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1 – 10 of 16Pilar Cristina Reyes, Maria Viviani and Claudia Mariela Robles
This study aims to describe the design process of two teacher professional development programmes on Climate Change Education in Chile and Mexico, their initial outcomes on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to describe the design process of two teacher professional development programmes on Climate Change Education in Chile and Mexico, their initial outcomes on teacher practices and feedback on course activities, content and format, and their expectations of future topics for deepening their understanding.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematization of the design and implementation process of both programmes was conducted. Subsequently, an online survey comprising 21 questions was administered to 115 teachers from both countries, representing 5% of the graduates from each programme. The survey evaluated their experiences, the impact on their teaching practices and the effects on their personal and professional lives. This non-experimental design relied on teachers' self-reported perceptions after completing the course.
Findings
Teachers rated their experience highly, particularly regarding content quality and relevance to their local environment. Most (97.4%) applied their learning in their classrooms, with 78.3% noting it helped raise student awareness of climate change and facilitate collaborative projects. Additionally, 92.2% reported personal sensitization to climate issues and 87% changed personal habits. The course influenced 91.3% to take daily actions to reduce CO2 emissions. Some reflections are made on the design and implementation of the programmes, considering the survey results and the available literature.
Research limitations/implications
The study relied on self-reported data from teachers after they had completed the courses. This approach was chosen because it allowed for a direct assessment of teachers' understanding and experiences. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations inherent in self-reported data, such as the potential for response bias.
Practical implications
Educators, scientists and healthcare professionals can explore innovative pedagogical approaches to make CCE engaging and relevant, ensuring that all students not only comprehend the content but also feel empowered to contribute to environmental sustainability and learn to regulate their eco-anxiety. Teachers would have the opportunity to attend professional development courses based on research, reflect on their personal and technical habits, transform them, be role models for their students and build professional learning communities. Schools are transformative with a high quality of climate change education.
Social implications
Climate change demands urgent transformations in our consumption, energy generation and the construction of resilient cities. Education is pivotal in empowering environmentally conscious citizens. It fosters environmental awareness, develops skills to tackle climate challenges, promotes active citizenship, advocates for sustainable lifestyles and encourages innovation in clean technologies. By connecting people with nature, education strengthens environmental responsibility. Additionally, it equips society to advocate for sustainable policies and take action for the environment. A comprehensive educational approach is essential to forge global consensus and effectively address climate change.
Originality/value
By systematically evaluating teacher experiences and the impact on their personal and professional lives through detailed survey data, the study provides valuable insights into effective educational strategies for climate change awareness. Additionally, it highlights practical applications and behavioural changes among educators, contributing to the broader discourse on environmental education.
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Antonino Galati, Maria Crescimanno, Salvatore Tinervia, Constantine Iliopoulos and Irini Theodorakopoulou
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it identifies distinct organizational models in a sample of small and medium enterprises operating in the Sicilian wine industry; and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it identifies distinct organizational models in a sample of small and medium enterprises operating in the Sicilian wine industry; and second, it identifies the key factors enabling a superior export success.
Design/methodology/approach
Internal resources were analyzed theoretically in order to achieve the aims of the study. Subsequently the empirical investigation was carried out administering a questionnaire to a sample of 102 wineries in Sicily, Italy. A cluster analysis was performed in order to group these firms into homogeneous categories.
Findings
The findings show that success in the international market is more common among wineries characterized by a larger physical and economic size, a longer experience in the international market, managed by entrepreneurs-owners who are highly educated and proficient in foreign language, and implement voluntary certifications.
Research limitations/implications
The results need to be interpreted within the context of the study’s research design; more specifically, the reader should take into account that the study focuses exclusively on one industry and on one region (wine in Sicily).
Practical implications
The findings offer a valid support for managers who could use this results to better focus their effort and choose the most appropriate strategy in order to improve their performance in foreign markets.
Originality/value
Very few empirical studies have been carried out on the impact that internal and in particular organizational resources have on the firms’ organizational models operating in the wine industry.
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Fernando Muñoz, María Vargas and Ruth Vicente
This study aims to examine style-deviation practices in the socially responsible mutual funds (SMRF) industry i.e. how mutual funds game their stated financial objectives to earn…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine style-deviation practices in the socially responsible mutual funds (SMRF) industry i.e. how mutual funds game their stated financial objectives to earn a higher relative performance ranking. In addition, the consequences of such practices on sustainable scores and money flows are studied.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 454 US equity SRMFs is studied. This paper uses panel regressions controlling for time and style fixed-effects.
Findings
This study finds that 17.60% of SRMF managers in the sample are engaged in style deviation practices. These practices positively impact the sustainable performance of SRMFs and negatively impact their financial performance. One effect offsets the other and they consequently do not affect money flows. Another finding is that only investors with lower portfolio sustainability scores do show return-chaser behaviour.
