Holistic Value Research Articles

Enhancing accountability through integrated reporting in public higher education institutions: international evidence

IMPACT This article examines whether the integrated reports of higher education institutions (HEIs) take into account the guiding principles of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) framework. In terms of reliability and integrity, the empirical results show the lowest disclosure score, suggesting that there is still considerable room for improvement. Commitment to stakeholder guiding principles had the second lowest disclosure score due to the limited communication channels for public HEIs and the identification of key priorities in response to stakeholder demands. Public HEIs need to promote stakeholder engagement and create more holistic value for stakeholders to improve accountability. In addition, the authors found that the concept of materiality is still unclear, and its definition may therefore vary depending on the guidance and disclosure in the reports. The results serve as a roadmap for extending integrated reporting to policy-makers and as a guide for organizations planning to implement integrated reporting.

Assessing the holistic value of Danhong injection for chronic stable angina: a multi-criteria decision analysis in China

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the holistic value of Danhong injection (DHI) for treating chronic stable angina (CSA) and to identify the therapeutic characteristics of DHI. MethodsThe holistic value of DHI was assessed using a well-established evaluation index system including 34 criteria based on the Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model. Each criterion was rated by seven experts based on an evidence matrix comprising a literature review on DHI for treating CSA. The overall value of DHI for the treatment of CSA was evaluated by aggregating these performance scores and predetermined weights. Additionally, the contributions of each domain and criterion to the overall value estimate were calculated. Uncertainty was explored using an online retest and intra-rater correlation coefficient (ICC). ResultsWe found that the comprehensive value estimate of DHI for treating CSA was 80.18 points. The domain of “safety and risk management” was the strongest contributor to the final estimated value (30.37), followed by “effectiveness” (23.75). The criteria “size of population affected by disease” (3.79), “risk control of toxic medicinal materials” (4.38), “comparative non-medical costs” (1.14), “clarity of the mechanism of drug action” (0.6), “sustainability of medicinal materials resources” (1.91) and “patient compliance” (4.59) were found to be the most significant contributors to the overall value estimate across the 6 evaluation domains. The initial scores for DHI over the two rounds showed good consistency across panelists (ICC=0.886 [0.858–0.909]). ConclusionCompared with standard treatment alone, DHI was perceived as being at a “good level” intervention.

A Comprehensive Overview on Sustainable Vegetable Gardening: Eco-friendly Approaches to Home Grown Production

Sustainable vegetable gardening is an eco-friendly practice that integrates organic farming principles, resource conservation, and biodiversity promotion to produce nutritious, chemical-free food while minimizing environmental impact. This approach emphasizes soil health through the use of organic amendments, crop rotation, composting, and mulching to improve fertility and water retention. Water conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are employed to optimize water use, especially in arid regions. Pest and disease management relies on integrated pest management (IPM), biological controls, companion planting, and the use of organic pesticides to reduce chemical input while maintaining crop health. Sustainable homegrown produce has been shown to have superior nutritional content compared to commercially grown produce, and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals reduces the risk of pesticide residue exposure. Gardening fosters healthy eating habits by connecting individuals to their food sources, encouraging the consumption of fresh, unprocessed vegetables, and contributing to food security. The mental and physical health benefits of gardening, including reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being, further highlight its holistic value. However, challenges such as the initial setup costs, time investment, pest management, and knowledge gaps can hinder widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges requires greater access to resources, educational initiatives, and the development of climate-resilient practices tailored to specific regions. Future trends in sustainable gardening include the adoption of technological innovations, such as smart irrigation systems, automation, and vertical farming, which offer scalable solutions for urban and small-scale gardeners. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of resilient, local food systems, and sustainable gardening is poised to play a critical role in addressing future food security concerns.

