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1 – 10 of over 116000
Article
Publication date: 1 April 1983

JO M.F. Box

Examines methods to extend the product lifetime of everyday items. Stresses the importance of attempting to extend product lifetimes – e.g. as a solution to waste management and…

Abstract

Examines methods to extend the product lifetime of everyday items. Stresses the importance of attempting to extend product lifetimes – e.g. as a solution to waste management and environmental pollution. Analyses the results of a survey conducted in the Hague‐Delft‐Rotterdam area amongst consumers who recently replaced one of the following products – washing machine, refrigerator, TV furniture or car. Outlines six main areas in the study: Consumer characteristics; Usage situation characteristics; Purchase situation characteristics; Product characteristics; Replacement motives; Product retention times. Concludes that with careful thought, products could be reconditioned instead of discarded – the functioning of second‐hand markets would be stimulated, and the practical lifetime of products would be extended.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2011

Wei Qian and Roger Burritt

Previous research in lease finance and evaluation has given little consideration to environmental factors. The purpose of this paper is to add to the literature by analysing how…

2279

Abstract

Purpose

Previous research in lease finance and evaluation has given little consideration to environmental factors. The purpose of this paper is to add to the literature by analysing how leasing provides a more attractive option than selling and extended producer responsibility (EPR) in helping to close product life‐cycle loops, extend the useful life of products, and increase environmental benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper revisits the accounting concepts of asset depreciation, residual value and cost of leasing and proposes methods to incorporate these concepts into the “closed loop” lease and service mode for product life‐cycle management.

Findings

For business, the “closed loop” lease and service mode changes asset values through the extension of the asset's useful life and in particular, the increase of the residual value of the product (i.e. recoverable value to the producer/lessor). Such changes reduce the cost of leasing to the advantage of both lessor and lessee. However, the argument about a “win‐win” monetary and environmental outcome being associated with leasing presents several challenges for current accounting standards in terms of recognition of lease and lease revenue, recognition of intangible assets and internalisation of environmental costs and impacts associated with the leasing process.

Originality/value

To date, accounting and finance literature seems to focus exclusively on the economic aspects of leasing strategies. This paper uses a different lens to make a call for a rethink about leasing with environmental considerations. It is expected that the findings and suggestions in this study will facilitate the adoption and diffusion of the “closed loop” lease and service mode in the business world for the benefit of the environment in the future.

Details

International Journal of Accounting & Information Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1834-7649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2019

Visar Hoxha

The purpose of this paper is to study the sustainable impact of adaptive reuse of shopping malls built during communism in Kosovo.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the sustainable impact of adaptive reuse of shopping malls built during communism in Kosovo.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses qualitative research using semi-structured interviews with architects, civil engineers, real estate developers and facility managers.

Findings

The study found that it is the predominant opinion of respondents that the economic impact of adaptive reuse of old shopping malls in Kosovo is reflected through extension of useful life of the malls, lower cost of reuse vs demolition, economic and tourism development of the neighborhood, job creation and increase of property prices in the surrounding area. In addition, the study found that it is the predominant opinion of respondents that by adaptive reuse of old shopping malls, the revitalization and social dynamism of the surrounding area will be improved and collective memory and identity of these shopping malls will be extended, including the increased traffic, space utilization and security. The study concludes that operational CO2 emission of the old shopping malls will be reduced after their sustainable adaptation and also the embodied energy of the building materials will be reused.

Research limitations/implications

The study has several implications. For real estate developers, it shows that is less costly to adapt and refurbish rather than redevelop. For authorities, it shows that by adapting old communist shopping malls, they would extend the collective memory of those locations, improve the social life and utilization of public spaces in the surrounding areas. The final implication is for municipal authorities and environmentalists that but allowing adaptation rather than demolition and redevelopment the embodied CO2 emission will be significantly reduced.

Originality/value

The study is the first qualitative study about the impact of adaptive reuse of old communist style commercial centers in Kosovo.

