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1 – 10 of 757Kezban Yagci Sokat and Maria Besiou
The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to draw insights from the rich literature on humanitarian operations efforts to combat human trafficking; second, to inspire…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to draw insights from the rich literature on humanitarian operations efforts to combat human trafficking; second, to inspire humanitarian operations researchers to work more on human anti-trafficking.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper inspired by recent relevant reports, the academic literature and the authors’ years of involvement in both humanitarian operations and anti-trafficking.
Findings
Humanitarian supply chains and human trafficking supply chains very often operate in the same environments and hence face similar challenges. The paper highlights the overlaps between the two domains and demonstrates how two decades of learnings from humanitarian supply chain literature can help improve the understanding of the more recent academic field of human trafficking supply chains significantly.
Research limitations/implications
This study is conceptual and illuminates numerous opportunities for research in anti-trafficking.
Practical implications
By inspiring more research on anti-trafficking, this paper hopes to facilitate enhancements to human trafficking operation to prevent more cases and protect victims.
Social implications
There is an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of anti-trafficking activities, disrupt human trafficking and enlarge the “humanitarian space.”
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to discuss human trafficking operations in relation to humanitarian supply chains.
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Christina Eviutami Mediastika, Anugrah Sabdono Sudarsono, Sentagi Sesotya Utami, Zulfi Aulia Rachman, Ressy Jaya Yanti, Yusuf Ariyanto and Teguh Setiawan
This study is part of a series aimed at improving the city's environment, as fully restoring the past soundscape is hardly feasible. The initial study aims to uncover the city's…
Abstract
Purpose
This study is part of a series aimed at improving the city's environment, as fully restoring the past soundscape is hardly feasible. The initial study aims to uncover the city's sound characteristics, including iconic sounds that have shaped the city's environment for decades, contributing to its status as Indonesia's second most popular tourist destination. This stage is critical for informing policymaking to carefully manage and enhance the urban acoustic environment in alignment with the preserved culture.
Design/methodology/approach
The city's sound profile was examined using standard urban sound taxonomies. The study used quantitative methods, including (1) sound pressure level (SPL) measurements and sound recordings, (2) in situ surveys and (3) memory-based surveys. The first set of data were compared to current standards and standard urban sound taxonomies, while the second set was analysed to determine the median rating score for determining the soundscape dimensions. The third data set was used to identify the specific acoustic aspects inherent in Yogyakarta.
Findings
Yogyakarta's acoustic environment was bustling, with traffic noise and human activities dominating the soundscape, surpassing the standard levels. Many sounds not classified in standard urban sound taxonomies were present, showing the diverse nature of urban sound classification, particularly in a cultural and traditional city like Yogyakarta. The memory-based survey unveils Yogyakarta's two most remarkable soundmarks, “gamelan” and “andong”, which support the findings of prior studies. The in situ survey rated the city's acoustic environment as eventful, pleasurable and generally appropriate, emphasising the presence of cultural sounds unique to Yogyakarta, even though they are not fully audible in the current environment.
Originality/value
The standard sound taxonomies used in urban areas need to be adjusted to include the unique sounds produced by cultural and traditional activities in developing countries. The ordinates and subordinates of the taxonomies also need to be updated. When cultural and daily activities are massively seen in a particular city, the sounds they produce can be recalled exclusively as the city's signature. It is urgent to implement policies to safeguard the few remaining soundmarks before they disappear entirely.
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Eric McLaren, Dimitrios Salampasis, Richard Busulwa, Rico Johannes Baldegger and Pascal Wild
Even though extant research highlights the crucial role some stakeholders play in helping corporations understand, manage and mitigate the occurrence of modern slavery in their…
Abstract
Purpose
Even though extant research highlights the crucial role some stakeholders play in helping corporations understand, manage and mitigate the occurrence of modern slavery in their supply chains and operations, there is a fundamental lack of understanding of all the relevant stakeholder groups and the specific roles they play. By adopting a stakeholder theory approach, this study aims to identify all the key stakeholders and their associated roles towards supporting corporations’ modern slavery monitoring, detection and disclosure activities.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted by following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant literature included scholarly work focusing on the identification of key stakeholders and the roles they play in enabling corporations’ modern slavery monitoring, detection and disclosure activities.