Playing Our Parts: An Ode to Selected Twentieth Century South African Newspaper Film Critics

The first part of this analysis discusses film critics as historians and historians as film scholars via an examination of texts, subtexts, and contexts. The article recalls the primary contributions of some prolific film critics, offering a personal testimonial to those who had significantly contributed to the teaching of film at universities or who had contributed to popular film discourse. An autobiographical historical overview explains how newspaper and magazine film critics shaped the author’s own analyses of twentieth century South African film, with special reference to Afrikaans movies framed by the insider-outsider genre. As an active member of the film industry since 1970, the author explains the significance of key contextual events. The study focuses on the metaphorical and subtextual elements where fictional characters engaging in discursive social struggles are studied as indicators of wider social roles in conflict. The second part examines questions of language, empirical observation, and subtextual analysis in metaphorical relation to the methods used by the film critics who informed the author’s theory of Afrikaans film narrative as a social metatext. The conclusions are two-fold: first, that academics who are also critic-practitioners constitute holistic value; and second, that journalists are actually theory-based intellectuals.

From ESG to holistic value addition: Rethinking sustainable investment from the lens of stakeholder theory

Stakeholder theory calls for effective stakeholder management in the interest of sustainable businesses. Whilst there is a need to redefine ‘stakeholders’, investors (i.e. shareholders) can play an essential role in bringing a paradigm shift in shaping current business practices. In recent times, the ‘Environment, Society and Governance’ (ESG) approach has emerged as an alternative form of investment for key investors seeking change. However, certain deficiencies have been identified when it comes to ESG strategies, which have led to disagreements among sustainable investors. To plug this gap and overcome this challenge, we propose an alternative framework based on sustainable business practices that holistically adds value that is inclusive of all stakeholders. To this end, we conducted semi-structured interviews with social entrepreneurs, academics, and experts from the financial services industry in an emerging country context, namely India. Based on our text analysis of interview data, we propose a ‘Holistic Value Addition’ (HVA) framework of sustainable investment that builds on value-addition by businesses towards its stakeholders. We envisage that adoption of this framework will help sustain the sustainable agenda.

Holistic Value Creation and Contesting Business Goals: A Strategic Orientation Perspective

Holistic Value Creation and Contesting Business Goals: A Strategic Orientation Perspective

Transcendental Meditation Enriches Nurses' Authentic Presence Through Caring for Self and Others.

Purpose of Study: Given the enormity of the most recent challenges to clinician well-being, intensified by the pandemic, we decided to explore the influence of Transcendental Meditation® (TM)® on the well-being of clinical nurses. The purpose of our study was to use qualitative analysis to enhance our understanding of the experiences of clinical nurses who practiced TM, as viewed through the lens of our conceptual model and Watson's holistic unitary caring science theory. Design and Method: This qualitative study involved a thematic analysis of clinical nurses' written descriptions following the completion of the TM program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: The nurse participants shared their experiences with the practice of TM as creating present moment focus, leading to enhanced self-care, and development of authentic presence with others. The overall theme uncovered in the analysis is that authentic presence is veritas (truth) in knowing, being, doing, and becoming. Conclusions: The findings were congruent with Watson's unitary caring science theory and provided illumination of the holistic value of TM as a self-care strategy for supporting nurses' well-being with the goal of retaining nurses in practice. When nurses care for themselves, they are more likely and able to care for others, thus helping them to enjoy their nursing careers.

Value-based Russian language teaching as a priority of the modern era (to mark the anniversary of the <i>Axiological linguistic methodology</i> school of thought)

The article aims to comprehend the fundamental role of value-based Russian language teaching in modern education. The key points of the speeches delivered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, and Minister of Education of the Russian Federation S. S. Kravtsov are related to the preservation and strengthening of traditional spiritual and moral values. Therefore, the thirty-year activity of the scientific school Axiological linguistic methodology: the worldview and value aspects in school and university teaching of the Russian language, the leader of which is Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Methods of Teaching the Russian Language at the Institute of Philology of MPSU, is A. D. Deikina, winner of the Russian state award - the A. S. Pushkin medal, the K. D. Ushinsky medal, is becoming more relevant than ever. We used analysis of scientific research in the field of axiological linguistic methodology and scientific generalisation to characterise the activities of the scientific school whose origins relate to M. T. Baranov’s concept of schoolchildren’s linguistic worldview formation. Moreover, we outlined the key positions of axiological linguistic methodology substantiated in the concept of A. D. Deikina and thirteen postdoctoral studies of her students as scientific areas developing the idea of value-based Russian language teaching at school and university. The postdoctoral research conducted within the framework of the scientific school of axiological linguistic methodology with A. D. Deikina as the scientific advisor developed the leading linguistic methodological approaches to Russian language teaching. Drawing on the Russian canonical methodologists’ ideas, the members of the Moscow Methodological Scientific School create and predict promising ways of developing higher and school education in the Russian Federation, expand the research space in different regions of this country, increase the scientific status of methodological science, and contribute to the success of interpersonal and intercultural communication in Russian. The works of those who represent the axiological linguistic methodological scientific school, as well as other like-minded researchers have a beneficial effect on the creation of a holistic value picture of the world using the Russian language in modern education.

