Allocation Of Available Funds Research Articles

Corporate social responsibility performance and social reputation via corporate social responsibility awarding: is there a threshold effect?

PurposeThis study aims to examine the potential threshold effect in the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and social reputation.Design/methodology/approachThis study includes an international and cross-sector sample covering 41 countries, nine sectors and 45,395 firm-year observations. It applies a parabolic relationship, rather than linear regressions, between CSR engagement and social reputation via CSR awarding. This implies that CSR performance should increase until a certain point to gain a social reputation but then should decrease after reaching that threshold point considering limited financial resources.FindingsThe findings of country-industry-year fixed-effects logistic regressions confirm the threshold effect with an inverted U-shaped relationship between CSR and CSR awarding. More specifically, firms increase their environmental and social engagement until a certain point, and then they reduce it after reaching a social reputation. This finding is confirmed by three dimensions of the environmental pillar (i.e. resource use, emissions and eco-innovation) as well as four dimensions of the social pillar (i.e. workforce, human rights, community and product responsibility). The findings are robust to alternative samples, alternative methodology and endogeneity concerns.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have implications for firms about the better allocation of available funds between CSR and operations. The findings could be particularly useful for CSR teams/committees of the firms who formulate CSR policies and how to mobilize firm resources for better social enhancement via environmental and social reputation.Originality/valueThis study examines deeper the nature of the association between CSR engagement and social reputation and considers the possibility of an inverted U-shaped relationship between them. The determination of a threshold effect suggests that CSR engagement increases social reputation, but once it reaches a certain point, social reputation will decrease owing to financial resource constraints.

An Environmental Investment Decision Face to Face With Two Competing Systems: Sanitation and Healthcare

This study develops an economic relationship between public health and sanitation with the aim to provide arguments for environmental decisions on the most efficient allocation of available funds. The analysis addresses the specific case of illnesses originating from lack of sanitation. With data from a sample town in Brazil, it produces cost values for the competing systems of medical care and sewage collection, both of which being candidates to combat illnesses. The calculations assume that the existence of sanitary coverage is sufficient to eliminate illnesses, and are carried out with relative monetary units in order to make the procedure generally applicable. An illustrative numerical example shows, with the aid of opportunity cost accounting, how the relationship can be presented on a yearly basis to overcome the difficulty of comparing perpetual medical to sporadic sanitation expenditures. In conclusion, the proactive measure of investing in sanitation is shown to be economically preferable to the reactive provision of medical care for the kind of illnesses addressed.

How should HIV resources be allocated? Lessons learnt from applying Optima HIV in 23 countries.

IntroductionWith limited funds available, meeting global health targets requires countries to both mobilize and prioritize their health spending. Within this context, countries have recognized the importance of allocating funds for HIV as efficiently as possible to maximize impact. Over the past six years, the governments of 23 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America have used the Optima HIV tool to estimate the optimal allocation of HIV resources.MethodsEach study commenced with a request by the national government for technical assistance in conducting an HIV allocative efficiency study using Optima HIV. Each study team validated the required data, calibrated the Optima HIV epidemic model to produce HIV epidemic projections, agreed on cost functions for interventions, and used the model to calculate the optimal allocation of available funds to best address national strategic plan targets. From a review and analysis of these 23 country studies, we extract common themes around the optimal allocation of HIV funding in different epidemiological contexts.Results and discussionThe optimal distribution of HIV resources depends on the amount of funding available and the characteristics of each country's epidemic, response and targets. Universally, the modelling results indicated that scaling up treatment coverage is an efficient use of resources. There is scope for efficiency gains by targeting the HIV response towards the populations and geographical regions where HIV incidence is highest. Across a range of countries, the model results indicate that a more efficient allocation of HIV resources could reduce cumulative new HIV infections by an average of 18% over the years to 2020 and 25% over the years to 2030, along with an approximately 25% reduction in deaths for both timelines. However, in most countries this would still not be sufficient to meet the targets of the national strategic plan, with modelling results indicating that budget increases of up to 185% would be required.ConclusionsGreater epidemiological impact would be possible through better targeting of existing resources, but additional resources would still be required to meet targets. Allocative efficiency models have proven valuable in improving the HIV planning and budgeting process.

Posouzení modelů odhadu tržního rizika s využitím DEA přístupu

Measuring and managing of financial risks is an essential part of the management of financial institutions. The appropriate risk management should lead to an efficient allocation of available funds. Approaches based on Value at Risk measure have been used as a means for measuring market risk since the late 20th century, although regulators newly suggest to apply more complex method of Expected Shortfall. While evaluating models for market risk estimation based on Value at Risk is relatively simple and involves so-called backtesting procedure, in the case of Expected Shortfall we cannot apply similar procedure. In this article we therefore focus on an alternative method for comprehensive evaluation of VaR models at various significance levels by means of data envelopment analysis (DEA). This approach should lead to the adoption of the model which is also suitable in terms of the Expected Shortfall criterion. Based on the illustrative results from the US stock market we conclude that NIG model and historical simulation should be preferred to normal distribution and GARCH model. We can also recommend to estimate the parameters from the period slightly shorter than two years.

