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21 – 30 of over 10000
Article
Publication date: 1 March 2000

P. Tucker, P. Douglas, A. Durrant and A.S. Hursthouse

Examines whether there are any environmental or health implications associated with the increased use of colour in newspapers, if the newspapers are reused or recycled. New heavy…

Abstract

Examines whether there are any environmental or health implications associated with the increased use of colour in newspapers, if the newspapers are reused or recycled. New heavy metal analyses of UK daily newspapers from 1992, 1996 and 1998 are reported. Lead, mercury and cadmium were found to be below their measurement detection limits (4ppm, 5ppm and 1ppm respectively) in nearly all samples. Barium and total chromium levels were highest in supplements printed on “glossy” paper. Copper was present at levels around 20‐30ppm in the standard newsprint sections and at levels of 80ppm or more in the supplements. Copper concentrations increased by 33‐40 per cent between 1992 and 1998 which correlated well with the increased colour content. A scientific appraisal and review showed that the heavy metal contents of newspapers are highly unlikely to pose any environmental risk or to have any health implications.

Details

Environmental Management and Health, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-6163

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1992

VGI Deshmukh and MG Norton

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) was set up in 1989 to provide members of both Houses of Parliament with objective information on scientific and…

Abstract

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) was set up in 1989 to provide members of both Houses of Parliament with objective information on scientific and technological issues. In this paper, the concept of ‘technology assessment’ is explained, together with details of POST's formation and mode of working. Finally, two recent papers from POST on The Relationships between Defence and Civil Science and Technology, and on High‐performance Computing, will be briefly discussed.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 44 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1988

ALISTAIR ADAIR and STANLEY McGREAL

The adoption of statistical methods of analysis by British valuers has been, at the best, rather piece‐meal. This paper highlights the contrasting application of multiple…

1541

Abstract

The adoption of statistical methods of analysis by British valuers has been, at the best, rather piece‐meal. This paper highlights the contrasting application of multiple regression analysis (MRA) within valuation practice in the USA relative to that in the UK and emphasises the need for suitable databases. Historically the valuer in the UK has lacked access to databases. The analyses presented in this paper indicate that, even if databases exist, factors such as statistical variability, heterogeneity, geographical scale and sample size may influence both the explanatory and predictive powers of the MRA model. Nevertheless the estimation of value from the objectivity of the MRA model can assist the valuer by supporting opinion or highlighting circumstances where re‐appraisal is necessary.

Details

Journal of Valuation, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7480

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 May 2013

Asmund Rygh

International business (IB) research is traditionally heavily reliant on economics. In this chapter, we review selected debates in the philosophy of science of economics and…

Abstract

International business (IB) research is traditionally heavily reliant on economics. In this chapter, we review selected debates in the philosophy of science of economics and consider their relevance for economics-based IB research, given important characteristics of IB such as phenomenon-orientedness, concern with data and facts and limited use of formal mathematical models and unrealistic assumptions in the analysis. We argue that, like in the case of mainstream economics, Lakatos’ concept of scientific research programmes (SRPs) is more useful for understanding the philosophy of science of economics-based IB than Popper’s falsificationism. Following this, we discuss characteristics of two possible IB SRPs, internalization theory and Dunning’s Ownership-Location-Internalization paradigm. Finally, we discuss the approach to modelling in IB, finding it to reflect a relative commitment to scientific realism.

Details

Philosophy of Science and Meta-Knowledge in International Business and Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-713-9

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Valerie Spezi, Simon Wakeling, Stephen Pinfield, Jenny Fry, Claire Creaser and Peter Willett

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the theory and practice of peer review in open-access mega-journals (OAMJs). OAMJs typically operate a “soundness-only” review…

4670

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the theory and practice of peer review in open-access mega-journals (OAMJs). OAMJs typically operate a “soundness-only” review policy aiming to evaluate only the rigour of an article, not the novelty or significance of the research or its relevance to a particular community, with these elements being left for “the community to decide” post-publication.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of interviews with 31 senior publishers and editors representing 16 different organisations, including 10 that publish an OAMJ. Thematic analysis was carried out on the data and an analytical model developed to explicate their significance.

Findings

Findings suggest that in reality criteria beyond technical or scientific soundness can and do influence editorial decisions. Deviations from the original OAMJ model are both publisher supported (in the form of requirements for an article to be “worthy” of publication) and practice driven (in the form of some reviewers and editors applying traditional peer review criteria to OAMJ submissions). Also publishers believe post-publication evaluation of novelty, significance and relevance remains problematic.

Originality/value

The study is based on unprecedented access to senior publishers and editors, allowing insight into their strategic and operational priorities. The paper is the first to report in-depth qualitative data relating specifically to soundness-only peer review for OAMJs, shedding new light on the OAMJ phenomenon and helping inform discussion on its future role in scholarly communication. The paper proposes a new model for understanding the OAMJ approach to quality assurance, and how it is different from traditional peer review.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 74 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

William J. McCluskey, Dzurllkanian Zulkarnain Daud and Norhaya Kamarudin

The purpose of this paper is to apply boosted regression trees (BRT) to a heterogeneous data set of residential property drawn from a jurisdiction in Malaysia, with the objective…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply boosted regression trees (BRT) to a heterogeneous data set of residential property drawn from a jurisdiction in Malaysia, with the objective to evaluate its application within the mass appraisal environment in Malaysia. Machine learning (ML) techniques have been applied to real estate mass appraisal with varying degrees of success.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the performance of the BRT model two multiple regression analysis (MRA) models have been specified (linear and non-linear). One of the weaknesses of traditional regression is the need to a priori specify the functional form of the model and to ensure that all non-linearities have been accounted for. For a BRT model the algorithm does not require any predetermined model or variable transformations, making the process much simpler.

