Govinda R. Timilsina and Ram M. Shrestha
The purpose of this paper is to examine potential demand side management (DSM) programs in terms of their impacts to the overall economy in Thailand.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine potential demand side management (DSM) programs in terms of their impacts to the overall economy in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi‐sector computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of Thailand has been developed to accomplish the objectives of this study. The potential DSM program considered refers to replacement of less efficient electrical appliances with their efficient counterparts in the household sector in Thailand.
Findings
The study finds that the economy‐wide impacts of the DSM program (e.g., economic welfare, GDP, international trade) depend on three key factors: the project economics of the DSM option or the ratio of unit cost of electricity savings to price of electricity (CPR); the implementation strategy of the DSM option; and scale or size of the DSM option. This paper shows that the welfare impacts of the DSM programs would improve along with the project economics of the DSM programs. If the DSM program is implemented under the CDM, the welfare impacts would increase along with the price for certified emission reductions units. On the other hand, the welfare impacts would increase up to the optimal size or scale of the program, but would start to deteriorate if the size is increased further.
Research limitations/implications
The welfare function considered in this paper does not account for benefits of local air pollution reductions. The study provides crucial insights on designing DSM projects in Thailand to ensure that DSM programs are beneficial for the economy as a whole.
Originality/value
Analyses of DSM options under the CDM using CGE models are not available in the literature. This is the first paper in this area.
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Naser Makarem and Clare Roberts
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether earnings boosts before the year end trigger earnings management. It examines whether firms that substantially outperformed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether earnings boosts before the year end trigger earnings management. It examines whether firms that substantially outperformed their last year earnings during the first three quarters push their earnings down to avoid reporting earnings boosts.
Design/methodology/approach
Regression analysis is used to compare earnings management of firms with earnings boosts and other firms.
Findings
The results indicate that firms outperforming their last year results by the end of the third quarter manipulate their earnings downwards by means of real activities manipulation, while they do not indicate income-decreasing accruals management. It is also found that consistent with the prominent shift from accruals management to real activities manipulation, accruals management is less costly which justifies why it is used for downward manipulation.
Research limitations/implications
The results are limited to one single earnings benchmark i.e. last year earnings. Further research may individually or collectively examine other benchmarks including analysts' forecasts.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that users should be more vigilant of firms exceeding their last year interim results, as they could be involved in downward earnings management.
Originality/value
This study documents earnings management in a new setting where earnings boosts before the year end trigger downward manipulation of real activities.
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Shehnaz Tehseen, Syed Monirul Hossain, Kim Yoke Ong and Elizabeth Andrews
This chapter explores the present state of the worldwide tourism sector and its complex phenomenological interconnection with climate change. This analysis emphasizes the…
Abstract
This chapter explores the present state of the worldwide tourism sector and its complex phenomenological interconnection with climate change. This analysis emphasizes the significant environmental consequences resulting from the rise of tourism, which can be attributed to the exponential growth facilitated by enhanced connectivity and the concurrent increase in disposable incomes. It thoroughly analyses the primary factors that contribute to the environmental impact of the sector, which encompasses emissions from transportation, infrastructure development, waste generation, and resource usage. Furthermore, this analysis sheds light on the obstacles encountered in the process of shifting toward sustainability, including limited knowledge and understanding, deficiencies in policy implementation, and reluctance to embrace transformation within the sector. However, it also provides insights into numerous activities and solutions currently in progress to alleviate the environmental impact of the industry. The aforementioned approaches encompass the implementation of sustainable tourism practices, legislation revisions, and advancements in technology. This chapter concludes by highlighting the imperative need for a collaborative initiative including governmental bodies, industrial participants, and tourists to establish a harmonious equilibrium between the pursuit of economic expansion and the protection of the environment. The future trajectory of global tourism is contingent upon the adoption of sustainable practices, which are crucial for fostering a healthy coexistence between the tourism industry and the environment.
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Hiba AlSaidi and David Crowther
This study delves into the interrelationships between business analytics (BA), strategic foresight (SF) and organisational resilience (OR) based on the systems theory. The…
Abstract
This study delves into the interrelationships between business analytics (BA), strategic foresight (SF) and organisational resilience (OR) based on the systems theory. The research model was evaluated using Smart PLS 2.0. We found that both BA and SF have positive impacts on OR, explaining 32% of the change in OR. Additionally, BA was shown to have a positive effect on SF. We also discovered that BA partially mediates the relationship between SF and OR. However, no significant mediating effect was found in the relation of BA on OR through SF. These findings reveal the important role BA and SF play in enhancing OR, highlighting the mediating role of BA in the relationship between SF and OR. This research marks a significant advancement in the literature, being the first to establish this unique mediation effect and opens the way for future longitudinal research to validate and expand these findings.