Findings
Nine stakeholder groups and their roles were identified, such as governments, workers, IGOs, NGOs and suppliers. Examples of performed activities include conducting audits, providing training, monitoring occurrences of modern slavery, enforcing regulations, reporting on labour issues and evaluating corporations’ modern slavery reports.
Practical implications
A comprehensive understanding of key stakeholders and their roles enables better collaboration towards achieving transparency within corporations’ supply chains and operations. Other stakeholders can leverage these findings to enhance modern slavery reporting activities.
Social implications
Clarity regarding key stakeholders and their roles may improve quality and quantity of reported modern slavery information, enhancing corporations’ public accountability.
Originality/value
This study adopts a stakeholder theory approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of key stakeholders and their roles in enhancing corporations’ modern slavery reporting activities.
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Krzysztof Kubacki, Natalia Szablewska, Dariusz Siemieniako and Linda Brennan
Modern slavery in global value chains is an emerging topic of interest across various fields, including in international business, but is often fragmented in its approach. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Modern slavery in global value chains is an emerging topic of interest across various fields, including in international business, but is often fragmented in its approach. This study aims to provide a practical framework for studying relationships between participants in global value chains by exploring the nexus of three concepts – vulnerability, resilience and empowerment (VRE) – in the context of modern slavery.
Design/methodology/approach
This article offers a deductive thematic analysis of 51 empirical and conceptual business research studies on modern slavery in global value chains published until mid-2021 according to the three categories of interest at the micro (within individuals and organisations), meso (between individuals and organisations) and macro (structural) levels.
Findings
The findings have informed the development of three themes, each of which is an opportunity for future research with clear policy implications: a reductionist approach to vulnerability obscures its complexity; externalising the empowerment process and locating it outside of the agency of workers serves to further disempower them; and focusing exclusively on organisational resilience conceals the essentiality of resilience within individuals, communities and societies.
Originality/value
This article is among the first to extend the focus of business literature on modern slavery in global value chains beyond its current largely facile engagement with VRE, offering an original descriptive VRE typology to engage with the nexus between these three concepts.
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Transaction laundering has become an increasingly intricate and rampant form of financial misconduct in the age of digital commerce. This research paper conducts an exhaustive…
Abstract
Purpose
Transaction laundering has become an increasingly intricate and rampant form of financial misconduct in the age of digital commerce. This research paper conducts an exhaustive examination of this issue, categorizing the various techniques criminals use to highlight areas where existing risk management practices could be further refined. Amid escalating regulatory scrutiny of both financial and nonfinancial entities, the paper stresses the implications of not meeting regulatory standards. As a novel contribution, this study advocates for a shift in risk management strategies. It argues that entities under obligation should harness advanced technological methods to counter transaction laundering challenges effectively. The study serves as a relevant guide for online businesses aiming to strengthen their measures against transaction laundering. For future work, the potential effectiveness of technology-driven countermeasures deserves further scrutiny.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a conceptual legal research method, using a library-based doctrinal legal research approach with a conceptual legal perspective, drawing from existing literature. This study reviewed primary and secondary legal sources, including case law and provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amended) Act, 2012, and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013 (as amended). This study also assessed the provisions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004. This research further incorporated a blend of archival and secondary legal sources. This study conducted comparative analyses, examining the legal frameworks of Canada, the UK, Hong Kong and China alongside Nigeria to identify potential lessons for enhancing Nigeria’s legislation concerning money laundering and terrorism financing. This study also assessed problems and derived insights from the study’s findings. This research method was chosen to establish the credibility of the findings regarding the issues of money laundering and terrorist financing.
Findings
The analysis uses a comprehensive network dataset, encompassing ties among individuals and businesses in the Netherlands from 2005 to 2019. It integrates administrative data, including family ties, shared bank accounts and employment history, with corporate information and ownership relations from the Chamber of Commerce. Criminal data related to police interventions, legal convictions and suspicious money laundering transactions are linked to these networks. This unique approach overcomes the scarcity of large empirical datasets in criminological research, offering valuable insights into criminal network behavior and dynamics. Understanding how criminal networks adapt to anti-money laundering policies aids regulatory authorities in designing more effective and efficient measures while also enhancing the tools available to enforcement authorities for detection and investigation.