Findings

The results show that the BRT model outperformed the MRA-specified models in terms of the coefficient of dispersion and mean absolute percentage error. While the results are encouraging, BRT models still lack transparency and suffer from the inability to translate variable importance into quantifiable variable effects.

Practical implications

This paper presents a useful alternative modelling technique, BRT, for use within the mass appraisal environment in Malaysia. Its advantages include less intensive data cleansing, no requirement to specify the predictive underlying model, ability to utilise categorical variables without the need to transform them and not as data hungry, as for example, MRA.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the knowledge in this area by applying a relatively new ML model, BRT to residential property data from a jurisdiction in Malaysia. BRT has shown promise as a strong predictive model when applied in other disciplines; therefore this research empirically tests this finding within real estate valuation.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2005

Daniel Bodansky

Although the general theory of greenhouse warming has been understood by scientists since the end of the nineteenth century, an international regime to address the problem of…

Abstract

Although the general theory of greenhouse warming has been understood by scientists since the end of the nineteenth century, an international regime to address the problem of climate change began to develop only in the late 1980s.1 In the decade and a half since then, the regime has undergone a remarkable evolution. In 1992, states adopted the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which took effect in 1994 and serves as the “constitution” for the international climate change regime.2 In 1997, the UNFCCC was supplemented by the Kyoto Protocol, which requires industrialized countries to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect (so-called “greenhouse gases” or GHGs for short). And the 2001 Marrakesh Accords further elaborate the Kyoto Protocol's regulatory regime, setting forth detailed rules for how the Kyoto Protocol will operate.

Details

Perspectives on Climate Change: Science, Economics, Politics, Ethics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-271-9

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Javaid Ahmad Wani, Taseef Ayub Sofi, Ishrat Ayub Sofi and Shabir Ahmad Ganaie

Open-access repositories (OARs) are essential for openly disseminating intellectual knowledge on the internet and providing free access to it. The current study aims to evaluate…

Abstract

Purpose

Open-access repositories (OARs) are essential for openly disseminating intellectual knowledge on the internet and providing free access to it. The current study aims to evaluate the growth and development of OARs in the field of technology by investigating several characteristics such as coverage, OA policies, software type, content type, yearly growth, repository type and geographic contribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The directory of OARs acts as the source for data harvesting, which provides a quality-assured list of OARs across the globe.

Findings

The study found that 125 nations contributed a total of 4,045 repositories in the field of research, with the USA leading the list with the most repositories. Maximum repositories were operated by institutions having multidisciplinary approaches. The DSpace and Eprints were the preferred software types for repositories. The preferred upload content by contributors was “research articles” and “electronic thesis and dissertations”.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the subject area technology as listed in OpenDOAR; therefore, the results may differ in other subject areas.

Practical implications

The work can benefit researchers across disciplines and, interested researchers can take this study as a base for evaluating online repositories. Moreover, policymakers and repository managers could also get benefitted from this study.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to investigate the repositories of subject technology in the open-access platform.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 52 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 1 January 2011

Low Sui Pheng and Gao Shang

Manufacturing, Western management theories and Japanese management practices.

Abstract

Subject area

Manufacturing, Western management theories and Japanese management practices.

Student level/applicability

This case can be used in project management or management-related courses at tertiary institutions at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level.

Case overview

This case provides students with an opportunity to find out what make Toyota so successful in manufacturing through its famous production system as well as the underlying Toyota Way principles. All students are expected to understand the Toyota Way model with a balanced view that goes beyond a set of lean tools such as just-in-time. This case opens a historical account for the Toyota Way model by connecting with possible Western management theories and Japanese management practices.

Expected learning outcomes

It is expected to significantly benefit students with industry experience with the intention of initiating appropriate changes in their own industry and/or organization by applying what they have learnt from the Toyota Way, through bridging with Western management theories.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 April 2018

Md. Suzaul Islam and Yanrong Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) to mainstream consideration of climate change adaptation (CCA) in Bangladesh…

4528

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) to mainstream consideration of climate change adaptation (CCA) in Bangladesh, particularly for the coastal zone, to improve disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies in this region. Continuing climate risks require adaptation at all levels of society. The densely populated and resource-rich coastal zone of Bangladesh is at risk to the impacts of climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on secondary sources (gray and published literature) of information on climate change impacts on the coastal zone of Bangladesh. The sources include research reports, online publications, governmental reports, scientific journals, international reports, books, journal articles and other academic resources on SEA, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and DRR. In addition to examining SEA in Bangladesh, this paper investigates SEA cases in different countries to obtain insights from the successful application of SEA for CCA.

Findings

The paper draws on several cases from different countries demonstrating that SEA has a significant potential to coordinate CCA objectives. The findings reveal that the appropriate use of SEA can enable DRR through CCA.

Originality/value

This study argues that SEA has a potential role in supporting CCA.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 10000