Enhancing Holistic Value in Human Transformative Service through Religious Interaction Capability

Enhancing Holistic Value in Human Transformative Service through Religious Interaction Capability

Extant and extinct bilby genomes combined with Indigenous knowledge improve conservation of a unique Australian marsupial

Ninu (greater bilby, Macrotis lagotis) are desert-dwelling, culturally and ecologically important marsupials. In collaboration with Indigenous rangers and conservation managers, we generated the Ninu chromosome-level genome assembly (3.66 Gbp) and genome sequences for the extinct Yallara (lesser bilby, Macrotis leucura). We developed and tested a scat single-nucleotide polymorphism panel to inform current and future conservation actions, undertake ecological assessments and improve our understanding of Ninu genetic diversity in managed and wild populations. We also assessed the beneficial impact of translocations in the metapopulation (N = 363 Ninu). Resequenced genomes (temperate Ninu, 6; semi-arid Ninu, 6; and Yallara, 4) revealed two major population crashes during global cooling events for both species and differences in Ninu genes involved in anatomical and metabolic pathways. Despite their 45-year captive history, Ninu have fewer long runs of homozygosity than other larger mammals, which may be attributable to their boom–bust life history. Here we investigated the unique Ninu biology using 12 tissue transcriptomes revealing expression of all 115 conserved eutherian chorioallantoic placentation genes in the uterus, an XY1Y2 sex chromosome system and olfactory receptor gene expansions. Together, we demonstrate the holistic value of genomics in improving key conservation actions, understanding unique biological traits and developing tools for Indigenous rangers to monitor remote wild populations.

The Association between Male Circumcision and Physical Intimate Partner/Spouse Violence in Kenya

Intimate partner violence against women is a global public health problem with many short-term and long-term effects on the physical and mental health of women and their children. Intimate partner/spouse violence is predominantly perpetrated by men against women victims. Sustainable Development Goal 5.2 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls. This study sought to determine the association between of male circumcision and physical intimate partner/spouse violence in Kenya. Data from the nationwide and representative Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, conducted in 2014, were further analyzed. The Demographic and Health Survey utilizes a two stage stratified sampling technique. This study found that Male circumcision is very popular in Kenya (92.4%, n=12819). This study establishes that physical intimate partner/ spouse violence is rife in Kenya (34.5%, n=3265). A Pearson Chi Square test of independence found that there was a significant association between male circumcision status and physical intimate partner/spouse violence (x2(1) =44.51a, p<0.000). Binary Logistic regression predicted that the males who were uncircumcised had over two-fold higher odds of executing physical intimate partner/spouse violence compared to those were circumcised (OR 2.44, CI 1.86-3.19). This study concludes that male circumcision is beneficial in the long-term and adds to the holistic value of men beyond the physical removal of prepuce for health reasons. This study recommends male circumcision especially with a period of seclusion. This study recommends that programs should focus on initiatives or interventions that encourage male circumcision accompanied by structured learning programs during the period of initiates’ seclusion. Keywords: Male Circumcision, Intimate Partner/Spouse Violence, Social Cognitive Theory

The Role of Bali's Traditional Subak Farming System in the Preservation of Natural and Cultural Resources

