Vesa Yli‐Pelkonen, Karoliina Pispa and Inari Helle
Urban stream ecosystems have often been seen as channels of water flow rather than as the valuable parts of an urban green space system providing ecosystem services. The study…
Abstract
Purpose
Urban stream ecosystems have often been seen as channels of water flow rather than as the valuable parts of an urban green space system providing ecosystem services. The study seeks to address the importance of urban stream ecosystems from the perspective of urban ecology, human health and social well‐being in the context of urban planning.
Design/methodology/approach
The case study area is the Rekolanoja stream ecosystem in the City of Vantaa, southern Finland. The data from the case study area were gathered from existing ecological studies and by conducting semi‐structured interviews, a resident inquiry and a writing contest.
Findings
The results from the Rekolanoja case show that intense management of the streamside vegetation and treatment of the stream channel in construction projects have decreased species richness and diminished valuable streamside biotopes. However, the stream corridor can function as an important recreational and educational element within the local green space network and thereby become a symbol of local identity.
Practical implications
Planners, decision‐makers and other interest groups can use the findings from this study in determining the values of small urban stream ecosystems in urban development.
Originality/value
The Rekolanoja case indicates that planners and residents see the value of such an aquatic element as increasingly important for urban biodiversity and ecological corridor functions, as well as for local human health and social well‐being, e.g. recreation and stress relief. Future land‐use decisions will show whether a genuine change in the values and thinking of planners and decision‐makers is taking place.
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Steven B. Scyphers and Susannah B. Lerman
Climate change is a global threat to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In an increasingly urbanized world, homeowners play an important role in climate…
Abstract
Purpose
Climate change is a global threat to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In an increasingly urbanized world, homeowners play an important role in climate adaptation and environmental sustainability through decisions to landscape and manage their residential properties.
Methodology/approach
In this chapter, we review the potential impacts of climate change on environmental sustainability in urban ecosystems and highlight the role of urban and suburban residents in conserving biodiversity. We focus extensively on the interactions of homeowners and residential landscapes in urban coastal and desert environments.
Practical implications
Understanding how human-environment interactions are linked with a changing climate is especially relevant for coastal and desert cities in the United States, which are already experiencing visible impacts of climate change. In fact, many homeowners are already making decisions in response to environmental change, and these decisions will ultimately shape the future structure, function and sustainability of these critically important ecosystems.
Social implications
Considering the close relationship between biodiversity and the health and well-being of human societies, understanding how climate change and other social motivations affect the landscaping decisions of urban residents will be critical for predicting and enhancing sustainability in these social-ecological systems.
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Lighting – from the firmament and the filament – is intrinsically linked with library design, influencing many factors from user comfort and productivity to spatial perception and…
Abstract
Lighting – from the firmament and the filament – is intrinsically linked with library design, influencing many factors from user comfort and productivity to spatial perception and connotation. For centuries, daylight governed libraries, forging built form and determining access hours. Within the last 100 years, the ascendancy of electric lighting has expanded possibilities and added challenges to library lighting design. The recent advent of the computer, and the light emanating from their screens, has provoked consideration of other light issues. This article addresses how to integrate light – in all its manifestations – within the context of library design.
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Most computer users are familiar with the idea of the online tutorial and online help functions, as these apply to database, spreadsheet and wordprocessing programs. Such programs…
Abstract
Most computer users are familiar with the idea of the online tutorial and online help functions, as these apply to database, spreadsheet and wordprocessing programs. Such programs vary in complexity, and full training of some depth is usually required, which may come from formal courses, manuals or online tutors. Two trends, however, have emerged which require that a simpler approach to computer training is adopted: namely the increasing use of end‐user information retrieval systems, and the spread of networks which make these systems available in a decentralised environment. End‐users in a networked system may now have to rely less on centralised formal training and more on help provided by the systems themselves, which places a burden on system designers to provide such help functions. However, system designers are not always the best people to provide proper help functions as they do not necessarily understand the users' perceptions of the systems. The people better suited for this are the information specialists and librarians who deal with the end‐user on a daily basis. A good example of a networked end‐user system is the OPAC, the online catalogue, which may have thousands of users with different levels of computer experience, all of whom have to be taught to make use of the computer system in the simplest way possible. The challenge here is to understand how the OPAC end‐user perceives the bibliographic record, and how to inculcate an understanding of the new ways of accessing records that the computer provides. In designing an online help system, the expertise of professional teachers may also have to be sought in order to ensure proper communication between the information specialist and the end‐user. In this paper, the experience gained in installing the OPAC at the University of Cape Town Libraries is used to illustrate these points.
