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On 1 April 1990, with the introduction of the Uniform Business Rate, came new provisions relating to the rating of empty non‐industrial hereditaments. In a booming marketplace, with almost full occupancy, the imposition of a 50 per cent compulsory unoccupied rate charge might pass unnoticed. However, in a depressed market, costs incurred by owners of unoccupied property have widespread implications. Based on under‐graduate research, concentrates on why unoccupied rate liability was introduced in its previous and present form, the reasons for its past reform and the justification for reform of the present legislation. Analyses the plight of owners today and prepares a case for the reform of the current legislation.

The purpose of this paper is to employ concepts drawn from communication theory to develop a structural model that it is hoped will improve the understanding of the impact of effective communication mechanisms on the performance of humanitarian organizations.

The research is based on a case study of a single humanitarian organization. The authors designed a cross-sectional study, collecting data using structured questionnaires and interviews. Structural equation modeling was used to test and estimate the model.

Estimations show that the proper design of internal manuals and procedure guidelines, coupled with formal strategies to foster stakeholder dialogue in organizations and increase the perceived performance of humanitarian programs.

The paper discusses the importance of designing effective communication strategies that permit humanitarian organizations to use their communication channels properly and improve operations based on lessons learned and the concerns of stakeholders.

This paper builds on the foundations provided by communication theory to develop a model that explains how communication affects performance in humanitarian organizations. The study further builds on a case study to test the theoretical model.

purpose of this study is to present a Lean Readiness Assessment Model (LRAM) for assessing the readiness of Humanitarian Organizations (HO) for adopting Lean Management (LM) (Johanson et al.) practices. Literature reveals that implementation of LM itself is a cost and most organizations have failed to adopt LM techniques due to a non-readiness status and a non-supportive organizational culture. This situation indicates that the assessment of organizations' readiness before implementation of lean techniques is necessary.

This was an empirical quantitative study. Based on a synthesis of the literature, a conceptual model was developed by identifying seven critical success factors (CSFs). The CSFs were validated by HO professionals via a questionnaire-based survey. The data from the responses were analysed by applying partial least square structured equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using the SmartPLS3 software.

A proven LRAM was constructed that consists of CSFs (independent and mediating variables), which have reflected positive coefficients and significant t >1.96 and p < 0.05 values. The CSFs that are significant include process management, planning and control management, customer relationship management, human resource management, communication and coordination management and a positive organizational culture. The CSFs of supplier relationship and top management and leadership had insignificant t and p values and were dropped from the final LRAM.

This is a unique and rare study in its nature which developed LRAM for HO sector. The contribution of this model is to improve the efficiency and sustainability (economic and social aspects) of an HO under scarce resource conditions.