Timothy C. Weiskel and Richard A. Gray
The ecological decline of ancient Near Eastern civilizations and the violent and explosive characteristics of post‐Columbian colonial ecologies might well remain comfortably…
Abstract
The ecological decline of ancient Near Eastern civilizations and the violent and explosive characteristics of post‐Columbian colonial ecologies might well remain comfortably remote from us in our twentieth century world were it not for the disturbing parallels that such case histories seem to evoke as we consider our contemporary global circumstance. Just as in ancient times and in the age of colonial expansion, it is in the “remote environments,” usually quite distant from the centers of power, that the crucial indicators of environmental catastrophe first become apparent within the system as a whole. These regions are frequently characterized by weak economies and highly vulnerable ecosystems in our time, just as they were in the past. Accordingly, the environmental circumstances in these regions constitute for the modern world a kind of monitoring device that can provide early warnings of ecological instabilities in the global ecosystem.
Tourism is sometimes described as a worthwhile activity for a developing economy. Among countries of emergent Africa, for example, Kenya derives a significant portion of its…
Abstract
Tourism is sometimes described as a worthwhile activity for a developing economy. Among countries of emergent Africa, for example, Kenya derives a significant portion of its national economic advancement from tourism. But cogent socio‐economic arguments modify the general proposition for Kenya, as for several other developing countries. If these reservations are accorded proper attention, the tourist may yet prove the unwitting agent for development. If, however, the cost‐benefit construct is not adjusted to take account of these further factors, tourism in emergent Africa may end up by the way it is going in the Caribbean and several other parts of the Third World: a source of economic, cultural, social and ultimately political friction.
Environmental policies are rarely set by environmentalists, whatever they may think to the contrary. Macro‐level policies relating to land, water, atmosphere and other prime…
Abstract
Environmental policies are rarely set by environmentalists, whatever they may think to the contrary. Macro‐level policies relating to land, water, atmosphere and other prime environmental resources are generally set by departments of agriculture, industry, settlement and the like, and especially by those departments of economic planning that establish the fiscal framework. Alternatively, policies are set by major business concerns, banks and investment bodies. These dominant agents in a nation′s economy then pass on to environmentalists whatever “policy space” is left over, whereupon environmentalists find themselves spending much time and energy in countering the environmental problems set up (all too unwittingly) by the others. A more productive approach for environmentalists would be to tackle some of these problems at source; and the first step in that direction is to better understand the sources in question.
Details
Keywords
In this chapter, the author has described the nexus between climate change and the evolution of refugee problems. The concept of climate refugee and the controversy between…
Abstract
In this chapter, the author has described the nexus between climate change and the evolution of refugee problems. The concept of climate refugee and the controversy between refugee and climate refugee were extensively elaborated. The estimates of climate refugees under various dimensions in different parts of the world were exemplified with statistical figures. The solutions of the refugee problems, funding, directions of estimates and social responsibilities towards refugees are described in the activities of international institutions like UNHCR, CCDO, UNFCCC, IPCC, the Red Cross and many others. The chapter also highlights some important policy issues such as charters, funds, response strategy to disaster and disaster recovery plans, support capacity building and climate change adaptation and so on and also cited policies taken by the G20 summit to care for refugees. Besides, the recommendations of COP23 were also included. In conclusion, ‘no climate change, no climate refugees’ slogan is incorporated with suggestions of taking care of sizable percentage shares of refugees by the rich nations.
Details
Keywords
Alan Reinstein, Stephen R. Moehrle and Jennifer Reynolds‐Moehrle
To develop theoretical frameworks to discuss high profile scandals, where responsible accountants and other executives could have saved themselves, many investors and others…
Abstract
Purpose
To develop theoretical frameworks to discuss high profile scandals, where responsible accountants and other executives could have saved themselves, many investors and others severe personal and financial loss by considering the costs of improper or immoral behavior. These cases emphasize the importance of ethics driving accountants' decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper discusses these ethical lapses in light of applying Kohlberg's models, biblical examples from the Old and New Testaments and the Koran, and other ethical systems.
Findings
The paper shows that this concept is not new. Throughout history, people have taken actions that cost them their freedom, their money and most importantly, their good names. Upon reflection, many of these people are astounded at the seriousness of their action given what little they had to gain from continued involvement. In reinforcing lessons that should be learned from cases of business malfeasance and highlighting many well‐known accounting and other scandals, we develop recurrent themes in the nature of business scandals and show that many people are responsible for or complicit in the malfeasance. These individuals could have prevented the fraud or minimized any adverse impact if they had considered their behavior ex ante. We show that the employees portrayed demonstrated very low‐levels of ethical development and seemed to underestimate the probability of getting caught and the resulting punishment. We also elicit many reasons from several viewpoints for not becoming involved in fraud.
Research limitations/implications
It is hoped that the next generation of business leaders and middle level staff alike will consider the results/messages of this paper when faced with ethical dilemmas.
Practical implications
The paper concludes that the best internal control in a business structure remains the hiring and training of morally upstanding employees and managers who recognize the values of their good names before temptations arise. Incentive plans can encourage ethical behavior.
Originality/value
Practitioners must consider fully the potential consequences of their actions no matter how small the perceived probability of a bad outcome.
Details
Keywords
Water has occupied an increasingly important place on the international agenda since 1993, with questions about the impact of climate change on water resources, the possibility…
Abstract
Water has occupied an increasingly important place on the international agenda since 1993, with questions about the impact of climate change on water resources, the possibility that disputes about access to water might exacerbate regional tensions, and whether large‐scale planning and projects are the best way to meet future needs emerging as key issues. This article examines how thinking on these questions has evolved since 1993 and presents updated projections of the main trends concerning water resources.
Details
Keywords
– The purpose of this paper is to present historical research on marketing practices in department stores of the 1880-1930 period using primary source records from Australia.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present historical research on marketing practices in department stores of the 1880-1930 period using primary source records from Australia.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws from primary records including retail trade journals, mass circulation newspapers, and other contemporary sources, but mainly from the archives of The Master Retailers' Association (MRA). The MRA was the dominant industry employers' organisation in Australia, and possibly the first retail association of its kind in the Western world. Secondary sources have also been used to supplement the primary records, and to provide context, and cross-cultural comparisons.
Findings
The findings demonstrate the antecedents of a range of marketing practices that today we presume are modern, including sales promotion, trade promotion, direct mail, destination retailing, advertising, and consumer segmentation. This supports other scholars' research into marketing's long history.
Originality/value
This paper contributes original knowledge to the neglected field of Australian marketing history and connects the pioneering practices of retailers to the broader field of marketing. While some outstanding retail histories exist for the USA, UK, and France, the Australian story has remained largely uncovered.