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1 – 10 of 579This paper aims to investigate the potential benefits and limitations associated with aligning accreditation and academic program reviews in post-secondary institutions, using a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the potential benefits and limitations associated with aligning accreditation and academic program reviews in post-secondary institutions, using a descriptive case study approach.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes two Canadian graduate programs that are subject to both external professional accreditation and institutional cyclical reviews, as they underwent an aligned review. The process was developed as a collaborative effort between the academic units, the professional associations and the university’s graduate-level quality assurance office. For each program, a single self-study was developed, a single review panel was constituted, and a single site visit was conducted. The merits and challenges posed by the alignment process are discussed.
Findings
Initial feedback from the academic units suggests that the alignment of accreditation and program reviews is perceived as reducing the burden on programs with regard to the time and effort invested by faculty, staff and other stakeholders, as well as in terms of financial expenses. Based on this feedback, along with input from reviewers and program evaluation committee members, 14 recommendations emerged for ways in which an aligned review process can be set up for success.
Practical implications
The results suggest that aligned reviews are not only resource-efficient but also allow reviewers to provide more holistic feedback that faculty may be more willing to engage with for program enhancement.
Originality/value
The present study contributes to the existing body of knowledge about conducting aligned reviews in response to external accreditation requirements or institutional needs. It summarizes the potential benefits and limitations and offers recommendations for potential best practices for carrying out aligned reviews for policymakers and practitioners.
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Paola De Bernardi, Alberto Bertello and Canio Forliano
The purpose of this paper is to appraise and evaluate empirical research on circular economy in food systems, consolidating the existing knowledge and identifying shortcomings in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to appraise and evaluate empirical research on circular economy in food systems, consolidating the existing knowledge and identifying shortcomings in this emerging body of research.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a systematic literature review of 136 studies from the electronic databases Scopus and Web of Science. The authors also developed a thematic analysis and summarized the results in a framework.
Findings
The authors identified seven critical issues for the transition to circular food systems: consumer behavior, multistakeholder coordination, business models, digital technologies, barriers, transition processes and performance and measurement systems. Moreover, the authors provide an agenda for future research on these topics.
Originality/value
While reviews on the circular economy are spreading rapidly, no reviews have comprehensively addressed the critical issues for the transition to circular food systems in the business, management, and organization domains.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the topic of sustainable construction and provide an adequate discussion of the current thinking. Achieving a balance between economic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the topic of sustainable construction and provide an adequate discussion of the current thinking. Achieving a balance between economic, social and ecological aims is a challenge. Managing and implementing sustainability requires the commitment of all stakeholders and new ways of working, thinking and learning.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology of this study consists of a literature review in the research field of sustainable construction and its associated impacts upon the climate, waste production and energy, materials and water usage. The aim is not to provide an in-depth, detailed analysis of specific processes and cases in the construction sector, but to present the need for rethinking sustainable construction in comprehensive terms.
Findings
The paper provides insights about the importance of sustainable construction. It suggests that all stakeholders at all stages should commit to sustainability to enable change in perception to start with.
Research limitations/implications
Further investigation on methods and techniques and interviews to construction companies will suggest a consistent framework for implementation “real-time”.
Practical implications
The paper highlights the importance of a coordinated supply chain action in the construction sector and emphasizes the need for construction companies to train and invest in resource- efficient building methods and practices. This will manage the balance between stability and change.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrates the need to study further how resources efficiency can be adopted in the construction sector to further enable sustainability.
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Aristides Matopoulos, Ana Cristina Barros and J.G.A.J. (Jack) van der Vorst
The study aims to define a research agenda for creating resource-efficient supply chains (RESCs) by identifying and analysing their key characteristics as well as future research…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to define a research agenda for creating resource-efficient supply chains (RESCs) by identifying and analysing their key characteristics as well as future research opportunities.
Design/methodology/approach
We follow a systematic review method to analyse the literature and to understand RESC, taking a substantive theory approach. Our approach is grounded in a specific domain, the agri-food sector, because it is an intensive user of an extensive range of resources.
Findings
The review shows that works of literature has looked at the use of resources primarily from the environmental impact perspective. There is a need to explore whether or not and how logistics/supply chain decisions will affect the overall configuration of future food supply chains in an era of resource scarcity and depletion and what the trade-offs will be.
Research limitations/implications
The paper proposes an agenda for future research in the area of RESC. The framework proposed along with the key characteristics identified for RESC can be applied to other sectors.
Practical implications
Our research should facilitate further understanding of the implications and trade-offs of supply chain decisions taken on the use of resources by supply chain managers.
Originality/value
The paper explores the interaction between supply chains and natural resources and defines the key characteristics of RESC.
