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1 – 10 of over 23000Sining C. Cuevas, Ann Peterson, Tiffany Morrison and Catherine Robinson
This paper aims to contribute to adaptation research by devising a systematic method for examining the challenges in mainstreaming climate change adaptation (CCA) into local land…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to adaptation research by devising a systematic method for examining the challenges in mainstreaming climate change adaptation (CCA) into local land use planning. It argues that mainstreaming operationalization necessitates a methodology that focuses on the challenges in applying the approach and an analytical framework that can examine the mainstreaming process from an institutional perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applied triangulation by data method (i.e. document review, interview, survey and key informant consultations) and incorporated the scorecard approach in developing the four-stage mixed methodology. It used a modified Institutional Analysis and Development framework as primary analytical guide and applied the case study methodology for structure and focus in relation to data collection activities.
Findings
This paper devised the four-stage mixed methodology and successfully applied it in examining the challenges in mainstreaming CCA into local land use planning in Albay, Philippines. Using the methodology, this paper developed 20 quantitative “mainstreaming indicators” and generated qualitative analyses to assess the state of play of the challenges in local mainstreaming of CCA. Results suggest that mainstreaming challenges exist within a certain spectrum, with one end composed of barriers to, and the other, opportunities for CCA. Furthermore, the challenges occur at varying degrees of severity depending on the conditions that surround them.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is limited to illustrating the process involved in developing the four-stage mixed methodology and presents only a brief discussion of the quantitative and qualitative results.
Practical implications
Although the methodology is at its initial stages of development, it generated results that can help analysts, planners and decision-makers: determine the nature of the challenges in mainstreaming CCA, thereby understand the mainstreaming process; prioritize the mainstreaming challenges to address; and design strategies that will maximize the use of limited resources (i.e. utilizing the opportunities to overcome the existing barriers), among others.
Originality/value
The four-stage mixed methodology was developed to aid analysts, planners and decision-makers determine the state-of-play of the challenges in mainstreaming CCA and make informed decisions in overcoming these challenges. Thus, the mixed method can be a useful tool in advancing the operationalization of the mainstreaming approach.
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Luis Fernando Morales-Alzate, Clara Solano-Vanegas, Angela Carrillo-Ramos, Jairo Montoya-Torres, Ramon Fabregat and Jaime A. Pavlich-Mariscal
This paper aims to present Accomm a software implementation of Ágora-SN, a supply network (SN) customer-oriented model integrated with an Adaptation Model. Accomm serves two…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present Accomm a software implementation of Ágora-SN, a supply network (SN) customer-oriented model integrated with an Adaptation Model. Accomm serves two purposes: as an experimental validation tool to measure the impact of Adaptation on an agribusiness SN model and as a logistic and marketing operations planning assistant.
Design/methodology/approach
The design of Accomm is based on the results of the Ágora-SN model that comprises the following tasks: to characterize the SN actors’ processes ( composed of multiple first-tier suppliers, a focal company and multiple first-tier customers), identifying the ones oriented to the customer; to integrate these processes into a SN model which incorporates a supplier cooperation model; and to provide an adaptation model that implements a customer profile and a context profile to improve order fulfillment.
Findings
To validate the Ágora-SN model, a prototype Accomm was created referred to a real Colombian agribusiness sector company, specifically in the floriculture sector. This prototype was validated through two methods: a usability scale and a set of scenarios that compared the application’s behavior with and without adaptation and cooperation. The application provides a better response to demand when both adaptation and cooperation are enabled.
Research limitations/implications
This work was tested in an academic environment and was validated by different experts. Further tests in operational real-life environments are required to fully validate the approach.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this work is the integration of Adaptation into a SN model as a way to center the SN toward the customer. As an additional contribution, the validation tool Accomm is conceived as an operational planning tool for agribusiness SN.
