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1 – 10 of 12Alison F. Stowell and Martin Brigham
In the context of the environmental impacts caused due to the increasing volumes of discarded technologies (e-Waste), this paper aims to critically evaluate whether environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
In the context of the environmental impacts caused due to the increasing volumes of discarded technologies (e-Waste), this paper aims to critically evaluate whether environmental policy, the Waste of Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) legislation in particular can contribute to a shift in logic from neoliberal growth to green growth.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing upon empirical research, this paper shows how three computer waste organisations evolve through the imbrication of pre- and post-policy logics in collaborative and heterogeneous ways to create an “economy of greening”.
Findings
Extending the concept of a fractionated trading zone, this paper demonstrates the heterogeneous ways in which computer sourcing is imbricated, providing a taxonomy of imbricating logics. It is argued that what is shared in a fractionated trading zone is a diversity of imbrications. This provides for a nuanced perspective on policy and the management of waste, showing how post-WEEE logics become the condition to continue to pursue pre-WEEE logics.
Research limitations/implications
This research focuses on three organisations and the EU 2003 and UK 2006 versions of the WEEE legislation.
Practical implications
The research findings have important implications, more specifically, for how e-Waste policy is enacted as an “economy of greening” to constitute managerial and organisational adaptation needed to create a sustainable economy and society.
Originality/value
This paper’s contribution is threefold. First, theoretically, the literature on trading zones and imbrication is extended by considering how they can complement one another. Our focus on imbrication is a “zooming in” on the managerial and organisational implications and dynamics of a trading zone. Second, the literature on imbrication is added to by identifying a diverse range of imbricating logics that can be used to discern a more nuanced understanding of the translated effects of policy. Last, these ideas are ground in a relevant empirical context – that of e-waste management in the UK, providing a deeper knowledge, over time, of specific actors’ translations of policy into organisational practices.
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Johan Sandberg, Jonny Holmström, Nannette Napier and Per Levén
Although the potential of innovation networks that involve both university and industry actors is great variances in cultures, goals and knowledge poses significant challenges. To…
Abstract
Purpose
Although the potential of innovation networks that involve both university and industry actors is great variances in cultures, goals and knowledge poses significant challenges. To better understand management of such innovation networks, the authors investigate different strategies for balancing diversity. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
In this multiple case study, the authors draw on network and trading zone theory to examine the strategies of four research centers that govern university-industry innovation networks.
Findings
The authors provide empirically grounded descriptions of strategies for balancing diversity in innovation processes, extend previous theorizations by suggesting two types of trading zones (transformative and performative), and identify four strategy configuration dimensions (means of knowledge trade, tie configuration, knowledge mobility mechanisms and types of trust).
Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed on transferability of results when, e.g. cultural collaboration and communication patterns change, and performance implications of different configurations. The research provides conceptual tools for future research on the impact of different diversity strategies.
Practical implications
The findings point to the importance of identifying desired types of innovation outcomes and designing the appropriate level of diversity. To implement the selected strategy, managers need to configure communication channels and strength of relationships, establish associated capacity for knowledge transfer and build appropriate levels of trust.
Originality/value
While extant research has provided a solid understanding of benefits from diversity in boundary spanning innovation processes, this paper outlines strategies for managing associated challenges.
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What does it take to effectively implement an inclusive business in the agro-processing industry? The author examines the experiences of two agro-processing firms in Ghana. The…
Abstract
What does it take to effectively implement an inclusive business in the agro-processing industry? The author examines the experiences of two agro-processing firms in Ghana. The literature indicates that any business that combines employment opportunities with expanded output of goods and services is both socially and economically beneficial. The author found that the creation of new markets for local suppliers, expanded output of goods and services, and the development of new markets for formerly undetected needs and wants—both domestic and international—offered prospects of transforming the lives of the poor through creation of wealth and dignity.
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Mark Scott, Paula Russell and Declan Redmond
Purpose – This chapter explores the nature of spatial change processes in the urban–rural fringe of Ireland's capital city, Dublin. These areas have experienced rapid population…
Abstract
Purpose – This chapter explores the nature of spatial change processes in the urban–rural fringe of Ireland's capital city, Dublin. These areas have experienced rapid population growth between 1991 and 2002 in changing social structures, a rapidly changing built and natural environment, and increases in commuting. The chapter investigates how coalitions of community interests have responded to these spatial changes through opportunities for public participation in local governance processes.
Methodology/approach – We adopt a qualitative approach to assess the relationship between residents’ associations and the local state through a detailed empirical examination of the activities of residents’ associations within the rural–urban fringe.
Findings – Community and residents’ groups are very active in attempting to shape land-use and spatial planning policy outcomes with a complexity of motivations for engaging with the planning process, beyond simplistic portrayals of Not In My Back Yard-style local opposition to any change. However, attempts to influence policy outcomes were undermined by powerful developer and landowning interests, resulting in a deep-seated cynicism towards the public participation process, particularly with regard to the relationship between developers and councillors, and the probity of the planning system.
Implications/value of chapter – The limited ability of community interests to influence policy represents the economic and political reality of the development process, where the strategies and tactical behaviour of a few dominant interests and embedded power relations can compromise a deliberative and participatory policy process.
Over 3,000 scientists, technologists and industrialists attended the 1955 World Petroleum Congress, held in Rome, Italy, from June 6 to 17. Delegates representing 45 countries…
Abstract
Over 3,000 scientists, technologists and industrialists attended the 1955 World Petroleum Congress, held in Rome, Italy, from June 6 to 17. Delegates representing 45 countries read papers covering all aspects of the petroleum industry, including geology and geophysics, drilling and production, oil processing, the production of chemicals from petroleum, the composition of petroleum, utilisation of petroleum products, and other more general subjects. Abstracts of papers included in the corrosion section are given below, and these discuss problems of graphite formation, the occlusion of hydrogen, static electricity, and corrosion inhibition in refinery equipment.
Vision technology is gaining more and more acknowledgement in the process industry as an effective way for a company to ensure high quality of production. After an introduction to…
Abstract
Vision technology is gaining more and more acknowledgement in the process industry as an effective way for a company to ensure high quality of production. After an introduction to vision technology, we will give a deeper description of the VisionSensor™, which is uniquely designed for on‐line integration in real‐world industrial environments. The description of the VisionSensor™ will encompass where the system can be used, how it works, comparing its merits with alternative techniques and finally a description of two case stories from the sugar and fertiliser industries.
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Stephen B. Goldberg, Jeanne M. Brett and Beatrice Blohorn-Brenneur
The contemporary business environment has raised the strategic importance of the maintenance function in organizations which have significant investment in physical assets. Four…
Abstract
The contemporary business environment has raised the strategic importance of the maintenance function in organizations which have significant investment in physical assets. Four strategic dimensions of maintenance management are identified, namely service‐delivery options, organization and work structuring, maintenance methodology and support systems. The alternatives available are reviewed: the guidelines for selection of these alternatives, the key decision areas in each of the four dimensions, as well as the critical success factors for the transformation process are discussed. The two factors that permeate in these strategic dimensions are human factors and information flow; the latter can be made more efficient by embracing the e‐maintenance model.
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