Climate adaptation funding: Getting the money to those who need it

ABSTRACTIn an era when climate records are continually being broken, climate change adaptation is becoming relevant for communities around the globe, particularly the most vulnerable and poor communities. Governments around the world collectively agreed in Paris in 2015 to combat the threats and challenges posed by climate change, yet the matter of how to finance adaptation for those in need remains unsettled. There are two major issues related to the future of adaptation funding: where the funds will flow from, and how to ensure the appropriate distribution and allocation of the available funds. This paper discusses political economy factors at the global, national, and local levels that affect the distribution and allocation of available funds. It argues that appropriate consideration of political economy factors is needed in designing future finance programs, to ensure that funds reach those who need them most.

Analysis of road traffic accidents and ranking of sites severity: a case study of EL Minia / Beni-suef Eastern Desert and Agricultural Roads, Egypt

Road traffic accident is a massive health hazard in Egypt and all over the world. Also, Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a major cause of global mortality and morbidity. Available funds are insufficient to solve problems in all accident locations at the same time. Consequently, accident locations need to be ranked according to its severity for best allocation of available funds to repair the most severe locations. El Minia-Beni suif east and Agriculture roads are of the roads that have a highly repetition of accidents. This study compares between accident characteristics on both roads. In addition, areas of high accident occurrence are ranked according to its severity. Accident data on both roads is abstained from General Authority of Roads, Bridges and Land transport (GARBLT) for the period from 2010-2014. Analysis proved that Agriculture road has the major part of accidents, death and injuries. The maximum number of accidents on both roads occurs at kilometers between 20 and 30. The road section length of highly accident location on both roads is divided into subsections with length 2 km. These subsections are ranked according to its severity using the accident weight methodology. Accident weight is estimated using the economic cost of death, injury and property damage. Black spots are determined using Critical Crash Rate approach. Analysis proved that two locations on the study area can be considered as black spots. One on each road at the same km (24-26) is considered as a black spot. The present study recommends starting modifications with these two black spots sites then other locations according to its rank of severity. Also, the research recommends that the methodology introduced in should be used on all Egyptian roads. © 2016. Marsland Press, Zhengzhou University Language: en

A hybrid and integrated approach to evaluate and prevent disasters

Disasters are, by their nature, very complex phenomena. Their modelling using a systematic and logical methodology can help us identify their root causes and may facilitate in allocating appropriate resources to prevent such situations. Although techniques exist to model such phenomena, a single off-the-shelf model is insufficient to provide an effective and realistic analysis to prevent disasters due to its inherent assumptions. In order to overcome these limitations of single methods, this article proposes a hybrid model of four methods to optimise a safety investment. First, a hierarchy is constructed with a problem structuring approach. Second, a new graphical representation, the Crisis Tree Analysis, is introduced to visualise how a combination of basic events may lead to a disaster. Third, the criticality of each event is assessed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Finally, a mathematical programming model is proposed to calculate the optimal allocation of available funds in order to avoid the disaster. A case study of the Bhopal disaster is used to illustrate the proposed four-step method.

Frederick Seitz

Frederick Seitz

Decision Methodology for Allocating Funds across Transportation Infrastructure Assets

One of the main activities in transportation infrastructure asset management is the allocation of available funds across infrastructure classes (e.g., pavements, bridges, signs) or programs (e.g., maintenance, construction). A methodology for allocating funds across transportation asset classes using multiattribute utility theory has been developed and is provided in this paper. This methodology can be used for performing trade-off analysis among asset classes where it is practical to consider potential shifts in funding from one class to another. The methodology was applied to a sample state highway network in Champaign County, Illinois. The sample highway network consists of pavements, bridges, culverts, signs, and intersections. Four funding allocation alternatives were evaluated using the developed methodology. The case study identified the funding allocation alternative that results in the lowest risk of infrastructure failure or poor performance (i.e., highest utility) from an experienced engineer standpoint. The utility analysis revealed that the decision maker in the case study is risk averse when managing infrastructure classes with the most potential to affect traffic safety and to be noticed by the public, such as bridges and intersections. The case study also revealed that the level of available funding and the level of infrastructure performance affect how the total funding is allocated among asset classes.

Wastewater treatment and risk assessment in ocean outfall evaluations

Past evaluations of the success of wastewater treatment and submarine outfall placement and operation have considered only a limited number of parameters affecting the marine and onshore environments. Important questions regarding the best allocation of available funds have not been adequately addressed. The relative contamination of the sea from airborne and landwash contaminants has not been considered. Neither has the increased air pollution deriving from the energy required for advanced treatment. Similarly, regular epidemiological studies to evaluate actual changes in morbidity arising from drastic changes in treatment and disposal have not been made prior to very large committments of funds. Most importantly, little attention has been given to the relative ranking of all environmental risks within a catchment area. The net result is that, when all factors are considered, the very large expenditures and increased energy use for sanitary wastewater treatment and outfall disposal will have a net negative effect on the physical and societal environment. The City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Metropolitan area can be used to illustrate this probability.