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R. RAMAKRISHNAN, ALLAN R. WIETING and EARL A. THORNTON
An adaptive mesh refinement procedure that uses nodeless variables and quadratic interpolation functions is presented for analysing transient thermal problems. A temperature based…
Abstract
An adaptive mesh refinement procedure that uses nodeless variables and quadratic interpolation functions is presented for analysing transient thermal problems. A temperature based finite element scheme with Crank‐Nicolson time marching is used to obtain the thermal solution. The strategies used for mesh adaptation, computing refinement indicators, and time marching are described. Examples in one and two dimensions are presented and comparisons are made with exact solutions. The effectiveness of this procedure for transient thermal analysis is reflected in good solution accuracy, reduction in number of elements used, and computational efficiency.
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Mudher Abullraheem Abdulhameed
This study aims to deal with the evaluation of institutional development and effectiveness of regional parliaments; it provides a scientific contribution to the development of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to deal with the evaluation of institutional development and effectiveness of regional parliaments; it provides a scientific contribution to the development of the field of parliamentary studies by developing a set of indicators to present a parameter for evaluating regional parliaments with application to the Arab Parliament. The study concluded with the development of a parameter of 35 indicators to measure institutionally, efficiency and effectiveness of the institution, with application to the Arab Parliament, as well as developing an integrated assessment of the strengths and weaknesses in the institutional aspects and organizational efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is predicated on the principle of institutional approach and the systems analysis. The curriculum is applied to the Arab Parliament as an institution to quantify efficiency and efficacy according to the implementation of a set of proposed practical indicators. The study additionally applies both Huntington’s institutional standards such as Adaptability, Involution, Autonomy and Coherence, as well as the indicators of institutions efficiency according to PrePanti such as Openness, Reception (R), Autonomy (A), Balance (B), Congruence (C), Internal Efficacy (I), Reformulation (R) and Roles (R), which refer to the first seven Latin letters “First RABCIRR”.
Findings
The researcher endeavored to answer the main questions; How to quantify the degree of institutionalization, its impact on the efficiency and efficacy of regional parliaments. The researcher’s approaches and the standards of efficiency and efficacy figured a comprehensive set of indicators that composed an integrated parliamentary standard to assess the degree of institutionalization, efficacy and efficiency of regional parliaments as a scientific contribution based on the Arab Parliament that can be applied to all regional parliaments.
Originality/value
This research is an attempt to create a Parliamentary Index to complement the previous scientific initiatives and efforts in developing such an index, which consists of 35 indicators and its application to the Arab Parliament. This research uses the principles of institutional approach, system analysis methodology and efficiency. The approach is applied to the Arab Parliament as a regional parliament to measure efficiency and effectiveness by applying a set of the proposed indicators.
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Luis Lisandro Lopez Taborda, Heriberto Maury and Jovanny Pacheco
There are many investigations in design methodologies, but there are also divergences and convergences as there are so many points of view. This study aims to evaluate to…
Abstract
Purpose
There are many investigations in design methodologies, but there are also divergences and convergences as there are so many points of view. This study aims to evaluate to corroborate and deepen other researchers’ findings, dissipate divergences and provide directing to future work on the subject from a methodological and convergent perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes the previous reviews (about 15 reviews) and based on the consensus and the classifications provided by these authors, a significant sample of research is analyzed in the design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) theme (approximately 80 articles until June of 2017 and approximately 280–300 articles until February of 2019) through descriptive statistics, to corroborate and deepen the findings of other researchers.
Findings
Throughout this work, this paper found statistics indicating that the main areas studied are: multiple objective optimizations, execution of the design, general DFAM and DFAM for functional performance. Among the main conclusions: there is a lack of innovation in the products developed with the methodologies, there is a lack of exhaustivity in the methodologies, there are few efforts to include environmental aspects in the methodologies, many of the methods include economic and cost evaluation, but are not very explicit and broad (sustainability evaluation), it is necessary to consider a greater variety of functions, among other conclusions
Originality/value
The novelty in this study is the methodology. It is very objective, comprehensive and quantitative. The starting point is not the case studies nor the qualitative criteria, but the figures and quantities of methodologies. The main contribution of this review article is to guide future work on the subject from a methodological and convergent perspective and this article provides a broad database with articles containing information on many issues to make decisions: design methodology; optimization; processes, selection of parts and materials; cost and product management; mechanical, electrical and thermal properties; health and environmental impact, etc.