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Pankhuri Aggarwal and Angela A. Joseph
Individuals with cognitive impairment are more likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system (Kimbell, 2016). Yet, only a handful of studies describe the nature of…
Abstract
Purpose
Individuals with cognitive impairment are more likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system (Kimbell, 2016). Yet, only a handful of studies describe the nature of cognitive impairment experienced by inmates and the different types of challenges faced by researchers and clinicians while conducting cognitive assessments in correctional settings specifically in low-and middle-income countries.
Design/methodology/approach
In the present paper, the authors describe different types of ethical and logistical challenges they faced while conducting cognitive assessments with inmates in India and suggest ways in which future researchers and clinicians could overcome them.
Findings
Authors raise a discussion on the purpose, advantages, and limitations of psychological testing, highlighting alternative ways of cognitive assessment that may be more effective, resource-efficient, and sustainable.
Originality/value
Implications for education and training in psychological assessment, forensic and clinical practice and policymaking are discussed.
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Pieter Johannes Theron Conradie, Dimitri Dimitrov, Gert Adriaan Oosthuizen, Philip Hugo and Mike Saxer
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the combination of selective laser melting (SLM) and 5-axis CNC milling to produce parts from titanium powder. The aim is to achieve a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the combination of selective laser melting (SLM) and 5-axis CNC milling to produce parts from titanium powder. The aim is to achieve a more resource-efficient manufacturing process by reducing material wastage and machining time, while adhering to quality requirements.
Design/methodology/approach
A benchmark titanium aerospace component is manufactured with two different approaches using subtractive and additive manufacturing technologies. The first component is produced from a solid billet using only 5-axis CNC milling. The second component is grown from powder using SLM to produce a net-shaped part of which the final shape and part accuracy are achieved through 5-axis CNC milling. The potential saving of material and machining time of the process combination is evaluated by comparing it to the conventional purely CNC approach. The form accuracy, surface finish, mechanical properties and tool wear for the two processes are also compared.
Findings
The results show that the process combination can be used to produce Ti components that adhere to aerospace standards. With the process combination, a material saving of 87 per cent was achieved along with a reduction of 21 per cent in machining time. Further improvements are possible using optimized SLM build and machining strategies.
Originality/value
This paper presents the results of a resource efficiency assessment on the combination of SLM and 5-axis CNC milling for the titanium alloy, Ti6Al4V. It is expected that this process combination can make a significant contribution towards reducing material wastage and machining time for aerospace applications.
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The purpose of the paper was to analyze the financial risk perception of owners/managers and to link such perception to the performance of their ventures.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper was to analyze the financial risk perception of owners/managers and to link such perception to the performance of their ventures.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employed PLS-SEM to analyze financial risks and its impact on SMEs in the food processing sector. Financial risks data on the operational, market, technological, credit and liquidity risks and financial performance including compliance, social and resource efficiency performance were collected from 214 food processors in selected cities in Ghana. Higher-order constructs were employed in assessing the relationship between financial risks and SME performance.
Findings
Financial risk spurs a firm's financial performance. Increased financial risks cause firms to be resource-efficient and compliant. Furthermore, an assessment of how the various performance indicators interplay showed increased compliant improved social performance and vice versa.
Research limitations/implications
The paper looked at food processing firms in three major cities, analyzing the financial risks of the businesses and their effect on their performance. Although, these cities have the largest number of these firms, generalizing the findings from the study should be done taking into consideration the scope of the study.
Practical implications
The study exposes owners/managers to the critical issues of financial risk, its components and how this could impact on their operations. It expected that owner/managers in the food processing sector would craft the necessary risk mitigating strategies to deal with the different financial risks they face. For theoretical implication, the paper suggests the need to highlight the risk exposure of firms due to the business–stakeholder interactions as contained in the stakeholder theory.
Originality/value
The paper employed the higher-order construct of PLS-SEM to analyze the financial risks of food processors. The originality of the paper lies with the methods used.
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Wike Agustin Prima Dania, Ke Xing and Yousef Amer
This paper aims to evaluate the collaboration quality performance of sugar company Z and its stakeholders (farmers and distributors) by considering the sustainability aspects…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the collaboration quality performance of sugar company Z and its stakeholders (farmers and distributors) by considering the sustainability aspects. This assessment shall be able to integrate qualitative and quantitative factors in the model, which is critical in sugar supply chains involving multi-stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
Integration of quality function deployment (QFD), the fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) and the data envelopment analysis (DEA) is administered to assess the efficiency score of each stakeholder involved. The evaluation encompasses collaboration behaviour factors since the input of collaboration activities will result in sustainability aspects such as revenue, green house gas (GHG) emissions and social impact. The analysis has been conducted in two scenarios, those are the basic scenario by utilising original data and the extended scenario by using projection data.