Originality/value
AML policies are often criticized for their high costs relative to the perceived benefits. This paper's method avoids dark number estimations and relies on high-quality administrative data. The theoretical contribution includes an examination of specialization, competition and collaboration within criminal networks. The empirical aspect uses a unique dataset and emerges as a methodology for evaluating the effects of AML policy measures using temporal cluster analysis.
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Vimal Raj L., Amilan S. and Aparna K.
This paper aims to develop and validate a cashless transaction adoption model (CTAM) that integrates all essential elements to investigate the adoption of “cashless transactions…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop and validate a cashless transaction adoption model (CTAM) that integrates all essential elements to investigate the adoption of “cashless transactions (CLT)”.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers surveyed 375 respondents from each of Bengaluru’s eight zones in India. In addition, using the respondents’ replies, a “partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM)” technique was used to analyse the relationship between the components.
Findings
The results of CTAM reveal that 12 independent variables explain 84.7% of the variation in behavioural intention to adopt CLT. In addition, performance expectancy is the strongest predictor of users’ intentions to embrace CLT, followed by perceptions of the economy’s security and economic offence reduction, social influence, perceived trustworthiness, the expected level of effort and innovativeness. Furthermore, in terms of impediments, perceived risk and cost are the negative influence factors that affect behavioural intention to adopt CLT.
Originality/value
The research successfully developed and validated a comprehensive CTAM that integrates essential elements to investigate the adoption of CLT. Consequently, this research, for the first time, elucidates the precise role of “Perceived Economic Offense Reduction (PEOR)”, “Perceived Economic Benefit (PEB)” and “Perceived Economy’s Security (PES)” in influencing individuals’ behavioural intentions towards adopting CLT. Accordingly, this CTAM offers a more in-depth explanation than any other research for understanding why individuals embrace CLT systems.
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There is lack of knowledge about how the existing streets need to be redesigned and the infrastructural changes that need to be made to adopt autonomous vehicles. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
There is lack of knowledge about how the existing streets need to be redesigned and the infrastructural changes that need to be made to adopt autonomous vehicles. The purpose of this study is to investigate the infrastructure requirements of autonomous vehicles in terms of (1) lane widths, (2) parking spaces, (3) drop-off zones and (4) other facilities, followed by analyzing them and suggesting changes in the existing urban design of Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD).
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed method of combining both qualitative (secondary research of analyzing the existing data about the urban design guidelines for an autonomous future, observations of the existing infrastructure) and quantitative methods (on-site measurements of pedestrian walkways and road lane widths) is used.
Findings
The outcome of the research consists of a series of major infrastructural changes with regard to lane widths, parking spaces, pick-up and drop-off zones and other facilities needed for the deployment of autonomous vehicles.
Practical implications
The results imply that Qatar can benefit by adopting the proposed urban design suggestions for the implementation of autonomous vehicles on the streets of MDD in particular, and smart cities of Qatar and the region in general.
Social implications
The proposed changes can work as a reference and serve as a possible setting for addressing Autonomous Vehicle preparations in emerging cities.
Originality/value
The proposed urban design changes can be adapted for an autonomous future in emerging cities.
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Elisma Marais, Jacqui-Lyn McIntyre and Duane Aslett
Corruption is one of the main facilitators of increased wildlife crime in South Africa. It is important to look at the current legislative framework to determine how wildlife…
Abstract
Purpose
Corruption is one of the main facilitators of increased wildlife crime in South Africa. It is important to look at the current legislative framework to determine how wildlife crime can be combated effectively. This paper aims to provide an analysis of the process of wildlife crime, focusing on wildlife poaching and trafficking role players and critically analyses the legislation in place to combat the phenomenon.
Design/methodology/approach
A critical analysis of existing literature such as case law, legislation, peer-reviewed publications and electronic articles was used to identify the legislation and processes for the prevention of wildlife crime in South Africa. Common denominators were identified in these sources to provide a baseline for examining wildlife crime.