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N.P. Weatherill, E.A. Turner‐Smith, J. Jones, K. Morgan and O. Hassan
As computer simulation increasingly supports engineering design and manufacture, the requirement for a computer software environment providing an integration platform for…
Abstract
As computer simulation increasingly supports engineering design and manufacture, the requirement for a computer software environment providing an integration platform for computational engineering software increases. The potential benefits to industry are considerable. As a first step in the long‐term development of such a system, a computer software environment has been developed for pre‐ and post‐processing for unstructured grid‐based computational simulation. Arbitrary computer application software can be integrated into the environment to provide a multi‐disciplinary engineering analysis capability within one unified computational framework. Recognising the computational demands of many application areas, the environment includes a set of parallel tools to help the user maximise the potential of high performance computers and networks. The paper will present details of the environment and include an example of, and discussion about, the integration of application software.
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Marc Zebisch, Stefan Schneiderbauer, Kerstin Fritzsche, Philip Bubeck, Stefan Kienberger, Walter Kahlenborn, Susanne Schwan and Till Below
This paper aims to present the “Vulnerability Sourcebook” methodology, a standardised framework for the assessment of climate vulnerability and risk in the context of adaptation…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the “Vulnerability Sourcebook” methodology, a standardised framework for the assessment of climate vulnerability and risk in the context of adaptation planning. The Vulnerability Sourcebook has been developed for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and has been applied in more than twenty countries worldwide.
Design/methodology/approach
It is based on a participative development of so-called climate impact chains, which are an analytical concept to better understand, systemise and prioritise the climate factors as well as environmental and socio-economic factors that drive climate related threats, vulnerabilities and risks in a specific system. Impact chains serve as the backbone for an operational climate vulnerability assessment with indicators based on quantitative approaches (data, models) combined with expert assessments. In this paper, the authors present the concept and applications of the original Vulnerability Sourcebook, published in 2015, which was based on the IPCC AR4 concept of climate vulnerability. In Section 6 of this paper, the authors report how this concept has been adapted to the current IPCC AR5 concept of climate risks.
Findings
The application of the Sourcebook is demonstrated in three case studies in Bolivia, Pakistan and Burundi. The results indicate that particularly the participative development of impact chains helped with generating a common picture on climate vulnerabilities and commitment for adaptation planning within a region. The mixed methods approach (considering quantitative and qualitative information) allows for a flexible application in different contexts. Challenges are mainly the availability of climate (change) and socio-economic data, as well as the transparency of value-based decisions in the process.
Originality/value
The Vulnerability Sourcebook offers a standardised framework for the assessment of climate vulnerability and risk in the context of adaptation planning.
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Stuart Cooper and Graham Pearce
This paper aims to consider how climate change performance is measured and accounted for within the performance framework for local authority areas in England adopted in 2008. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to consider how climate change performance is measured and accounted for within the performance framework for local authority areas in England adopted in 2008. It critically evaluates the design of two mitigation and one adaptation indicators that are most relevant to climate change. Further, the potential for these performance indicators to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation is discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors begin by examining the importance of the performance framework and the related Local Area Agreements (LAAs), which were negotiated for all local areas in England between central government and Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs). This development is located within the broader literature relating to new public management. The potential for this framework to assist in delivering the UK's climate change policy objectives is researched in a two‐stage process. First, government publications and all 150 LAAs were analysed to identify the level of priority given to the climate change indicators. Second, interviews were conducted in spring 2009 with civil servants and local authority officials from the English West Midlands who were engaged in negotiating the climate change content of the LAAs.
Findings
Nationally, the authors find that 97 per cent of LAAs included at least one climate change indicator as a priority. The indicators themselves, however, are perceived to be problematic – in terms of appropriateness, accuracy and timeliness. In addition, concerns were identified about the level of local control over the drivers of climate change performance and, therefore, a question is raised as to how LSPs can be held accountable for this. On a more positive note, for those concerned about climate change, the authors do find evidence that the inclusion of these indicators within the performance framework has helped to move climate change up the agenda for local authorities and their partners. However, actions by the UK's new coalition government to abolish the national performance framework and substantially reduce public expenditure potentially threaten this advance.