Findings
The result clarifies that the most influential behaviour factor in the collaboration activities is commitment (0.116), while the least important behaviour factors are power (0.008) and adaptation (0.008). Furthermore, by using the extended scenario, the overall efficiency for each benchmarking is higher compared to the condition before the improvement (basic scenario).
Research limitations/implications
The result of this study is only relevant to the particular sugar supply chain and involving limited sustainability variables. Therefore, in a further study, more variables such as technical and financial aspects could be explored further in the assessment process.
Practical implications
The result of this study is available for each stakeholder and can be fundamental for the constant improvement in sustainable supply chain (SSC) practices. It shows that an improvement of one stakeholder will positively impact the entire system.
Social implications
Smallholders and sugarcane farmers will recognise the significance of collaboration behaviour. Thus, they can enhance their mutual benefits by using the existing resources.
Originality/value
This paper arranges for a practical contribution by implementing advanced assessment methods in the sugar supply chain by taking into account the economic, environmental and social aspects. This comprehensive assessment process in the sugar supply chain is the novelty of this paper.
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Peter Michl, David Lorenz, Thomas Lützkendorf and Sarah Sayce
The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a survey conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to discuss the extent to which qualified…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of a survey conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to discuss the extent to which qualified valuers have adapted their valuation practices in the light of guidance published by RICS in respect of sustainability and commercial property. The findings are placed within a wider debate between assessment of market value and investment value (worth).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a theoretical discussion incorporating the results from an empirical survey of valuation practitioners.
Findings
The paper reveals that guidance published by RICS in 2011 has achieved limited, but variable, impact in terms of impacting on valuation practice due to a combination of factors including lack of knowledge of the guidance, non-requirement of clients to request sustainability reporting within valuations, paucity of data. It found that where worth (investment value) is required, sustainability factors are more likely to impact the calculation than where an estimate of market value is prepared. The paper identifies theoretical problems and practical barriers hindering an integration of sustainability aspects into valuation practice.
Research limitations/implications
The empirical work was conducted prior to the embedding of guidance within the mandatory provisions of the “Red Book”; the study therefore reports on a direction of travel rather than the current position. The implications for research are the requirement to enhance data capture and to seek ways to break down the barriers to more comprehensive integration of such data so that worth and market values may begin to converge.
Practical implications
The paper has practical implications for both the education of valuers which is proposed through the RenoValue project discussed in the paper and for the RICS in monitoring progress towards more specific integration within valuers’ calculations. Further, the paper identifies that clients and lenders have a key role to play through the instructions given to valuers.
Social implications
There is now widespread recognition that properties which are not resource efficient and which are not equipped to flex to changing occupier needs may not currently be “future proofed” in investment value terms and are likely to see value erosion over time. Further, buildings have a key role in terms of climate change policy. Whilst new buildings can be mandated to meet improved efficiency standards, the ways in which buildings owners can be encouraged to upgrade will be important moving forward. One way is through a value chain response.
Originality/value
The survey is the most comprehensive investigation of valuer’s practice in relation to sustainability and the assessment of market value and worth undertaken. This provides a unique insight into the effectiveness of professional guidance and enables an informed discussion as to appropriate ways to enhance guidance moving forward.
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André Martinuzzi and Francesca Montevecchi
The purpose of this paper is to offer a profound overview of recent research trends and structures in European waste-related research based on the 7th Framework Programme (FP7)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to offer a profound overview of recent research trends and structures in European waste-related research based on the 7th Framework Programme (FP7), the most important RTD programme in Europe.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to analyse Europe-wide research efforts on waste technologies, the authors conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 50 FP7-funded research projects to assess which approaches they take, which technologies they develop and which types of organisations play a leading role.
Findings
FP7 waste-related projects care for a multiplicity of environmental technologies concerning waste. The most prominent research fields comprise: first, the recovery of by-products and waste into biomass and other valuable products; second, the development of technologies to rework manufacturing discarded products and, therefore, reduce the total use of raw materials; third, the improvement of manufacturing technologies in order to cut down on industrial waste; and finally, the support of the development of recycling management processes. In total, 52 per cent of all the participants are from the industry sector, which therefore plays an essential role.
Practical implications
The analysis show that FP7 supports the shift to a cradle-to-cradle society and is partly in line with the aims of the new Flagship Initiative “A resource-efficient Europe”.
Originality/value
This analysis gives the possibility to benchmark the trend of waste-related research carried out at European level against priorities set within European directives.
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