity, the unvaccinated child is still exposed to a considerably greater risk of preventable diseases than one who is vaccinated. I explore the tension between parental choice and the child’s right to be free of preventable diseases. The chapter’s goal is twofold: to advocate for moving from a dyadic framework – considering the interests of the parents against those of the state – to a triadic one, in which the interests of the child are given as much weight as those of the parent and the state; and to discuss which protections are available, and how they can be improved. Specific legal tools available to protect that child are examined, including tort liability of the parents to the child, whether and to what degree criminal law has a role, under what circumstances parental choice should be overridden, and the role of school immunization requirements in protecting the individual child.
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Simantini Mohapatra and Bimal Kishore Sahoo
The purpose of this study is to gain meaningful insights into a microfinance programme in two different agro-ecological settings in India. The study, using primary survey data…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to gain meaningful insights into a microfinance programme in two different agro-ecological settings in India. The study, using primary survey data, attempts to examine individual, household and environmental characteristics that determine participation in a self-help group (SHG)–bank linkage programme in Odisha.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data are collected by a stratified random sampling method. The sample size is 300 households and information is collected by canvassing a pre-designed schedule to women through door-to-door in-depth interviews. In addition, focus group discussions have been conducted to get qualitative information. A probit binary model is applied to examine the factors determining participation in a SHG–bank linkage programme. A composite index of women empowerment is computed taking three dimensions: autonomy, economic empowerment and the gender relationship. Further, ordinary least square multiple regression and treatment effect evaluation by propensity score matching is carried out to study the impact of participation on women empowerment.
Findings
The study finds that the programme has by-passed the poorest of the poor. It is observed, however, that participation in microfinance has a positive and significant impact on women empowerment.
Research limitations/implications
Given the research methodology adopted in this study, one concern is whether the results generalise. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.
Practical implications
To improve status of women particularly in developing and underdeveloped regions, microfinance can act as a catalyst.
Social implications
Microfinance in the form of SHG–bank linkage should be promoted, particularly for those social groups and religious communities where women are discriminated. Their participation in SHG–bank linkage programme will improve their social status through empowerment.
Originality/value
This study illustrates how microfinance can improve the status of women.
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Roumaissa Laieb, Ilhem Ghodbane, Rahma Benyahia, Rim Lamari, Saida Zougar and Rochdi Kherrrat
This study aims to develop an electrochemical sensor for the detection of benzophenone (BP) as an alternative to conventional techniques that are known, expensive, complex and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop an electrochemical sensor for the detection of benzophenone (BP) as an alternative to conventional techniques that are known, expensive, complex and less sensitive.
Design/methodology/approach
The developed sensor is a platinum electrode modified with a plasticized polymer film based on ß-cyclodextrin, using PVC as the polymer, PEG as the plasticizer and ß-CD as the ionophore. This sensor is characterized by various techniques, such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. This latter is also used for analyzing kinetic processes at the electrode/electrolyte interface and to evaluate the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor.
Findings
The results highlight the performance of our sensor. In fact, it exhibits a linear response extending from 10−19 to 10−13 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9836. What is more, it has an excellent detection limit of 10−19 M and a good sensitivity of 21.24 µA/M.
Originality/value
The results of this investigation demonstrated that the developed sensor is an analytical tool of choice for the monitoring of BP in the aqueous phase. The suggested sensor is fast, simple, reproducible and inexpensive.
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Ali Ghanbarzadeh, Jaber Neshati, Mohammad Reza Bagherzadeh and Shahram Ghanizadeh
The purpose of this paper is to draw up an atmospheric corrosion map for an industrial zone to determine the best coating system for each location.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw up an atmospheric corrosion map for an industrial zone to determine the best coating system for each location.
Design/methodology/approach
The outdoor atmospheric corrosion rate was measured at eight locations distributed in an oil refinery during a year. Corrosion rates were measured by weight loss of carbon steel coupons, according to ISO Standard 9223. Weathering conditions, including temperature, time of wetness, and atmospheric pollution such as chloride precipitation and sulfur content also were measured. The results were analyzed using “Surfer 8” software and the corrosion map of the refinery was derived.
Findings
An atmospheric corrosion map was derived for the oil refinery. By this approach, coating system for equipment can be selected based exactly on where the plant item is located.
Originality/value
Exterior coating systems for equipment now can be selected based on their application, regardless of their position in any refinery. In this article, an atmospheric corrosion map was developed for a refinery for the first time. The position of equipment on the corrosion map is a new parameter that should be considered for coating system selection.
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S. Guruviah, M. Sundaram, C. Rajagopal and K.S. Rajagopalan
It is shown that complete derusting of structural steel is not necessary if rust converter which can convert adherent rust into a protective coating is used. The performance of…
Abstract
It is shown that complete derusting of structural steel is not necessary if rust converter which can convert adherent rust into a protective coating is used. The performance of the rust converter developed by the authors is described in this paper.
Dries Couckuyt and Amy Van Looy
Green Business Process Management (BPM) focusses on the ecological impact of business processes. Although it is an emerging field, different attitudes exist towards the…
Abstract
Purpose
Green Business Process Management (BPM) focusses on the ecological impact of business processes. Although it is an emerging field, different attitudes exist towards the discipline’s name, the objectives and the approaches to realise them. By means of a systematic literature review, the purpose of this paper is to arrive at a common understanding of the discipline for successful development.
Design/methodology/approach
The review methodology relies on a hermeneutic framework which integrates the search, analysis and interpretation of the literature. The sample is used in a text analysis to find an appropriate definition (RQ1), a bibliometric analysis to give insights in current Green BPM contributions (RQ2) and a content analysis to present differences with conventional BPM (RQ3).
Findings
Green BPM follows a similar development as conventional BPM, namely from a more technical perspective to also including the managerial perspective. More research is required that goes beyond the traditional business process lifecycle.
Originality/value
The research questions generated a comprehensive overview about application domains and research topics, which in turn can deliver benefits for both research and practitioner-related communities. Researchers identify future research avenues, while practitioners find appropriate Green BPM techniques for their domain.
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In this introductory chapter, I discuss the rationale for this edited collection and the contribution it can make to advancing knowledge of gender inequalities and promoting…
Abstract
In this introductory chapter, I discuss the rationale for this edited collection and the contribution it can make to advancing knowledge of gender inequalities and promoting social justice in the medical profession and medical education. I provide a short overview of and critique of popular debates in the medical community in the United Kingdom and I also discuss briefly research about women’s careers in the United Kingdom and globally. The introductory chapter provides a description of each chapter and its contribution to scholarship about gender, careers and inequalities in Medicine/Medical Education.