Search

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of how ecological considerations can be integrated into campus strategic and statutory spatial planning. A process of developing ecological objectives and guidelines for inclusion in campus strategic and statutory spatial plans is presented. Design/methodology/approach: This case study introduces a three-phase ecological assessment process developed and applied to the Technion – IIT campus. Ecological considerations are reviewed in multiple campus strategic and spatial plans (primarily in North America and Europe) and in institutional sustainability guidelines; biodiversity and ecosystem service surveys of the campus are conducted and considered with regard to planning; university administrative structures that enable the implementation of ecological planning guidelines are also assessed. Findings: Ecological considerations (biodiversity conservation, habitat preservation and ecosystem integrity) play a relatively minor role in sustainability planning on university campuses. The concepts of connectivity and compactness are applied broadly, but generally refer to social and educational considerations. Physical planning provides an opportunity for integrating ecological priorities into the university's mission. Research limitations/implications: Some of the insights may not be generalizable, so it is crucial to continue accumulating similar studies. It is crucial, too, to conduct follow-up research, reporting on the ecological outcomes of plan implementation. Practical implications: Ecological stewardship is commensurate with the sustainability commitments of universities. Considering their spatial extent and diverse locations, universities can assume an important role in ecological conservation. Originality/value: Relatively little attention has been given to ecological considerations (biodiversity, ecological integrity and ecosystem services) in campus plans and sustainability documents. This paper suggests how universities can move towards fulfilling a role as ecological stewards through strategic and spatial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, amixed (quantitative and qualitative) and comparative (Europe vs. North America) analysis is accomplished for the assessment of the production and diffusion of strategy knowledge. With such an analysis we have attempted to identify which countries have the most consolidated and prestigious means for the diffusion of Strategic Management investigation at international level, and what is the character of its scientific production in the field. We have also tried to ascertain whether international or local cooperation plays a substantive and increasing role in the production and dissemination of knowledge on Strategic Management, specially nowadays, when, in despite of the strong existing competition, an ever greater attention is paid to the role played by cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the impact of the global financial crisis on the conditional beta in the region of North America and Western Europe and the effect on the behavior and decisions of the investor.Design/methodology/approach The authors model the variations of volatility in financial markets during crisis using the bivariate GARCH model of Engle and Kroner (1995).Findings The empirical investigation identifies an additional effect of the crisis over the period of the test. Results indicate a rise in the beta in some cases and a fall in others. This rise had a direct impact on the systematic beta risk, which increased for the majority of the companies during the crisis period. The increase in beta during the crisis period has an effect on the behavior of the investor and his decisions.Research limitations/implications The increase in the beta during the period of crisis due to a high volatility returns has an effect on the behavior and decisions of the investor.Originality/value This paper examines the effects of the “subprime crisis” on the risk premium of companies in several sectors of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate contagion between real estate investment trusts (REITs) within and across three geographical regions: North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The paper also examines excess comovement between the considered national REIT markets on the one hand, and broad equity indices on the other. In particular, the authors are interested in contagion between the considered markets during the 2007-2009 GFC period in comparison to the entire 2004-2011 sample period. Design/methodology/approach – Using an international factor pricing framework similar to Bekaert, Harvey and Ng, the paper defines contagion as excess comovement between two financial markets, after removing the effects of the underlying economic fundamentals, i.e. risk factors, and time-changing volatility. Controlling for economic factors is important for distinguishing between pure contagion and information spillovers, which may transmit through existing economic channels. The authors then analyse excess correlations between the derived standardized residuals, for REITS and equity markets in order to investigate excess comovement between the indices during the whole sample and GFC period. Findings – The paper finds no evidence of excess comovement between the considered REIT and equity indices during non-crisis sample intervals. However, the paper finds contagion between several national REITs and regional or global equity markets during the GFC period. The paper reports statistically significant excess correlations between national REITs and regional and world real estate markets during the entire sample period, while there is only limited evidence to suggest that the correlation amongst REIT markets has increased during the GFC period. The paper concludes that a similar degree of dependence persisted among national REIT markets over the crisis and non-crisis sample periods for most markets. Originality/value – Despite the ongoing debate on contagion in financial markets, there is only a small body of literature investigating contagion specifically for property or real estate markets. This is even more surprising, since the GFC originated from a subprime mortgage crisis and was, therefore, heavily related to real estate. The paper extends the literature by testing for contagion between REITs considering eleven national markets across three geographical regions. In contrast, the existing literature is typically constrained to a significantly smaller number of markets. The paper also explicitly takes into account the impact of the recent GFC, and tests for contagion over this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess whether the implementation of a total quality management (TQM) approach positively affects the financial performance of European companies. This paper tests whether North American results showing the relative out-performance of companies that have successfully implemented TQM approaches are replicated in Europe. Design/methodology/approach – This research uses the same methodology as the seminal work of Hendricks and