Findings
Wildlife criminals rely extensively on corruption during all facets of their trafficking schemes. The use of traditional environmental laws is not effective in dismantling wildlife trafficking networks, as prosecuting those in the upper echelons is often challenging. The extensive reliance on corruption during all facets of wildlife trafficking provides an opportunity for law enforcement to use such corruption crimes as predicate offences in racketeering prosecutions, thus ensuring kingpins find it more difficult to escape prosecution, owing to their involvement in criminal enterprises that sustain themselves through patterns of racketeering.
Originality/value
This paper contributes knowledge to narrow the research gap with regard to wildlife criminals and how they function. It also addresses possibilities to improve prosecution and disrupt wildlife trafficking networks.
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Hasan Mahmud, Kanij Shobnom, Md. Rayhan Ali, Nafia Muntakim, Ummey Kulsum, Dalce Shete Baroi, Zihad Ahmed, Md. Mizanoor Rahman and Md. Zahidul Hassan
Bangladesh is one of the leading countries that has been facing serious air pollution issues, with an exponentially higher death rate attributed to it than other environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
Bangladesh is one of the leading countries that has been facing serious air pollution issues, with an exponentially higher death rate attributed to it than other environmental pollution. This study aims to identify the sources and dynamics of particulate matter (PM) pollution across different micro-environments in Rajshahi City.
Design/methodology/approach
PMs’ concentration data were collected from 60 sampling stations, located across the six micro-environments of the study area, throughout the year using “HT 9600 Particle Counter.” To assess the level of pollution, the air quality index (AQI) was calculated, and different methods, including observation, group discussion, interview and questionnaire survey, were used to identify the pollution sources.
Findings
Both PM2.5 and PM10 exhibit varied concentrations in different micro-environments, and the area covered by different AQI classes differs considerably throughout the year. The monthly average concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 was highest in January, 200 and 400 µg/m³ and was lowest in September, 46 and 99 µg/m³, respectively. Among the total 1,440 observations, 853 observations (59.24%) exceeded the national standard. Based on the pollution level, different months and micro-environments in the city have been ranked in descending order as January > December > February > March > April > November > October > May > June > July > August > September and traffic > commercial > industrial > residential > green cover > riverine environment.
Originality/value
Although numerous research has been conducted on air pollution in Bangladesh, the authors are certain that no attempt has been made to address the issue from a multi- micro-environmental perspective. This makes the methodology and findings truly unique and significant in the context of air pollution research in Bangladesh.
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Asha Thomas, Puja Khatri, Vidushi Dabas and Ilda Maria Coniglio
Competition in the modern, knowledge-based economy is utterly pendant on innovation, rendering it indispensable in virtually every organisation. Knowledge workers, therefore, must…
Abstract
Purpose
Competition in the modern, knowledge-based economy is utterly pendant on innovation, rendering it indispensable in virtually every organisation. Knowledge workers, therefore, must remain vigilant, spanning novel ways to innovate. Given the relevance of innovation orientation (IO) in knowledge work, it is imperative to possess an extensive understanding of the concept. Therefore, this study aims to develop and validate a measurement scale to gauge employees’ IO.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering that the instruments now in existence exhibit insufficiency for measuring knowledge workers’ IO in its entirety, the mixed-method approach used in this study draws on both qualitative and quantitative findings across various studies, to address this problem. This study has been organised into five stages: item generation, scale purification, scale refinement, nomological validation and generalizability.
Findings
This study establishes and verifies a second-order, reflective–reflective IO measure founded on multiple samples, encompassing the dimensions of creative orientation, learning orientation, first-mover orientation, trust orientation and agility orientation. The resultant IO scale serves as a robust and reliable tool that is capable of being leveraged to explain, assess and enhance IO for knowledge workers.
Research limitations/implications
The rigorous methodology used in this scale development procedure serves as a benchmark for prospective scale development methodologists. From a managerial stance, this study serves managers/leaders concerning how to foster an innovation-oriented work environment to uncover employees’ hidden innovators. Organisations can leverage this study to discover, cultivate and capitalise on knowledge workers’ IO.
Originality/value
Although there exists an abundance of research on IO viewed from an institutional standpoint, research centred on the IO of knowledge workers is scarce. To bridge this gap, this study has developed and validated a scale for measuring knowledge workers’ IO.
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