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Eric Asa, Monisha Shrestha, Edmund Baffoe-Twum and Bright Awuku
Environmental issues caused by the production of Portland cement have led to it being replaced by waste materials such as fly ash, which is more economical and safer for the…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental issues caused by the production of Portland cement have led to it being replaced by waste materials such as fly ash, which is more economical and safer for the environment. Also, fly ash is a material with sustainable properties. Therefore, this paper aims to focus on the development of sustainable construction materials using 100% high-calcium fly ash and potassium hydroxide (KOH)-based alkaline solution and study the engineering properties of the resulting fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the geopolymer concrete such as compressive strength, flexural strength, curing time and slump. In phase I of the study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to determine their effect on the strength of the geopolymer mortar. The results derived from the experiments indicate that mortar and concrete made with 100% fly ash C require an alkaline solution to produce similar (comparable) strength characteristics as Portland cement concrete. However, it was determined that increasing the amount of KOH generates a considerable amount of heat causing the concrete to cure too quickly; therefore, it is notable to forming a proper bond was unable to form a stronger bond. This study also determined that the addition of CNTs to the mix makes the geopolymer concrete tougher than the traditional concrete without CNT.
Design/methodology/approach
Tests were conducted to determine properties of the geopolymer concrete such as compressive strength, flexural strength, curing time and slump. In Phase I of the study, CNTs were studied to determine their effect on the strength of the geopolymer mortar.
Findings
The results derived from the experiments indicate that mortar and concrete made with 100% fly ash C require an alkaline solution to produce the same strength characteristics as Portland cement concrete. However, it was determined that increasing the amount of KOH generates too much heat causing the concrete to cure too quickly; therefore, it is notable to forming a proper bond. This study also determined that the addition of CNTs to the mix makes the concrete tougher than concrete without CNT.
Originality/value
This study was conducted at the construction engineering and management concrete laboratory at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. All the experiments were conducted and analyzed by the authors.
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Krishna P. Timsina, Ram C. Bastakoti and Ganesh P. Shivakoti
The analysis focuses on the perspective of overall strategic fit in the supply chain of onion seed in Nepal. The purpose of this paper is to analyze current status of onion seed…
Abstract
Purpose
The analysis focuses on the perspective of overall strategic fit in the supply chain of onion seed in Nepal. The purpose of this paper is to analyze current status of onion seed sector in Nepal from the perspective of selected functional strategies that fit in supply chain, and also identifies how various actors involved coordinate among each other.
Design/methodology/approach
The integrated approach has been used. It is an actor-oriented approach used to trace product flows. Supply chains generally include several actors for the onion seeds supply chain in Nepal, all those actors may or may not be applicable. However, initial approach would be to first look for these actors then subsequently identify existing supply and its actors. Some traditional methods of product and market analysis isolate operational costs along various stages of production. But, this paper used more comprehensive methodology that has taken into account an entire spectrum of associated activities and inputs.
Findings
Result revealed that the market actors of supply chain are taking significant benefit of value addition due to more investment in value creation. Vertical coordination is completely absent and the existence of horizontal coordination is in fragile form. The functional strategies in the upstream as well as the market side are not properly matching with the preference of the downstream actors of supply chain. It is suggested that the supply chain activities should work with different functional strategies such as proper drying and storage of seed and production of preferred varieties to satisfy the need of end consumers.
Research limitations/implications
It covers a single crop.
Originality/value
The findings and methodological discussions aim at providing practical guidance for supply chain researchers on how to analyze the strategic fit in supply chain.
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Koichi Shiwaku, Rajib Shaw, Ram Chandra Kandel, Surya Narayan Shrestha and Amod Mani Dixit
One of the most significant concerns of disaster management is that community at large is reluctant to initiate pre‐disaster measures at the individual level. Disaster education…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the most significant concerns of disaster management is that community at large is reluctant to initiate pre‐disaster measures at the individual level. Disaster education to schoolchildren offers the most vital answer to this grave concern. The objective of this study is to identify the factors which enhance students' awareness and promote the actual action for disaster reduction.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a questionnaire survey in six selected schools of Kathmandu, Nepal. Different awareness levels have been established to identify effective educational factors at each level. The analysis showed the way to implement the education program.
Findings
Results showed that current school disaster education – which is based on lectures – can raise risk perception, but it cannot enable students to know the importance of pre‐disaster measures and to take actual action for disaster reduction. Self‐education is effective for realizing the importance of implementing measures. Community plays the essential role for promoting students' actual actions for disaster reduction. Future disaster education in school should be active learning for students. Continuous community involvement is the most important factor for school disaster education.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses on the direction of disaster education for schoolchildren. Specific cases of the education should be customized, based on the results of this study.
Practical implications
The study findings are of significant importance for school teachers or education department while designing the curriculum for disaster education.