Singhal. The winning of a Quality Award is used as a proxy for the sound implementation of TQM. Publicly available share price and accounting data is analysed over a ten year period. Changes in the performance of award winning companies relative to non-award winning companies are tested using a matched-pair comparison approach. Findings – The results confirm that, despite evident and marked differences in company structures and institutional environments between North America and Europe, stronger performance is again achieved by the TQM-oriented award winning companies. Originality/value – There is little empirical research establishing the link between TQM and improved financial performance within Europe, with most existing studies presenting findings only based on perception data. The findings presented in this paper close some of the limitations of previous European studies and use rigorous research methods to estimate the financial and business impact of TQM on company performance in Europe. Furthermore, extending Hendricks and Singhal's seminal study to include Europe, has been an objective of those in the European TQM practitioner community ever since the early results were published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the main themes in this special issue focusing on the impact of transformations in the global economy on public management. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the from of a presentation of articles in this special issue. Findings – The paper finds that focusing on examples form Europe and North America, public management adaptability varies across states and regions. Capacity is identified as an important indicator of adaptability. Originality/value – The paper introduces an issue that highlights concrete examples of adaptability in public management. It opens the door to further research tracing linkages between changes in the global environment and the practice of public management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the disconnection between the recognized centrality of the functional approach to records management and archives and the actual understanding of functions that scholars, practitioners, and records creators seem to have. It suggests that records professionals should consider functions not in the abstract but in the specific socio-cultural contexts in which they are enacted.Design/methodology/approach – After analyzing the main theoretical and methodological issues concerning the concept of function and the application of the functional approach, the paper reports some findings of an empirical study of function-based records classification systems conducted by the author in four different organizations in Europe and North America.Findings – The multiple-case study research confirmed that the meaning of both function and classification are subject to various interpretations, that a number of non-functional factors are involved in the creation of function-based tools, and that records professionals find available explanations of functional methods confusing. The findings also indicate that there is a relationship between organizational cultures and the ways in which business and records processes are perceived and translated into practice.Research limitations/implications – This study provides a number of suggestions that may be used to improve the analysis of functions and business processes for any records management purposes. In particular, it discusses some of the non-functional and cultural factors that influence the design and implementation of function-based records classification systems. However, more empirical research is needed in order to broaden our understanding of functions in real-world organizations.Originality/value – Based on a broad selection of professional literature on the functional approach, this paper presents the original findings of an empirical study that uses qualitative methods to analyze and interpret the data collected. It is hoped that it will inspire more exploratory research of this kind in the records management area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Signs of Safety (SoS) is a strengths-based approach to child protection casework that has been widely adopted in countries across the world. The purpose of this paper is to report on a study that aimed to synthesise the many evaluations of SoS that have been conducted to assess their strengths and limitations. The intention is to identify the aspects which should be explored further and those that remain unexamined to inform future evaluations. Design/methodology/approach: The study collated and then examined many of the evaluations that are in the public domain as well as some of those that were conducted within agencies and have not been made publicly available. Findings: At the present time (early 2019), the evidence base for SoS is limited. Independent, robust research needs to be undertaken over time to build on the studies that have been conducted. New research must be designed to fill gaps and be capable of producing the evidence required and it must address its own limitations. Originality/value: This study is the most comprehensive contemporary review of the evaluations of SoS that have been conducted to the best of the authors' knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to examine evidence of new forms of regionalisation in both theory and practice, and the relationship between the two. In so doing, it aims to demonstrate the essential complementarity, rather than widely argued alternativeness, of both conventional and new forms of inter-local collaboration at the regional level. The paper also seeks to demonstrate the importance of institutional and local legacies for the nature of regionalisation. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on interviews by the author with economic policy makers in several city regions in Europe and North America over the last three years, and the results of a series of workshops involving many of these very policy makers. Findings - There is growing evidence of new forms of inter-local region Building being adopted by policy makers in response to a perceived need to maintain/improve economic competitiveness. Concerns about "giving away" powers and resources when engaging in usual conventional, formalised, fixed forms of regionalisation have created reluctance among many local actors to do so. The need to be more responsive to rapidly changing economic conditions, coupled to a realisation of the need for concerted action, have encouraged economic policy makers to adopt new, more experimental forms of region-wide collaboration. Practical implications - The findings not only challenge established practices and a conventional focus on planning and technocratic views of "regions", but also raise questions about the prevalent regulation theory-inspired arguments in academic debate. Instead, "virtual regionalisation" seems to open new opportunities for defining meaning and operation of "regions" and "regionalism", with the different backgrounds in Europe and North America allowing a somewhat: more "open mind" in