Details

Property Management, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Occupational Therapy With Older People into the Twenty-First Century
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-043-4

Book part
Publication date: 8 April 2005

Petri Suomala

The essential investments in new product development (NPD) made by industrial companies entail effective management of NPD activities. In this context, performance measurement is…

Abstract

The essential investments in new product development (NPD) made by industrial companies entail effective management of NPD activities. In this context, performance measurement is one of the means that can be employed in the pursuit of effectiveness.

Details

Managing Product Innovation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-311-2

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

S. Sarkar

Shelf‐life of cultured milk products is longer than milk but it is still limited. Shelf‐life of cultured milk products could be enhanced by adopting various techniques. The…

1677

Abstract

Purpose

Shelf‐life of cultured milk products is longer than milk but it is still limited. Shelf‐life of cultured milk products could be enhanced by adopting various techniques. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the longer shelf‐life thus attained would extend the market reach and would be economically beneficial to both producers and consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempt has been made to enlighten the various techniques such as bacteriocin (nisin, MicrogardTM, natamycin, etc.), lactoperoxidase‐thiocyanate‐hydrogen peroxide system (LP‐system), high pressure treatment, post‐production heat‐treatment (thermization, microwave heating), ultra‐violet (UV) irradiation, carbonization, etc.

Findings

Application of more than one bacteriocin may be advantageous to minimize the possibility of survival of microflora resistant to a particular bacteriocin. Pasteurization, being more detrimental to dietetic properties of cultured milk products than thermization, its application is not suggested as a method of preservation. Microwave heating may be better than conventional pasteurization.

Originality/value

Conjugated application of various techniques would be more efficacious in extending the shelf‐life of cultured milk products. Extension in shelf‐life of cultured milk products would be economically beneficial for producers and consumers.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2000

Alan Walker and Kristiina Martimo

This article focuses on researching quality of life in old age. Based on a review of the relevant literature, it argues that research has not reflected sufficiently the…

703

Abstract

This article focuses on researching quality of life in old age. Based on a review of the relevant literature, it argues that research has not reflected sufficiently the multifaceted nature of quality of life and has relied too much on the judgements of professionals rather than older people. It concludes that quality of life research in general has under‐emphasised the importance of material factors in people's lives. With regard to older people, research shows that relatively poor quality of life, as reported by older people themselves, is associated with only a minority and, among this minority, twice the proportion of older women to men. The article ends with an outline of the new Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Growing Older Research Programme on Extending Quality Life, which in three years time promises to provide usable information for policy makers and practitioners about the determinants of quality of life in old age.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1963

E.G. ELLIS

SOME THREE YEARS or so ago a statistical study of the British motor car population revealed that the average life of the individual vehicle was significantly longer than pre‐war…

Abstract

SOME THREE YEARS or so ago a statistical study of the British motor car population revealed that the average life of the individual vehicle was significantly longer than pre‐war. Several contributory factors were discussed. Firstly we apparently drive fewer miles a year than heretofore while the quality of engines and components such as tyres is much higher nowadays. We also note in the post‐war period that changes in vehicle design and greater mechanical efficiency have reduced the time spent on maintenance and at the same time made driving easier. Included here are long‐life plugs, ‘permanent’ anti‐freeze solutions, anti‐corrosive underseal, improved suspension and joints ‘packed‐for‐life’ with special quality grease. All these things might he regarded as indicative of a compensatory trend; as we drive less in our improved labour‐saving vehicles, road conditions become more uncomfortable and hazardous.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 15 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Luísa Helena Pinto and Helena Salgueirinho Maia

The purpose of this paper is to examine the narratives of the work-life interface (WLI) of Portuguese international business travelers.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the narratives of the work-life interface (WLI) of Portuguese international business travelers.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 14 Portuguese international business travelers were conducted to expose the narratives of the WLI in terms of demands, resources, and coping and how these work-life events shape work-identity.

Findings

The findings show that: work-life events are interconnected and are sources of conflict and enrichment; work-life boundaries are personally managed and socially enacted; and WLI shapes work-identity. The analysis shows that occupational travel can be both a source of positive self-regard and fulfillment that entails high work-identity and low boundary control or a source of conflict and identity threat. In either case, work-life coping is devised to prompt self-worth.