Originality/value
The findings and recommendations are field‐tested in Nepal and hence offer higher possibilities of adaptation, particularly in developing countries.
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Binod Krishna Shrestha and Devi Ram Gnyawali
The purpose of this paper is to examine how managers in Nepalese business organizations and non‐profit non‐government organizations understand and practice strategic management…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how managers in Nepalese business organizations and non‐profit non‐government organizations understand and practice strategic management and to what extent such understanding and practices differ from those in western countries.
Design/methodology/approach
In‐depth case studies of eight business organizations and non‐government organizations (NGOs) were prepared based on multiple data collection such as interviews and review of reports and the cases were analyzed to identify several themes for discussion of similarities and differences in the views and practices of strategic management.
Findings
Managers in Nepal have developed some shared understanding of key aspects of strategic management and practice some important aspects of strategic management; much remains to be done in order for them to develop a clear strategic focus so that they could develop their abilities to compete with global players and to create competitive advantages.
Research limitations/implications
This study suggested several avenues for future research for more systematic and data‐driven studies on the roles of international exposure on managers, international partners, national culture and other macro environmental conditions on strategic management practices in Nepal and South Asia.
Practical implications
The research findings are useful for managers of business organizations and non‐government organizations to develop their strategies for superior performance in South Asian countries characterized by volatile business environment and resource constraints.
Social implications
NGOs which work for social development need to improve their strategic management practices with more rigorous and resilient strategic implementation in Nepal.
Originality/value
This research is unique in the context of Nepal and will be useful in similar contexts. The findings contribute to understanding the strategic management practices in a unique culture.
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Chandra Kant Jha and Dennis M. Donovan
Drug use has numerous consequences on health, the economy, culture and the peace and security of families and communities. Drug users often engage in various criminal activities…
Abstract
Purpose
Drug use has numerous consequences on health, the economy, culture and the peace and security of families and communities. Drug users often engage in various criminal activities, including drug dealing, to sustain their drug use. Under Nepalese law, consumption, possession and sale of drugs are illegal, which increases the risk of incarceration for drug users.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a phenomenological/qualitative approach, the paper explores how various activities can lead to the arrest of drug users, how they cope without taking drugs in custody and prison and how they plan abstinence after release.
Findings
Participants engaged in various categories of criminal activity, including stealing, looting, etc. Most of the drug users were in custody and prison at least once. Drug use relapses led the participants to re-engage in criminal activities including drug dealing. Parents were often overburdened by their sons and daughter's drug use and were worried about their repeated relapses. Finally, some parents negotiated with their sons and daughters to keep them in prison where they would be able to stay without taking drugs and their involvement in crimes and conflicts would decrease.
Originality/value
Keeping substance abusers in prison does not appear to be an effective strategy, as many participants relapse after release from prison. However, a prison-based educational and health promotion strategy would be beneficial for drug users to develop knowledge and skills on staying drug-free. However, to date, no effort has been made to provide such services to drug users and develop their coping strategy after release.
Rajali Maharjan, Yashaswi Shrestha, Biplob Rakhal, Saurav Suman, Jurgen Hulst and Shinya Hanaoka
The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology which amalgamates quantitative and qualitative approaches to determine the best placement of mobile logistics hubs (MLH) to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology which amalgamates quantitative and qualitative approaches to determine the best placement of mobile logistics hubs (MLH) to be established in different parts of Nepal as a part of real-life project, “Augmentation of National and Local-Level Emergency Logistics Preparedness in Nepal” (2017–2020), implemented by the World Food Programme in cooperation with the Government of Nepal.
Design/methodology/approach
The study develops a methodology using a combination of a modified version of the maximal covering location problem (MCLP) and focus group discussion. The MCLP model is used to determine the optimal number and spatial location of MLHs, and focus group discussion is used to identify the five first-priority strategic MLH locations using expert knowledge.
Findings
The authors identify the five first-priority locations for establishing MLHs using an amalgamation of quantitative approach (mathematical model) and qualitative approach (focus group discussion). By amalgamating mathematical model with expert knowledge, findings acceptable to a wide range of stakeholders are obtained. The focus group discussion helps to pinpoint the location of MLHs to city-level granularity which is otherwise impossible with data available on hand.
Research limitations/implications
Although multiple experts’ judgements were obtained via focus group discussion, subjectivity and possible bias is inevitable. Overall, the quantitative results of the study are purely based on the data available during the study period; therefore, having updated data could possibly improve the quality of the results.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind that uses an amalgamation of mathematical model and expert knowledge to determine the strategic locations of MLHs and has been successful to an extent that the selected locations have been vetted by the government of Nepal for establishing MLHs and are undergoing implementation in real life. This study also considers multiple disaster scenarios and employs the concepts of human development, disaster risk and transportation accessibility to reflect Nepal's socioeconomic, geo-climatic and topographical features.