the latter than the former. Originality/value - The paper illustrates that in many regions in Europe and North America there is now a multitude of actors and organisations seeking to promote regional competitiveness and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is the comparison of Local Agenda 21 — sustainability plan implementation and research activity between Europe, North America and India. Design/methodology/approach — Intensive literature and web search for European, North American and Indian Local Agenda 21 sustainability planning and implementation status. Findings — Close to 6,000 sustainability plans have been prepared for European communities versus about 100 for North American communities. A total of 20 Indian cities have started sustainability planning efforts. There is an extensive support network for European communities and much less so or North American and Indian communities. Most sustainability/biodiversity/urban ecosystems research is ongoing in Europe and North America and there is a beginning surge of activity in India. Practical implications — Knowledge of Local Agenda 21 implementation status between these three regions can hopefully spur more activity in North America and India. Comparisons of applicable planning innovations and approaches could be useful. Originality/value — There has not been a comparison of Local Agenda 21 implementation that compares Europe, North America and India. There have been some reviews respective to each region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper aims to stress the importance of international and intercultural opportunities in serving as essential components in educating and training library and information professionals. More specifically, it provides an overview of issues and trends in internationalization of higher education (HE) in general and illustrates how the concept of and approaches to internationalization have affected library and information science (US) educational settings and programs primarily in Europe and the USA. Design/methodology/approach — Based on a literature review, the paper discusses the meaning and definition of the concept of internationalization. Using a framework that draws on theoretical work on internationalisation of HE programs/contexts an analysis is then presented of the changing nature of internationalization in HE environments. The theoretical analysis is coupled with illustrations of current internationalisation practices, projects, strategies and players within US education communities in Europe and the USA. Finally, a discussion of the principal issues of internationalization of the US curriculum is presented Findings — A synthesis is provided of the body of knowledge on the topics of internationalisation in general and within the HE sector in particular. Also presented is an overview of the multifaceted internationalisation activities taking place within US education. A range of thoughts and suggestions are given on how US schools can respond to the challenges of an increasing global world and, more specifically, how they can develop US programs and create classroom settings that are truly international in orientation and scope. Research limitations/implications — The geographical scope is limited to Europe and North America and the focus of the study is particularly on issues and challenges within the US education community. Practical implications — Exposure to international educational environments and acquisition and absorption of intercultural values and skills serves to enhance and enrich the academic background of US students/graduates and add to the employability and career development of the coming US professionals. International outlook, networking and intercultural communication skills are essential for practitioners, policy makers, leaders, decision makers, researchers and educators in the US field. Originality/value — No comprehensive study of the internationalization of US programs in the context of HE sector-specific internationalization theory has previously been published. The paper makes a difference in the way it reflects on US internationalization issues and tasks from the perspective of the published literature on internationalization of HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universities in both North America and Europe are under substantial pressure. We draw on the papers in this volume to describe those pressures and explore their consequences from an organizational standpoint. Building on the institutional logics perspective, field theories, world society theory, resource dependence, and organizational design scholarship, these papers show how the changing relationship between the state and higher education, cultural shifts, and broad trends toward globalization have led to financial pressures on universities and intensified competition among them. Universities have responded to these pressures by cutting costs, becoming more entrepreneurial, increasing administrative control, and expanding the use of rationalized tools for management. Collectively, these reactions are reshaping the field(s) of higher education and increasing stratification within and across institutions. While universities have thus far proven remarkably adaptive to these pressures, they may be reaching the limits of how much they can adapt without seriously compromising their underlying missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of theory in public procurement research. Theoretical rigour is integral to management science, yet little is known on the extent and form of theory in public procurement. With the field starting to mature, addressing this issue is timely. From conducting a systematic literature review we find that 29 percent of articles are theoretically grounded, with the incidence of theory having increased in recent years. Economic, sociological, psychological, and management theories are all in evidence, but micro-economic theories predominate. Our findings also show that survey reporting and case studies account for almost half of all studies; procurement research is focused on organizational-level aspects more than regulatory-policy issues or public buyers; and studies to date have largely emanated from the North American and European regions. The contribution of this paper lies in clarifying the theoretical underpinnings of public procurement. Out of this we highlight the need for greater theoretical rigour, point to the under-use and even absence of theories that could have high validity and utility, and suggest a narrowing of research foci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information regarding the overall lack of focus of existing foresight analysis concerning the future of science and technology on the issue of poverty. It reflects a general overview of existing technology foresight studies from organizations located in North America, Europe, and Asia. It mentions that foresight involves systematic attempts to look into the future of science, technology, society and the economy, and their interactions, in order to promote social, economic and environmental benefit.