The Subak traditional farming system in Bali embodies a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and spirituality, epitomizing the Balinese philosophy of "Tri Hita Karana." This qualitative study explores the role of the Subak system in the preservation of natural and cultural resources in Bali. Through interviews with Subak farmers, water temple priests, and other stakeholders, as well as participant observation and document analysis, the study examines the ecological functions, cultural significance, and challenges facing the Subak system. The findings reveal that the Subak system plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and soil health in Bali's landscapes. Furthermore, the Subak system holds profound cultural significance, serving as a spiritual anchor, fostering community cohesion, and preserving cultural heritage. However, the Subak system faces numerous challenges, including urbanization, water scarcity, and demographic shifts, which threaten its sustainability and resilience. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to protect Subak landscapes, promote traditional farming practices, and empower local communities. By recognizing the holistic value of the Subak system, stakeholders can work together to ensure the preservation of Bali's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Valorisation of Seafood Side-Streams through the Design of New Holistic Value Chains: WaSeaBi Project

Growing demand in the fisheries sector has resulted in a high generation of side-streams that are mainly treated as waste despite their potential value in terms of protein, fatty acids, and minerals. The WaSeaBi project, funded by the EU under the Horizon 2020 BBI JU initiative, seeks to address this problem by promoting the sustainable and economically viable utilisation of these side-streams, thus contributing to improved food security and environmental conservation. The project focuses on the development of innovative technologies and methodologies for the efficient valorisation of seafood side-streams into marketable products such as protein-based food ingredients, bioactive peptides, and mineral supplements. The WaSeaBi project started with a comprehensive analysis to identify the bottlenecks hindering the efficient utilisation of side-streams. To this end, a comprehensive study of the European seafood industry was conducted to understand the existing challenges. The main obstacles identified were technological deficiencies, lack of space and personnel, and a limited market for the resulting products. Several laboratory-scale technologies, such as pH-shift, enzymatic hydrolysis, membrane concentration, and flocculation with centrifugation, were explored in order to extract valuable components from the side-streams. Subsequently, these technologies were scaled-up and tested on a pilot scale. For example, membrane concentration technology facilitated the recovery of valuable molecules from mussel cooking side-streams while reducing environmental impact. Flocculation helped recover proteins and phosphates from process waters, crucial for reducing the organic load of effluents. In addition, decision-making tools were developed to help select and build the most appropriate valorisation strategies, taking into account technical, legal, economic, and environmental aspects. Environmental sustainability was assessed through life cycle assessment, which highlighted the factors that contribute most to the environmental impact of each technology. The results revealed that reducing chemical consumption and improving energy efficiency are key to optimising the environmental performance of the valorisation technologies. The WaSeaBi project outlines a promising path towards sustainable and economically beneficial utilisation of seafood side-streams. By employing innovative technologies, the project not only contributes to reducing waste and environmental impact, but also facilitates the transformation of low-value side-streams into high-value products. In addition, it provides a structured framework to help industry stakeholders make informed decisions on the valorisation of secondary streams. This initiative marks a substantial step towards a more sustainable and economically viable fisheries and aquaculture industry, setting a precedent for future projects aimed at overcoming technological and infrastructural barriers to the valorisation of seafood side-streams.

Understanding the role of serial acquisition and subsidiary autonomy in providing value within servitizing industrial networks

PurposeResearch examining the joint role of serial acquisitions and subsidiary autonomy in holistic value provision within servitizing industrial firms is scarce. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the role of serial acquisition and subsidiary autonomy in providing value within servitizing industrial networks.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed based on the case study of a large Swedish industrial group specializing in selling industrial products and providing industrial solutions to business customers through its numerous subsidiaries.FindingsThe analysis of 14 interviews with the five subsidiaries and seven customer firms and secondary data reveals interesting findings concerning the role of serial niche acquisition strategy and subsidiary autonomy in customer value provision in servitizing organizations. In particular, the authors find that the role of acquisitions in industrial firms extends beyond growth to customer sensing and proximity. Likewise, the authors find that subsidiary autonomy facilitates value provision to customers in industrial networks.Originality/valueThe paper provides a more nuanced understanding of how serial acquisitions and subsidiary autonomy are intertwined and jointly affect industrial firms’ value provision activities amidst the servitization transition in an intraorganizational network.