Originality/value
This paper offers an insight into a new development for measuring climate change performance at a local level, which is relatively under‐researched. It also contributes to knowledge of accountability within a local government setting and provides a reference point for further research into the potential role of local actions to address the issue of climate change.
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Christos Vokas and Manfred Kasper
The purpose of this paper is to address the formulation, implementation, and adaptation of closely coupled multi‐physics problems with h‐ and p‐adaptive finite element methods. A…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the formulation, implementation, and adaptation of closely coupled multi‐physics problems with h‐ and p‐adaptive finite element methods. A general formulation is chosen allowing for coupled problems of various types. Adaptation algorithms for h‐ and p‐refinement are given.
Design/methodology/approach
A generic system of second‐order differential equations is used, where the field of each individual problem is represented as an entry in the list of field variables. Specific problems are implemented by mapping material coefficients to the coefficients of the generic form. An example with four natures is investigated with close coupling between electric, mechanical and thermal fields. h‐ and p‐refinement using a single mesh is considered, where the element order may differ for individual fields.
Findings
In coupled problems, the error in each single field is affected by approximation properties of all other field quantities. In order to allow for optimal convergence order in the number of degrees of freedom, the error contributions of all fields have to be considered. Separate error estimation in each field is needed especially in h‐adaptation on a single mesh. Energy coupling coefficients were introduced to derive an adaptation criterion. Convergence analysis of h‐ and p‐adaptation proves the feasibility of the approach.
Originality/value
Piezopyroelectricity considers thermal effects in high‐frequency piezoelectric materials, which is a coupled problem of four natures. The paper introduces an adaptation criterion for such complicated coupled problems and proves feasibility.
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Understanding policy consequences for cities is very important in an urban setting, especially in this era of developing solutions for grand challenges. Climate change adaptation…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding policy consequences for cities is very important in an urban setting, especially in this era of developing solutions for grand challenges. Climate change adaptation and smart cities are emerging topics in the climate change and sustainability domain. Therefore, this paper aims to achieve a better understanding of policy consequences and exploring synergies of climate change adaptation and smart cities are valuable for both research and practice.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper systematically reviews synergies of smart city applications in urban climate change adaptation literature. A systematic literature review and content analysis are carried out to answer the research questions and a theoretically based smart cities concept matrix with synergetic coproduction theory is used to assess the empirical studies.
Findings
Key findings are that the model of synergetic coproduction could identify the benefits co-existing in smart city and climate change adaptation. While smart people and smart government play the fundamental roles, synergies could co-occur in other smart city dimensions. Smart city applications in climate change adaptation could increase competitiveness in cities by exploiting the opportunities as well as reducing the harmful risks.
Research limitations/implications
The outcomes of the smart city applications in climate change adaptation aim to contribute to the exploration of developing indicators for smart city studies in climate change.
Practical implications
The findings provide successful examples for city governments and stakeholders to identify the low-hanging fruits as well as win-win adaptations. The results could also serve as the exploration of indicators in the field of smart city in climate change. The smart cities concept with the synergetic coproduction theoretical model could be further developed into a sustainability accounting and reporting methodology for cities to improve their sustainability information management.
Social implications
The successful cases showing benefits could serve as examples for public-private partnerships to develop strategies to exploit opportunities in smart city applications and climate change adaptation. The review results also show that the integrated approach of smart city and climate change adaptation is possible and beneficial – hopefully the city managers and policymakers will continue to apply the integrated approach with smart city and further climate action agenda.
Originality/value
This study combines two emerging topics in the assessment, climate change adaptation and smart cities, and represents a new way of assessing literature and possibly policy outcomes for the cities. By using the theoretical framework from smart cities and theory of coproduction, a theory-based framework is developed for assessing the empirical studies of climate adaptation in cities. The findings from the systematic literature review indicate relations among smart city dimensions in a clear manner and also identify the synergies of smart cities and climate adaptation.
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