Originality/value

Following the findings from this exploratory study, several research propositions are outlined for international business travelers, highlighting the interactions between work-life centrality, work-life boundary management and work-identity. In extending the work-life research to international business travelers this study reveals the extent to which the advancement of work-life research benefits from the theoretical and empirical contributions of the literature on work-identity.

Propósito/objetivo

Este estudo exploratório examina as narrativas dos viajantes de negócios internacionais quanto ao interface trabalho-vida pessoal.

Metodologia

Foram efetuadas catorze entrevistas semiestruturadas a viajantes de negócios internacionais portugueses com o objetivo de expor as suas narrativas de interface trabalho-vida pessoal, em termos de exigências, recursos e estratégias para lidarem com estes eventos. Adicionalmente examinou-se como os eventos relacionados com o trabalho e vida pessoal moldam a identidade profissional destes viajantes frequentes.

Resultados

Os resultados demonstram que: (1) os eventos relacionados com o trabalho e a vida pessoal estão interrelacionados e são fonte de conflito e enriquecimento; (2) as fronteiras entre o trabalho e a vida pessoal são geridas individualmente mas são ditadas socialmente; e (3) o interface trabalho-vida pessoal molda a identidade no trabalho destes viajantes internacionais. A análise revela que as viagens de trabalho frequentes podem ser fonte de autoestima e satisfação, associada a uma forte identidade profissional, assim como podem ser fonte de conflito e de ameaça a essa mesma identidade. Em qualquer dos casos, os indivíduos inquiridos acionaram estratégias para lidarem com os eventos de ambos os domínios que visam elevar a sua autoestima e identidade.

Originalidade/valor

Os resultados deste estudo permitem avançar várias proposições para investigação futura, salientando as interações entre a centralidade do trabalho e/ou da vida pessoal, a gestão das fronteiras entre estes domínios e a construção da identidade. Ao estudar o interface entre o trabalho e a vida pessoal dos viajantes frequentes, este estudo contribui para o avanço da investigação neste domínio ao revelar os benefícios de explorar as contribuições teóricas e práticas da literatura sobre a identidade associada ao trabalho.

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2010

Liu Junyan, Han Rongdi and Wang Yang

Green machining is becoming increasingly more popular due to concern regarding the safety of the environment and human health. The important implementation of stricter…

Abstract

Purpose

Green machining is becoming increasingly more popular due to concern regarding the safety of the environment and human health. The important implementation of stricter Environmental Protection Agency regulations associated with the use of ample amount of coolants and lubricants has led to this study on a new green machining technology with application of water vapor as coolants and lubricants in cutting Ni‐based superalloys and titanium alloy Ti‐6Al‐4V with uncoated carbide inserts (ISO Type K10). The purpose of this paper is to show that machining technology with application of water vapour could be an economical and environmentally compatible lubrication technique for machining difficult‐cut‐materials.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the effect of water vapor applications in machining difficult‐cut‐materials have been investigated in detail, the cutting force, the chip deformation coefficient, the rake face wear and the width of tool flank land VB have been examined and analyzed, and a new green cutting technology is researched to machining Ni base superalloys and Ti‐6Al‐4V difficult‐cut‐materials.

Findings

The cutting force of machining Ni base superalloys and Ti‐6Al‐4V was affected by direct water vapor application, being lower than dry cutting and wet machining for all machining conditions; the Λh is the smallest with applications of water vapor as coolants and lubricants compared to dry cutting, pure water and oil water emulsion conditions the tool life extended by about six times than dry cutting, about four times than oil water emulsions at low cutting speed (νc<100 m/min), and about two‐four times than dry cutting, about two‐three time than oil water emulsions at higher cutting speed (νc>100 m/min) during machining Ti‐6Al‐4V with application of water vapor direct into the cutting zone.

Originality/value

The green cutting technology which applies water vapor as coolants and lubricants advocates a new method for machining difficult‐cut‐materials (Ni base superalloys and Ti‐6Al‐4V) without any environment pollution and operator health problem because the cutting force and chip deformation coefficient are reduced, the tool life is extended, and the tool flank wear can be decreased with applications of water vapor as coolants and lubricants to alleviate the adhering and diffusion wear compared to wet cutting and dry cutting.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 62 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

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