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1 – 5 of 5Pietro Previtali and Paola Cerchiello
The aim of this paper is to examine a relevant innovation in terms of how corporate supervisory boards are structured for an effective measure of anti-corruption that…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to examine a relevant innovation in terms of how corporate supervisory boards are structured for an effective measure of anti-corruption that concerns a new application of Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001 in compliance with the obligations set out by OECD Convention of 17 September 1997 on the fight against corruption.
Design/methodology/approach
The research hypotheses which lead the study are based on an empirical analysis of 119 nursing homes with the aim of investigating the state-of-the art of this innovative application especially regarding the composition, effectiveness and functioning of the supervisory board in the unique case when this compliance system becomes compulsory.
Findings
The results show how, even though a certain level of uncertainty and ambiguity have led to great variance in the ways the compliance system is drafted, was possible to identify a positive relation between supervisory board composition and performance – that is the effectiveness of anti-corruption system – and a negative relation between board size and performance. Finally, the results suggest the relevance of supervisory board in fostering knowledge as mediating role.
Research limitations/implications
The authors believes that future work using inter-temporal modelling could build upon and extend the insights presented here. A second area arises from those contrasts in board characteristics that are present across countries and/or across company’s size, small- and medium-sized enterprises or multinational companies and/or across industrial sectors.
Practical implications
The authors offers a more nuanced understanding of the linkages between corporate governance and anti-corruption. In particular, the paper suggests that for an effective anti-corruption strategy, larger supervisory board sizes are associated with weaker performance, and a greater external composition is preferable to an internal one.
Originality/value
The paper depicts a first and relevant step toward the identification of best practices of corporate governance as anti-corruption system, relating to an innovative and unique – to the date – application of a compliance system based on the supervisory board.
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Pietro Previtali and Paola Cerchiello
In recent years, the role of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure has become crucial. The aim of this paper is to study how corporate governance affects…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, the role of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure has become crucial. The aim of this paper is to study how corporate governance affects one part of ESG disclosure: anti-corruption disclosure.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examined 140 corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports from companies listed on the Italian stock markets and 50 CSR reports from other companies, then this study analysed the adoption of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard no. 205.
Findings
The results show a low level of disclosure, and that corporate governance issues matter. In particular, the analysis found a positive relationship between the presence of female and outside members, the number of board members and the level of anti-corruption disclosure.
Research limitations/implications
This study acknowledges some limitations. Firstly, the research is based on a one-year sample. Secondly, the research hypotheses are confirmed only when considered in relation to a single section of the GRI standards. Thirdly, this study has a bias towards relatively large enterprises.
Practical implications
It could be worthwhile introducing a soft regulation regarding the composition of the board of directors that requires a certain quantitative and qualitative composition.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few studies, the first in Italy, that sheds light on anti-corruption disclosure and its determinants.
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Pietro Previtali and Danila Scarozza
The purpose of this paper is to study the determinants of blended learning adoption in universities by focusing on faculty’s satisfaction.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the determinants of blended learning adoption in universities by focusing on faculty’s satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology is based on a case study of one of the most ancient University in Europe. The authors administered a questionnaire to the professors that used blended technologies, and the authors conducted clinical interviews with some of the key people involved in the implementation process.
Findings
The paper allows to identify the main factors that impact on faculty’s satisfaction. Student-related issues seem to be the most important factors influencing faculty satisfaction, while instructor-related issues and especially institution-related issues definitely seem to be less important.
Research limitations/implications
The study is focused just on a single case study. Further researches could explore a wider application of this research approach to several universities and different countries.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first that analyzed blended learning adoption in historic universities.
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Pietro Previtali and Francesco Bof
The purpose of this paper is to explore the level of e‐government adoption in small Italian municipalities, in coherence with the action plans suggested by the main…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the level of e‐government adoption in small Italian municipalities, in coherence with the action plans suggested by the main National Institution on the subject.
Design/methodology/approach
The following setting is used: of 8,101 Italian municipalities, the majority (72 per cent) represent small municipalities accounting for 10,590,728 inhabitants out of a total of 58,571,711 nationally. Adopting an empirical approach, a survey was conducted on 49 small municipalities, through a questionnaire and in‐depth interviews with political and managerial decision makers and IT officers.
Findings
The survey suggests some technical reasons concerning a lack of infrastructure and IT services (e.g. back‐up, security, disaster recovery) and some managerial reasons related both to a lack of strategic vision of information needs and to an inadequacy of requested skills and competencies.
Research limitations/implications
The research reported here is based only on a survey of 49 small municipalities located in a single area. The findings may lead to further research on a large sample of municipalities located in several geographic areas.
Practical implications
The findings imply that small municipalities will have to redefine their programme priorities to respond to a new IT context.
Originality/value
In spite of the efforts by both Government and the EU, the qualitative‐quantitative results show that the adoption of e‐government has not progressed in small Italian municipalities.
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Koosha Wafaei Baneh, Bira Wafaei Baneh, Ashraf Osman, Omid Mostafapour and Zidan Rasheed Bradosty
Due to the weaknesses of the traditional methods and advances in science, using currently new technologies such as building information modeling (BIM) for the restoration…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the weaknesses of the traditional methods and advances in science, using currently new technologies such as building information modeling (BIM) for the restoration and revival of historical monuments is considered a novel solution. This study addresses how computer science in BIM can contribute significantly to the restoration and improvement of the cultural heritage.
Design/methodology/approach
This study addresses how computer science in BIM can contribute significantly to the restoration and improvement of the cultural heritage.
Findings
Also, it assesses through this application, the capabilities of current software's in developing with the use of photogrammetry an accurate geometrical models for the minaret with its elements are linked to databases carrying information related to the minaret texture, historical identity and decoration. Finally, it shows the importance of this model to support experts in case of future restoration and conservation to the minaret.
Originality/value
The research describes the process of regenerating and documenting the motifs of the historical Choli minaret in Erbil. It explains the steps followed for full application of the historical buildings information modeling (HBIM) to this minaret.
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