Practical implications
This paper reveals that SRMF managers deviating from their stated financial style face a dilemma that is non-existent for their conventional peers that is style deviation practices affect financial and sustainable performance in opposing ways, whereas SRMF investor utility depends positively on both dimensions. The findings are not conclusive about the effectiveness of style deviation practices in attracting SRMF money flows.
Social implications
SRMF industry has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. The increased competition in this industry has led managers to strive to attract investors, sometimes by relying on irregular practices that enhance their portfolio results. Regulators should consider how to avoid such perverse behaviour with a view to improving mutual funds transparency.
Originality/value
This is the first research that analyses style deviation practices and their consequences for the SRMF industry.
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Mirza Muhammad Naseer, Yongsheng Guo and Xiaoxian Zhu
This study aims to examine the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure, firm risk and stock market returns within the Chinese energy sector…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure, firm risk and stock market returns within the Chinese energy sector. Using a variety of econometric techniques, the study seeks to uncover the impact of ESG disclosure on risk mitigation and its influence on stock market performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Benchmark regression models were used to explore the associations between ESG disclosure, firm risk and stock returns. To address potential endogeneity, a generalised method of moments estimator is used. Quantile regression was used for robustness analysis.
Findings
The study reveals a negative relationship between ESG disclosure and firm risk, indicating that companies with greater ESG disclosure tend to experience reduced risk exposure. In addition, a positive association is observed between ESG disclosure and stock market returns, suggesting that companies with more comprehensive ESG disclosure practices tend to perform better in the stock market.
Research limitations/implications
This study implies that investors appreciate sustainable investment and incorporate ESG practices and disclosure in decision-making. Policymakers can promote transparent ESG reporting through regulatory frameworks, fostering sustainable practices in the energy sector.
Originality/value
Despite the mounting concerns over carbon dioxide emissions and the energy industry’s environmental footprint, this study pioneers a comprehensive analysis of ESG disclosure within this critical sector. Delving into the relationship of ESG practices, firm risk and market returns, this research uniquely examines both risk mitigation and return enhancement, shedding new light on sustainable strategies in the energy domain.
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Christos Konstantinidis, Stamatis Aggelopoulos, Maria Tsiouni and Evanthia Rizopoulou
The objective of this study is to estimate the competitiveness for both the Greek food and beverage industry as a whole and the flour and milling industry, justifying the certain…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study is to estimate the competitiveness for both the Greek food and beverage industry as a whole and the flour and milling industry, justifying the certain economic factors and the way which these factors affect on it.
Design/methodology/approach
The Greek food and beverage firms which published their balance sheets for the studying period were studied. According to the existing literature two equations were created and estimated as a simultaneous equations system.
Findings
Summarizing the results both for the whole food and beverage industry and the flour milling industry are observed significant similarities on how certain economics factors such as profitability, market share, sustainable growth, age and operating costs affect on competitiveness as measured in this work. This may happen due to the high degree of concentration but also in the special characteristics which present both the Greek food and beverage industry and the flour milling sector.
Research limitations/implications
The fact that this work referred only in Greek firms can be a limitation of this research, in spite of that it can provide useful and safe conclusions for the Greek food manufacturing industry.
Practical implications
The provision of proposals for increasing firm competitiveness to managers as well as to policymakers.
Social implications
The importance of food and beverage industry for the Greek economy as well as that the flour milling industry holds an important position in the Greek food and beverage industry makes the study of the competitiveness for both of them to be important from both an academic and research perspective.
Originality/value
The Greek food and beverage industry is the strength of Greek manufacturing and at the same time an important lever for the development of the entire Greek economy. The high quality products it produces and the organized promotion of its products in international markets are elements that give it an advantage and stimulate its competitiveness. The flour milling industry is one of the sectors in which there is intense competition and whose presence in terms of sales, turnover, employment and gross value is particularly important, so a simultaneous study of these cases is very important.
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María Carmen García-Cortijo, Juan Sebastián Castillo-Valero and Ana Pérez-Luño
This paper analyses the behaviour of wineries after an economic crisis depending on their interest in the environment.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper analyses the behaviour of wineries after an economic crisis depending on their interest in the environment.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was drawn up to collect quantitative data on Spanish wineries; a total of 230 firms participated in the study. Subsequently, a detailed statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and rank sum.
Findings
The results show that the wineries that were most interested in sustainability exhibited proactive behaviour during the post-crisis period, choosing to innovate in their different areas in order to deal with the situation.
Practical implications
The paper develops a simple and effective method for wineries to gain confidence that their sustainable behaviour will be compatible with innovating and overcoming a crisis.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature because, to the authors' knowledge, no other study has investigated the concepts of sustainability, crisis and innovation simultaneously. The model is also applicable to international wineries as well as companies in other sectors and would help them to define their strategic and sustainability plans.