Wastewater treatment and risk assessment in ocean outfall evaluations

Past evaluations of the success of wastewater treatment and submarine outfall placement and operation have considered only a limited number of parameters affecting the marine and onshore environments. Important questions regarding the best allocation of available funds have not been adequately addressed. The relative contamination of the sea from airborne and landwash contaminants has not been considered. Neither has the increased air pollution deriving from the energy required for advanced treatment. Similarly, regular epidemiological studies to evaluate actual changes in morbidity arising from drastic changes in treatment and disposal have not been made prior to very large committments of funds. Most importantly, little attention has been given to the relative ranking of all environmental risks within a catchment area. The net result is that, when all factors are considered, the very large expenditures and increased energy use for sanitary wastewater treatment and outfall disposal will have a net negative effect on the physical and societal environment. The City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Metropolitan area can be used to illustrate this probability.

Value in library and information management: a review

Explains and defends the relevance of economic analysis to library and information management: to supply information useful for justification and in making decisions about the allocation of available funds. Reviews methods of measuring value in the library information services context, and presents examples of the successful application of economic analysis to specific problems.

Economic evaluation of ergonomic solutions: Part I — Guidelines for the practitioner

This chapter presents the guidelines for economic evaluation of ergonomic solutions. These guidelines are aimed at the practitioners who want to examine the profitability of ergonomic solutions or increase the reliability of investment appraisal with respect to ergonomics. The guidelines mainly focus on different methods and criteria for capital expenditure evaluation and their relative merits and limitations with respect to ergonomics. The profitability of capital expenditures in ergonomic projects is influenced by (1) initial capital outlay and salvage value after life-time, (2) annual expenses and revenues, (3) life-time, and (4) discount-rate. The principal problem of capital budgeting in most companies is the allocation of available funds to the most worthwhile projects. Therefore, quantitative evaluation methods and criteria are important in ranking projects and for formal accept/ reject decisions. In investment appraisal of capital expenditures in ergonomic projects, the relationship between cost of the project and expected savings from four key-factors, labor turnover,absenteeism, spoiled and defective goods, and productivity, is of special interest.

The Human Genome Project: cracking the genetic code of life

This is a study of genetic mapping. The first six chapters address molecular biology in a historical framework. . . . Mapping and various kinds ofmaps (genetic, physical, sequence) are discussed. . . . (Genetic disease), diagnosis, and therapy, constitute Chapter 8. Chapter 9 outlines the evolution of the sequencing plan as it grew out of a series of conferences. . . . Chapter 10 reviews the questions involving science policy and allocation of available funds among various sectors of the biomedical research establishment. Chapter 11 covers the relationship of genome sequencing to disease, ethical issues, and social implications of genomic knowledge (medical care, employment, and insurance issues). (Choice)

Bangladesh POPULATION CONTROL VERSUS HEALTH

A report from Bangladesh discusses problems related to that country's population policies. The rate of population growth continues to exceed targeted goals, despite strong support for contraception programs by the government and organizations such as the United States Agency for International Development. Some foreign donors have raised questions about the current campaign to encourage sterilizations among the rural poor by offering incentives of goods, money, and food. Another area of major concern is the allocation of available funds to population control to the detriment of other health needs, particularly maternal and child health.Bangladesh's 2.4% annual rate of population increase has not declined much in the past decade despite increasing efforts to reduce population growth. Barring catastrophe, the population may increase from 90 million in 1981 to near 150 million by the year 2000. The attention to population control has caused concern about health care, particularly for children, women, and the rural poor, to be relegated to the sidelines. The poor and the landless, who are most threatened by increasing competition for scarce resources, have not responded to incentives andpropaganda. The population growth rate target of 1.78% for the end of the 2nd 5-year plan would have required 38% of couples to be continuous contraceptive users, but in 1983 the prevalence of modern contraception was under 15%. Some large aid agencies have become irritated by resistance to population control programs. In 1982, US$60 million was committed to population control alone from all sources. Other efforts to promote family planning have included trying to influence the local government to adopt strong fertility disincentives, as well as incentives for accoptors of contraception, particularly sterilization, and for health workers who recruit new acceptors. The incentive approach has resulted in a diversion of resources away from health and toward population control. Incentives of all kinds now account for 20% of US Agency for International Development funds in the field. Through 1983, about 6% of rural women and 1% of rural men had been sterilized. Several attempts have been made to integrate health and population control since an influential report backed by the Ford Foundation appeared in 1976, but success has been limited at the local level. Some health interventions advocated for poor countries would be unacceptable in the donor countries. The Netherlands and Scandinavian countries appear to be concerned that current measures for population control could provoke a backlash, and are angry that the poor and landless are prime targets for what are viewed as socially discriminatory tactics. Neglect of care for women andchildren is a shortsighted strategy, since the fewer the children who die, the greater the liklihood that a woman will use effective family planning. Equity of distribution is a key to the Bangladesh population issue, and it is argued that the current population control approach is a way of side-stepping far harder questions of dominance by rural and urban elites and hierarchal social structures, which really determine who lives and who dies.