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1 – 10 of over 7000The purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers to the implementation of energy efficiency projects in Canadian universities, including access to capital, bounded…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers to the implementation of energy efficiency projects in Canadian universities, including access to capital, bounded rationality, hidden costs, imperfect information, risk and split incentives. Methods to address these barriers are investigated, including evaluating the efficacy of revolving funds.
Design/methodology/approach
Senior administrators of 15 Canadian universities were interviewed, making use of both structured and open-ended questions. As university executives and senior technical directors are responsible for investment in energy efficiency at Canadian universities, these individuals were the focus of our study.
Findings
The results offer a curious contradiction. While “Access to Capital” was found to be the largest barrier to energy efficiency in Canadian universities, and while respondents agreed that green revolving funds are both an effective method to address these capital funding constraints, and may be an effective method to implement energy conservation projects at their university, only 2 out of the 15 universities interviewed and 7 out of the 98 universities in Canada currently make use of a green revolving fund. A general reluctance at Canadian universities to formalize processes to prioritize energy efficiency limits the associated benefits of mechanisms such as revolving funds to institutionalize energy efficiency and reduce long-term energy use.
Practical implications
To provide insights into barriers to energy efficiency in universities and methods to address them, including the efficacy of revolving funds.
Originality/value
This research is one of the first to investigate the efficacy of revolving funds to confront barriers to energy efficiency. The findings, implications and recommendations are valuable to organizations, university administrators, researchers and practitioners implementing energy efficiency measures.
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Ravivan Suwansin, John K.M. Kuwornu, Avishek Datta, Damien Jourdain and Ganesh P. Shivakoti
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of the revolving fund (RF) regarding the ability of smallholder debtors to retrieve land title deeds, and also to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of the revolving fund (RF) regarding the ability of smallholder debtors to retrieve land title deeds, and also to examine the factors influencing the outstanding debts and percentage of outstanding interest of the smallholders in the Central and Northeastern regions of Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected from 430 debtors in the Central and Northeastern regions of Thailand in order to compare the differences in livelihood assets as well as their opinions on benefits derived from the operation of the RF. Secondary data were also collected from the RF administration, in order to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the fund. Heteroskedasticity-corrected ordinary least squares and Tobit regression models were employed to examine the factors influencing the outstanding debts and percentage of outstanding interest of the smallholders, respectively. Furthermore, the student’s t-test was used to examine the differences in the livelihood assets among debtors in the two regions; and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine differences in livelihood indicator scores among the three types of debtors.
Findings
The empirical results revealed that the RF is effective as the fund could provide loan to smallholders to enable them redeem their land title deeds from their previous creditors. The t-test results reveal significant differences in the livelihood assets among debtors in the two regions. One-way ANOVA indicates differences in livelihood indicator scores among the three types of debtors. The results of the heteroskedasticity-corrected ordinary least squares regression revealed that being married, low frequency of floods and less influence of third parties significantly reduced the outstanding debts. The results of the censored Tobit regression revealed that increased frequency of meeting with the RF administration, less influence of third parties, high land potential and interaction of age and experience significantly decreased the percentage of outstanding interest.
Practical implications
It is imperative to intensify information and education regarding the regulations, payment terms and modalities to clients in order to facilitate repayments of the loans disbursed. The organization of the RF should pay particular attention to the role of the committees involved, information administration and loan repayment monitoring. The RF should increase the frequency of meetings with smallholders, minimize the influence of third parties and give priority to old and experienced smallholders who possess land with high potential for earning incomes to enable them repay the loans.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examined the effectiveness of the RF to enable smallholders retrieve their land title deeds.
