Stephen B. Harsh, Lynn Hamilton and Eric Wittenberg
As the interest in renewable energy increases and the number of federal and state incentives to support renewable energy has also grown in recent years, it seems worthwhile to…
Abstract
Purpose
As the interest in renewable energy increases and the number of federal and state incentives to support renewable energy has also grown in recent years, it seems worthwhile to explore the economics of using small wind energy systems to offset electricity costs on farms. The purpose of this paper is to explore the economics of small wind turbine installations on a dairy in Michigan through case study analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
An Excel‐based capital budgeting model is developed that contains two sub‐modules: one that estimates the value of the wind energy based on the measured wind resource, and an investment module that includes factors such as investment cost, financing parameters, sales of electricity; grants and tax credits and tax information. Cases using 20 and 50 kW turbine systems are analyzed.
Findings
The results of the case studies show that in a favorable wind resource, the federal tax and United States Department of Agriculture incentives as well as state policies such as net metering can make wind turbines a good investment with an internal rate of return of 12.5 percent in this example. However, if the wind resource is not sufficient, even favorable renewable energy policies will not offset the lost value of the power generation, and thus a wind turbine will be a poor investment decision. Farm businesses should carefully consider all factors before investing in a wind turbine.
Originality/value
This paper is the first in recent years to combine capital budgeting analysis, wind resource data and the implications of federal and state policies to determine if small wind turbines are a sound investment decision for farm businesses.
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The Equal Pay Act 1970 (which came into operation on 29 December 1975) provides for an “equality clause” to be written into all contracts of employment. S.1(2) (a) of the 1970 Act…
Abstract
The Equal Pay Act 1970 (which came into operation on 29 December 1975) provides for an “equality clause” to be written into all contracts of employment. S.1(2) (a) of the 1970 Act (which has been amended by the Sex Discrimination Act 1975) provides:
Michael J. Leiber and Maude Beaudry-Cyr
Framed by the intersectionality perspective and results from prior research, we examined the effects of race/ethnicity, gender, probation violations, and type of violation on…
Abstract
Purpose
Framed by the intersectionality perspective and results from prior research, we examined the effects of race/ethnicity, gender, probation violations, and type of violation on juvenile justice case outcomes in a Mid-Atlantic state.
Methodology/approach
Bivariate and multivariate analyses in the form of logistic regression were used to assess the extent race and ethnicity, gender, probation violations, and the type of violation, individually and in combination, impact case outcomes.
Findings
The findings indicate that the race/ethnicity of the youth, his or her gender, and whether involved in a probation violation and to some degree the type of violation, individually and in some cases, jointly, effect juvenile justice decision making. These relationships often involve receiving both harsh and lenient outcomes. We interpret the results as evidence that stereotyping plays out differently when race/ethnicity and gender intersect.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the general literature by (1) examining the neglected combination effects of race/ethnicity and gender with increased social control within juvenile justice proceedings; (2) including Hispanic youth; and (3) looking at the interrelationships among race/ethnicity and gender with the treatment of probation violators.
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Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some…
Abstract
Aim of the present monograph is the economic analysis of the role of MNEs regarding globalisation and digital economy and in parallel there is a reference and examination of some legal aspects concerning MNEs, cyberspace and e‐commerce as the means of expression of the digital economy. The whole effort of the author is focused on the examination of various aspects of MNEs and their impact upon globalisation and vice versa and how and if we are moving towards a global digital economy.
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Stephen J. Mihailov, Dan Grobnic, Christopher W. Smelser, Robert B. Walker, Ping Lu and Huimin Ding
The purpose of this paper is to present a review of research performed at the Communications Research Centre Canada on sensing applications of femtosecond infrared laser‐inscribed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a review of research performed at the Communications Research Centre Canada on sensing applications of femtosecond infrared laser‐inscribed Bragg gratings.
Design/methodology/approach
By using fibre Bragg gratings induced with ultrafast infrared radiation, inscription of high temperature stable sensors in standard and exotic optical waveguides is investigated for a variety of novel applications.
Findings
Generally, femtosecond laser‐induced gratings are effective sensors that can be applied in situations and environments where most fibre optic sensors are not effective.
Originality/value
The paper is a review of existing work already published in the literature and provides an overview of this technology to the reader.
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Carolyn M. Axtell, Karin S. Moser and Janet McGoldrick
Status is a central aspect of teamwork relationships and successful collaboration in teams, both online and offline. Status group membership and status perception shape…
Abstract
Purpose
Status is a central aspect of teamwork relationships and successful collaboration in teams, both online and offline. Status group membership and status perception shape behavioural expectations and norm perceptions of what is appropriate, but despite their importance have been neglected in previous research. Status effects are of special interest in online collaboration, e.g. via email, where no immediate feedback or non-verbal/paraverbal communication and direct observation is possible. The purpose of this study is to address this gap in research.
Design/methodology/approach
An experimental scenario study with two different professional status groups (lecturers and students) tested status effects on causal attributions, intergroup bias and emotional and collaborative responses to perceived norm violations in emails.
Findings
Results overall showed three key findings: a “black-sheep-effect” with harsher negative attributions for same status members, more aggression and less cooperation towards lower status senders and stronger (negative) emotional reactions towards high status senders.
Originality/value
The findings are important for managing professional online communication because negative personal attributions, strong emotions and aggressive behaviours can increase team conflict, lead to mistakes and generally undermine performance.
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This paper, based on an analysis of print and electronic discussions and on experience at ‘the front lines’ in collection development and reference in an American academic health…
Abstract
This paper, based on an analysis of print and electronic discussions and on experience at ‘the front lines’ in collection development and reference in an American academic health science library, questions the wisdom of permitting visions of the electronic library to drive library budgets and strategic planning. To market these visions, librarians may promise more than they can deliver, given the harsh social and economic realities predicted to intensify over the next several decades. The electrification of the delivery of traditional products and services is inadequate in itself to respond proactively to the needs for new products and services. Identification of new solutions to emerging needs would make long‐range planning efforts more effective. The effort to identify and fulfil needed new roles to librarians and libraries demands new social and organizational concepts, in addition to technical expertise. The paper concludes with a proposed agenda for action.
Barrie O. Pettman and Richard Dobbins
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
Abstract
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.