Marco Antonio Batista da Silva, Priscila Rezende da Costa and Claudia Terezinha Kniess
The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the systematisation of environmental training can contribute to the development of individual competences aligned to the environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the systematisation of environmental training can contribute to the development of individual competences aligned to the environmental dimension of sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach was used in a multiple case study with three chemical companies: Braskem, Solvay and Beta (fictitious name).
Findings
Data analysis allowed descriptive characterisation of the phases of environmental training and the identification of individual competencies aligned to the environmental dimension of sustainability in the companies surveyed. The results showed that the systematised environmental training, its phases structured to meet the organisational strategic goals of sustainability, helps to develop individual competences of environmental sustainability in the companies analysed.
Research limitations/implications
The contribution of the study to the academy is presented in the deepening of the studies taking into account the gaps presented in the theoretical bases on the subject environmental education. This is the first study that seeks to investigate the stages of environmental training in the development of individual competences in the context of three Brazilian chemical industries. It was possible to describe the process of environmental training in a strategic dimension, used by the companies studied that can contribute to the market, assisting professionals in the areas of human resources and environmental management in the development of training actions.
Originality/value
The value of the paper is given by the reflection on the development of individual competencies for sustainability through environmental training, which can guide future public policies of environmental development for companies in the chemical sector.
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Barbara de Lima Voss, David Bernard Carter and Bruno Meirelles Salotti
We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in…
Abstract
We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in the construction of hegemonies in SEA research in Brazil. In particular, we examine the role of hegemony in relation to the co-option of SEA literature and sustainability in the Brazilian context by the logic of development for economic growth in emerging economies. The methodological approach adopts a post-structural perspective that reflects Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory. The study employs a hermeneutical, rhetorical approach to understand and classify 352 Brazilian research articles on SEA. We employ Brown and Fraser’s (2006) categorizations of SEA literature to help in our analysis: the business case, the stakeholder–accountability approach, and the critical case. We argue that the business case is prominent in Brazilian studies. Second-stage analysis suggests that the major themes under discussion include measurement, consulting, and descriptive approach. We argue that these themes illustrate the degree of influence of the hegemonic politics relevant to emerging economics, as these themes predominantly concern economic growth and a capitalist context. This paper discusses trends and practices in the Brazilian literature on SEA and argues that the focus means that SEA avoids critical debates of the role of capitalist logics in an emerging economy concerning sustainability. We urge the Brazilian academy to understand the implications of its reifying agenda and engage, counter-hegemonically, in a social and political agenda beyond the hegemonic support of a particular set of capitalist interests.
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Daiane Costa dos Santos, Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho, Jhessika de Santana Silva, Milena Figueiredo de Sousa, Marcio da Silva Vilela, Marco Antonio Pereira da Silva, Ailton Cesar Lemes and Mariana Buranelo Egea
Okara, which is the residue of hydrosoluble extract from soybean obtained after soymilk and tofu production, has high nutritional value and can be used for ingredient in specific…
Abstract
Purpose
Okara, which is the residue of hydrosoluble extract from soybean obtained after soymilk and tofu production, has high nutritional value and can be used for ingredient in specific food products. This study aims to evaluate the production and properties (physicochemical, microscopical and functional ones) of okara flour (OF) obtained from okara as a by-product of soymilk and tofu production.
Design/methodology/approach
Wet okara resulted from the soymilk process underwent convective drying up to reach mass stability (60°C for 12 h). OF properties were analyzed by official methods by AOAC, i.e. mineral composition was evaluated by atomic absorption equipment; color; water absorption index (WAI); milk absorption index (MAI); oil absorption capacity (OAC); and foam capacity (FC) required mixtures with water, milk and oil, separation and gravimetry, respectively; and microstructure was determined by a scanning electron microscope.
Findings
Results showed the potential OF has as a source of protein (24.74 g/100 g) and dietary fiber (58.27 g/100 g). Regarding its color after the drying process, OF was markedly yellow (b* parameter 20.16). Its WAI was 3.62 g/g, MAI was 4.33 g/g, OAC was 3.68 g/g and FC was 1.32 per cent. The microscopic analysis of OF showed that both loose and agglomerated particles had irregular structures and indefinite forms.
Originality/value
Production of flour from wet okara can be an alternative use of this by-product. This study showed important characteristics of OF and its possible application to the food industry. Thus, OF was shown as a potential ingredient with high nutritional value.