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Robert Pickard and Tracy Pickerill
This paper develops the issue of funding from a first paper “Conservation finance 1: support for historic buildings”), which highlighted specific measures in use including direct…
Abstract
This paper develops the issue of funding from a first paper “Conservation finance 1: support for historic buildings”), which highlighted specific measures in use including direct grant aid, low‐interest loans, fiscal relief, tax credits, the transference of development rights with associated funding measures and compensation schemes. Further consideration is given to other avenues for raising finance in support of the built heritage from public and also other sources as a part of the process of developing integrated conservation strategies (such as via foundations, lotteries, revolving funds and non‐profit organisations, combining methods of financing for individual properties including for housing rehabilitation and through area‐based schemes). Taken together, the two papers examine different approaches to funding the built heritage by reference to practice in western Europe and North America.
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The purpose of this paper is to develop a higher education funding and employment system that obviates barriers to sustainable development and helps engrain the notion of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a higher education funding and employment system that obviates barriers to sustainable development and helps engrain the notion of sustainability into the institutional framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The “Higher Education Sustainability First System” (HESFS) is a conceptual model that builds upon ideas from previous literature. Its theoretical basis draws on a joint value creation framework from the stakeholder theory and business model perspectives.
Findings
A holistic three-pillar approach that offers multiple value propositions is needed to engage the stakeholders to collaborate for the coherent functioning of the HESFS. This will enable the establishment of a viable innovative financial model and the institution of a sustainability-focused student employment program that are facilitated by a robust sustainable infrastructure. Several sustainable development goals may be furthered in the process.
Research limitations/implications
The applicability of a part or entire HESFS depends on the characteristics of the higher education institution and the level of its maturity in a sustainable development process. Although its different constituents have been empirically validated in literature, the HESFS model could be applied in a case study to determine its potential feasibility.
Practical implications
The HESFS may inspire policymakers, businesses and higher education institutions to forge alliances to devise innovative resources of funding and engage in employment partnerships that can lead to progress in sustainable development. It may particularly be useful for institutions in developing and less developed countries, where inequality and high youth unemployment rates prevail.
Originality/value
By focusing on an under-researched topic through a multitheoretical perspective, this study contributes to theories pertaining to stakeholder engagement and business models.
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The purpose of the study is to reviewing community empowerment in ecological conservation through the Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (COREMAP). This research is…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to reviewing community empowerment in ecological conservation through the Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (COREMAP). This research is under a governance perspective, namely transparency, accountability and community participation in Bahari Village, South Buton District, Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected in three ways: they are interviews, observation and documentation. Data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods.
Findings
The empowerment of coastal village communities through the COREMAP program is not fully managed properly referring to the principles of transparency, accountability and participatory. In addition, the role of stakeholders is not maximal, where the government and the companion are not able to provide solutions to the problem of community empowerment while the apathetic community in the implementation of empowerment program. So that empowerment does not fully have a positive impact on coastal communities. While the sustainability of the empowerment program is threatened with failure, which has an impact on COREMAP's environmental damage and coastal communities.
Originality/value
The originality of this research is that the study was conducted on coastal communities in ecological conservation through the COREMAP program in Bahari Village, South Buton Regency.
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In recent years, New Public Management (NPM) has been used as the major framework for administrative reforms to redesign the public museums in many countries. However, some…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, New Public Management (NPM) has been used as the major framework for administrative reforms to redesign the public museums in many countries. However, some scholars argue that this market-based transformation results in professional corrosion or shortcomings about the public museums’ capacity to fulfill their traditional missions. In this regard, this paper maintains that the concept of public value provides a useful way of thinking about the objectives of public services. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a new framework for administrative reforms in the sector to keep efficiency without falling into professional corrosion or inefficiency problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the data collected through 178 questionnaire surveys.
Findings
The conclusion of the paper is that, for reforming publicly funded museums, public value offers a balance between efficiency and the primary roles of the museums.
Research limitations/implications
In the paper, the analysis is based on the views of museum professionals. Thus, further researches based on different sources of data are required to further explain the administrative peculiarities of public museums.
Originality/value
There is a scarcity of literature on the administrative issues in public museums. This paper fulfills an identified need to study on this issue.