Investigates underlying tension between the individual's claims and the demands of human society, exemplified by discussion about individual wealth on the one hand and neglect of…
Abstract
Investigates underlying tension between the individual's claims and the demands of human society, exemplified by discussion about individual wealth on the one hand and neglect of common tasks on the other hand. Compares economy as a supply system using the ‘naked ape’ comparison to add emphasis and giving a scientific viewpoint on proceedings and outcomes. Discusses the economic supply systems and gives examples using thirst as a problem to be solved on a group basis. Looks at economy as a connection of systems, a new approach, ergo as a supply‐mix. Explains marketing as a term from the view of either offerers' or demanders' problems with the respective opposite number in the market. Finalises that marketing, as a solution to problems developed by man in order to influence other people, contains a basic problem common to all human systems — it will show time and time again attempts to cheat others with improper use of procedures.
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Gerben G. Meyer, Paul Buijs, Nick B. Szirbik and J.C. (Hans) Wortmann
Many transportation companies struggle to effectively utilize the information provided by tracking technology for performing operational control. The research as presented in this…
Abstract
Purpose
Many transportation companies struggle to effectively utilize the information provided by tracking technology for performing operational control. The research as presented in this paper aims to identify the problems underlying the inability to utilize tracking technology within this context. Moreover, this paper aims to contribute to solving these problems by proposing a set of design principles based on the concept of intelligent products.
Design/methodology/approach
The study as described in this paper adopts a design science research methodology consisting of three phases. First, a case study in a transportation company has been performed to identify the problems faced when utilizing tracking technology. Second, to overcome these problems, a set of design principles has been formulated. Finally, a prototype system based on the design principles has been developed and subjected to experimental and observational evaluation.
Findings
This paper identifies the problems associated with the utilization of tracking technology for the control of transport operations. Moreover, the proposed design principles support the development of information systems which overcome the identified problems and thereby enhance the utilization of tracking technology in a transportation context.
Originality/value
The commonly held perception that tracking technology will improve the ability to perform operational control does not unequivocally stand up to empirical scrutiny. While it is widely demonstrated that tracking technology is able to accurately capture the detailed operational information, it remains a fundamental challenge to transform this abundance of information into accurate and timely control decisions. This research provides a valuable contribution with respect to tackling this challenge, by identifying problems and providing solutions related to the utilization of readily available tracking technology.
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In the last four years, since Volume I of this Bibliography first appeared, there has been an explosion of literature in all the main functional areas of business. This wealth of…
Abstract
In the last four years, since Volume I of this Bibliography first appeared, there has been an explosion of literature in all the main functional areas of business. This wealth of material poses problems for the researcher in management studies — and, of course, for the librarian: uncovering what has been written in any one area is not an easy task. This volume aims to help the librarian and the researcher overcome some of the immediate problems of identification of material. It is an annotated bibliography of management, drawing on the wide variety of literature produced by MCB University Press. Over the last four years, MCB University Press has produced an extensive range of books and serial publications covering most of the established and many of the developing areas of management. This volume, in conjunction with Volume I, provides a guide to all the material published so far.
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Contends that economic activities constitute a fundamental field of activity of human society. States that polarity between economy and society means these extremes cannot be…
Abstract
Contends that economic activities constitute a fundamental field of activity of human society. States that polarity between economy and society means these extremes cannot be realized because new syntheses – generally accepted for a shorter or longer – period have to be found again and again. Differentiates between areas of utilisation as part of life and the economy as a supply system ending with the withdrawal of objects, does not exclude the fact that it draws on desires, experiences, and users' problems of good direction. Confirms that economy as a field of human activity is organised as a combine of individual economic subjects/optional organisational formed by these subjects regarding preparation of means and supply of objects. Draws on the use of figures using matrixes to explain various functions in major and partial functions and discusses related terms in depth, with regard to marketing. Chronicles that results were more complicated than could be expected from the topic, but that it remains to be clarified where the specialization marketing has a functional‐systematic place.
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Very little is known about leadership at an individual level in the scholarship of leadership and social change. In this study using institutional ethnography as a research…
Abstract
Very little is known about leadership at an individual level in the scholarship of leadership and social change. In this study using institutional ethnography as a research method, I survey graduate students of the Organizational Development and Leadership program of a mid-Atlantic university. Qualitative data analyses reveal that majority of the respondents believe that leadership has a micro perspective and can be practiced at individual level. Literature defines leadership primarily as a group dynamic. Literature also suggests that one of the functions of leadership is to facilitate positive social changes. Via the data analyses in this study, I propose that any attempt or idea that makes positive differences at an individual level (and not necessarily at the group level) can also be regarded as an effective leadership. Thus, I intend to build on the traditional concepts of leadership by underpinning leadership at an individual level. Future research should further explore this definition of leadership in enhancing the well-being of individuals.