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Petros Kostagiolas, Charalampos Platis, Alkeviadis Belitsas, Maria Elisavet Psomiadi and Dimitris Niakas
The higher-level aim of this study is to investigate the impact of health information needs satisfaction on the fear of COVID-19 for the general population. The investigation is…
Abstract
Purpose
The higher-level aim of this study is to investigate the impact of health information needs satisfaction on the fear of COVID-19 for the general population. The investigation is theoretically grounded on Wilsons’ model of information seeking in the context of inquesting the reasons for seeking health information as well as the information sources the general population deploy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional survey examines the correlations between health information seeking behavior and the COVID-19 generated fear in the general population through the application of a specially designed structured questionnaire which was distributed online. The questionnaire comprised four main distinct research dimensions (i.e. information needs, information sources, obstacles when seeking information and COVID-19 generated fear) that present significant validity levels.
Findings
Individuals were motivated to seek COVID-related health information to cope with the pandemic generated uncertainty. Information needs satisfaction as well as digital health literacy levels is associated with the COVID-19 generated fear in the general population. Finally, a conceptual framework based on Wilsons’ macro-model for information seeking behavior was developed to illustrate information needs satisfaction during the pandemic period. These results indicate the need for incentives to enhance health information needs satisfaction appropriately.
Originality/value
The COVID-19 generated fear in the general population is studied through the information seeking behavior lenses. A well-studied theoretical model for information seeking behavior is adopted for health-related information seeking during pandemic. Finally, digital health information literacy levels are also associated with the fear of COVID-19 reported in the authors’ survey.
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Davide Settembre Blundo, Fernando Enrique García Muiña, Alfonso Pedro Fernández del Hoyo, Maria Pia Riccardi and Anna Lucia Maramotti Politi
The purpose of this paper is to present alternative management practice methods for the cultural heritage sector apart from the traditional public support model. These…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present alternative management practice methods for the cultural heritage sector apart from the traditional public support model. These alternatives rely on sponsorship and patronage as well as the newer and more innovative public-private partnership (PPP).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is organized in two conceptual sections based on a literature review. The first section presents and compares two closely associated business strategy forms that are increasingly becoming popular within companies: sponsorship and patronage. These strategies are analyzed to show their advantages and disadvantages and are assessed based on their best uses in terms of the benefits from their implementation to all stakeholders involved (benefactors, recipients and the public) and, more particularly, to the benefactor’s company communication policy. The second section analyzes the PPP as a newer innovative practice in the cultural heritage sector, a recent development that has great potential, especially during an economic crisis where public funds are reduced, which risks the future recovery and proper maintenance of sites.
Findings
In the paper, the authors stressed that sponsorship, patronage and PPP are not merely alternative ways of primarily obtaining government funding for the cultural heritage sector but are also new strategic management practices that, when properly performed, will not only preserve and improve the sector but also allow more value to be distributed among all stakeholders.
Originality/value
Although the topic of PPP is treated fairly in the scientific literature, especially with regard to infrastructure, there are few cases of the application of this model to cultural heritage management.
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Luis Juarez-Rojas, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Nilda Campos-Dávalos, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario and Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales
Food insecurity in the Latin American region has become a complex problem that significantly impacts people's physical and mental well-being. The factors causing food insecurity…
Abstract
Food insecurity in the Latin American region has become a complex problem that significantly impacts people's physical and mental well-being. The factors causing food insecurity are varied, ranging from social, political, and economic causes. Ensuring access to food is not a task with limited responsibilities; on the contrary, both public and private institutions must contribute to creating sustainable and innovative solutions. In general, it is necessary to ensure that the food system flows correctly, ensuring the availability of balanced and nutritious food for the diet of the inhabitants of a given nation. Alternative solutions apart from the government's help include sustainable cultivation, finger millet, and close cooperation with the farmers from the agriculture sector. The present research aims to consolidate theoretical information on the Latin American situation and seek the leading solutions of the parties involved.
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Kloosterman, van der Leun and Rath assert they conceptualised the “mixed embeddedness” hypothesis to overcome the shortcomings characteristic of earlier theoretical models of…
Abstract
Kloosterman, van der Leun and Rath assert they conceptualised the “mixed embeddedness” hypothesis to overcome the shortcomings characteristic of earlier theoretical models of immigrant business enterprise. This article assesses the relevance of this theoretical perspective to explaining immigrant entrepreneurship in a specific host setting with reference to research that spans a number of economic periods and includes both genders and a number of generations. It is argued that, while the “mixed embeddedness” explanation gives a more comprehensive explanation than previous models, it nonetheless fails to explain the wide‐ranging inter‐ethnic variation in entrepreneurial concentration observed among immigrant groups around the world. It contends that the reasons for this are the model’s lack of historical perspective and focus on the lower end of the market. It also demonstrates how the study of immigrant enterprise is advanced by incorporating the agency of individuals into the explanatory process.
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