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Lauren Bennett and Philippa Iwnicki
The Inspiring Change Manchester (ICM) programme has aimed to improve outcomes, including employability, for people experiencing multiple disadvantage in Manchester. This paper…
Abstract
Purpose
The Inspiring Change Manchester (ICM) programme has aimed to improve outcomes, including employability, for people experiencing multiple disadvantage in Manchester. This paper aims to compare learning from the ICM partnership with wider literature to demonstrate what helps people with experience of multiple disadvantage to achieve training, volunteering or work outcomes and what may prevent this.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews with people with experience of multiple disadvantage and employers in Manchester working with this group were thematically analysed, and the findings were compared to wider literature, previous ICM research and programme data. The primary research took a peer research approach. Peer researchers co-designed the topic guides, co-facilitated interviews where possible and helped to identify key themes.
Findings
Entering and succeeding in training, volunteering and/ or paid work has many positive impacts for people experiencing multiple disadvantage. Ongoing and better awareness raising will be key for more individuals to benefit from such pathways, alongside accessible recruitment processes. Continuous personal and professional development opportunities are important to positive experiences, as is organisational culture. Short-term contracts arose as an issue in the research, more needs to be done to support people with experience of multiple disadvantage into secure work.
Originality/value
Although there is a range of literature on good practice and challenges to enable people to engage in training or employment, this often focuses on a particular characteristic or need, rather than experiences of people facing a combination of interrelated needs. This paper also includes first-person lived experience voice, rather than this perspective being interpreted through a particular lens.
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Alphonce Kyessi and Germain Furaha
Any attempt to improve housing quality goes concurrently with improvement of income level and with economic development. The purpose of this paper is to assess the viability of…
Abstract
Purpose
Any attempt to improve housing quality goes concurrently with improvement of income level and with economic development. The purpose of this paper is to assess the viability of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in financing housing improvement for the urban poor.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to understand in great depth the viability of MFIs in housing finance for the urban poor in Tanzania, the case study strategy was applied, with five sub‐cases, which form the smallest unit of analysis.
Findings
Most housing financing initiatives carried out by governments and large financial institutions often end up benefiting the high/middle income segment. Administrative procedures, terms and conditions set up by the government and banking institutions exclude the poor due to their low affordability levels. As the poor cannot meet the set stringent conditions; the MFIs that are growing in numbers in Tanzania and other developing countries have been their alternative strategy for housing finance.
Research limitations/implications
Close linkage exists between the housing loans, housing improvement and poverty alleviation among the urban poor in informal housing settlement.
Practical implications
WAT‐SACCOS, a housing MFI, has devised a repayment schedule, which is viable, compatible and affordable for the poor. These types of institutions can be used as intermediaries between large financial institutions, including commercial banks and the poor, to make it easier for the latter to access housing loans. Public‐private and popular partnerships facilitate the availability of financial services for the urban poor.
Originality/value
The paper adds to the literature in that, whilst housing issues should continue to be at the top of development and political agenda, housing MFI assists in ensuring that the poor get access to housing, which is regarded as a poverty reduction asset.
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Prior studies on the interactive effects of performance evaluative style and budgetary participation on managers' budgetary performance have overlooked several important issues…
Abstract
Prior studies on the interactive effects of performance evaluative style and budgetary participation on managers' budgetary performance have overlooked several important issues. First, the moderating effects of organisational commitment have largely been overlooked. Since managers, who are highly committed to their organisations, are likely to pursue their organizations' goals much more intensely than managers who are not committed to their organisations, the effects of performance evaluative style and budgetary participation on the budgetary performance of these two groups of managers are likely to differ. Second, prior studies in this research area have concentrated mainly on the manufacturing sector. The services sectors have received relatively little attention. Third, differences between privately owned service organisations and publicly funded service organisations and their effects on performance have also not been considered. To address these gaps in the literature, this study investigates the three‐way interaction between reliance on financial measures for performance evaluation, budgetary participation and organisational commitment affecting budgetary performance in the health services sector. Based on a sample of 170 managers, the results indicate that highly committed managers react very differently to reliance on financial measures for performance evaluation and budgetary participation from lowly committed managers. Differences were also found between managers from the privately funded service organisations and those from the publicly funded service organisations.