Purpose.- The purpose of this paper is to address the profession's focus on diversity, including the original research, and analyze the research beyond the profession to understand better the bases for the limited progress in fulfilling diversity goals. The paper focuses on the fact that diversity has been equated with race and the potential implications of that relationship. Design/methodology/approach - An overview and analysis of diversity research, including factors associated with the success of diversity programs, is presented, focusing on research regarding the relationship between diversity and race. The article also considers how perceptions of race and racism have been manifested across sectors and in various countries. Based upon the fact that diversity and race have been equated, the discussion focuses on the extent to which this relationship is connected to the limited progress associated with diversity goals. Findings - Research related to race, diversity, and affirmative action indicate both the complexity of the concepts among scientists, social scientists, and members of the general public, as well as the biases reflected in the viewpoints, often manifested in public policy. The research among communication scholars also indicates a predisposition to avoiding communication about difficult topics, such as race and racism, reflective in the use of more benign terminology, such as diversity. Practical implications - While diversity research continues to be necessary in the profession, going beyond that which documents the levels of under-representation, there is also the need for further consideration of the applicability of research beyond the LIS profession. In this regard, the understanding of research related to diversity, race, and affirmative action, and the relationship among the three provides the basis for further research in LIS and a more informed approach in addressing diversity issues in the profession. Originality/value - The primary focus of the discussion of the paper is that of the nature of diversity, race and racism, as defined in the context of the USA. However, research related to race, racial classifications and hierarchies, and diversity in other parts of North America, Australia, Europe, and Africa are considered to a limited extent as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the evolution of a new e-research paradigm and to outline key projects and developments in Europe, North America, Canada and Australia. The article also provides a detailed summary of the Dataset Acquisition, Accessibility and Annotation e-Research Technology (DART) project. Design/methodology/approach - A review of relevant government reports, documents and general literature was conducted. Findings - Projects currently being conducted in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia are part of an international movement that aims to use modern ICTs to enhance e-research. The DART project is a significant part of this movement as it has adopted a "whole process" approach to e-research, and provides a platform for the examination of the technical, legal and policy issues that arise in the new e-research environment. Originality/value - Provides an overview of current projects that concern the development of e-research, with a particular focus on Australian research and the DART project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lead user concept developed by Eric von Hippel is perhaps the only formal method designed specifically for identifying innovators. This paper discusses the applicability of von Hippel's lead user concept in the architectural industry where technological innovations are necessary yet gravely scarce. In order to examine the applicability of the lead user method, a set of seven case studies of novel energy efficient solutions found in built facilities in Europe and North America were analyzed. The result of the study indicates that the method may not be suitable for identifying the likely source of innovation if the innovation does not focus on an individual's needs; combined efforts are mandatory to create the innovation; and the size and complexity of the innovation make it impossible for a user or an individual to deliver or to test it out on his/her own. The concept of lead provider is introduced and several characteristics are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This study aims to examine the effectiveness of branding through franchising and hotel membership affiliations in Europe, where the chain penetration rate is still relatively low, albeit growing slowly, and where hotels are limited by historical preservation codes and building restrictions. Design/methodology/approach - Although branding through affiliations has been a successful strategy in North America for decades, little is known of this strategy in Europe, where the fragmented hospitality industry comprises small and medium-sized independent enterprises which are being subjected to increasing competitive pressure from large global chains. This exploratory study, using a purposive sample, examines the factors that European independent hotels consider before committing to a third-party brand and whether they perceive their decision to have improved their overall performance. Findings - It is revealed that these hoteliers perceive that they had significantly improved their overall market position situation without losing a large part of their uniqueness, independence and management control. Notwithstanding, some of the hoteliers were not satisfied with every aspect of their brand selection and it was concluded that the degree of success would be highly contingent on careful selection of the appropriate kind of branding tool option for each situation. Practical implications - The main issues have been identified for hoteliers to consider when selecting a brand affiliation as well as the key components for the branding companies to include in their offers. Recommendations are provided for both. Originality/value - Decision-making criteria are provided for hoteliers in the form of a checklist to use including benefits and risks and other considerations, as well as a checklist of key success factors of leading hotel branding companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate reputation is a major concern for CEOs globally. In Asia it is increasingly being managed strategically at the highest corporate levels. A survey of C-suite executives in Asia, North America and Europe by Hill & Knowlton and Korn/Ferry International finds, however, that Asian executives are more focused on using corporate reputation to drive tangible business benefit than their North American and European peers. Corporate social responsibility and the broader range of stakeholders beyond customers and shareholders does not feature strongly in the corporate reputation agenda of Asian executives. The survey results indicate Asian executives are more concerned with core stakeholders, such as customers and shareholders,and bottom-line performance and corporate governance rather than softer areas of reputation management, such as community relations and internal communications. The time has come for Asian CEOs to take a broader perspective to corporate reputation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a comparative analysis of new product programmes. New product development is critical to the growth and survival of modern corporations. The outcomes of new product programmes are the same in Europe and North America, i.e. the national-cultural environment does not impact on the performance of new product programmes. The presence of a new product idea suggestion scheme was not different between the two regions, with North America basically the same as European companies.