Capturing the holistic value of biosimilars in Europe – part 1: a historical perspective

ABSTRACT Introduction Approved biosimilars exhibit comparable efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity to reference products. This report provides perspectives on the societal value of biosimilars within Europe and potential factors that have influenced market dynamics. Methods An independent, self-administered survey or one-on-one in-depth interview was used to collect viewpoints about the impact of biosimilar medicines within European markets. Key insights were also sought from an expert panel of European stakeholders. Results Survey respondents were clinicians, pharmacists, and payers from Europe (N = 103). Perceived benefits of biosimilars included increased access to innovative medicines (73% of respondents) or biologic treatments (66%). Biosimilar competition was thought to expand access to biologics (~50% of respondents) or drug combinations (~36%) and reduce biologic access time (34%). Key drivers of biologic access after biosimilar competition included increased biologic awareness (51%) and changes to prescribing guidelines (37%) and/or treatment paradigms (28%). The expert panel developed a market maturity framework of biosimilar adoption/opportunities comprising three stages: ‘Invest,’ ‘Expand,’ and ‘Harvest.’ Findings were supported by published literature. Conclusions In Europe, the perceptions of well-informed survey/interview respondents are that biosimilars have improved patient outcomes via increased access to biologics and innovative biologic products, contributing to earlier and longer treatment of a broader population.

Access in all areas? A round up of developments in market access and health technology assessment: part 2.

In this latest update, we explore the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) enacted by the US Congress in August 2022, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)recently releasing the list of the first ten drugs it will negotiate prices on. We also cover the consequences of price controls and rigid value assessment in Germany which have led to the withdrawal of a number of medicines. It will be important to see how the IRA balances cost-saving with holistic value assessment, incentives for innovation and patient access to treatment.

Home swapping as instrument for more housing sufficiency!

The current ecological challenges with an urgent necessity to reduce consumption of energy and resources call for a reconsideration of many aspects of current (western) lifestyles. Since housing is one major source of energy and resource consumption, the development of a sustainable housing provision is of upmost importance. Unfortunately, the public debate is constricted to efficiency and consistency measures, based on technical improvements, which do not question norms and values leading to necessary lifestyle changes. Such a one-sided approach will fall short for various reasons – the most important being the ever-increasing per capita housing space that cancels out efficiency gains. Instead, discussions on an environmentally sound housing provision should consider the concept of sufficiency, leading to a reduction of the physical building stock due to a decrease in per capita consumption. Despite acknowledging the necessity of a reduced per capita living space, the academic debate remains quite limited without offering appropriate systematic strategies. Thus, this paper takes up the instrument of home swapping to discuss its holistic value, adding to the debate on sufficiency strategies in the field of housing. It is shown that home swapping has enormous potential to reduce per capita housing space by better allocating living space.

Reflections of nurses in the fight against COVID-19 in Hubei: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo explore the reflections and experiences of nurses who were deployed to the frontline to combat COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. In order to gain insights that can be useful in...

Do Basic Neurologic Assessments Tell Us More Than We Realize?

Neurologic assessments using a monofilament and a tuning fork are routinely performed to screen for peripheral neuropathy and to identify foot ulceration and amputation risks. We investigated whether assessments commonly used to monitor sensation in the feet may illuminate a more holistic perspective of a person's overall health status. Recruitment of 50 participants for foot health screening was facilitated via a promotional event for Foot Health Week. Participants were aged 52 to 92 years (31 women and 19 men). Monofilament and tuning fork assessments were used to determine each participant's neurologic status. Participants also completed a modified Foot Health Status Questionnaire. Data were analyzed to identify correlations between neurologic assessment results and questionnaire responses. For participants self-reporting an "excellent" health rating, a significant relationship was identified with adequate vibration sensation (P < .01). Significant correlations were also identified between a greater number of sites detected using a 10-g monofilament assessment and a person's experience of having a lot of energy (P = .03), limited interference with social activities (P = .03), and greater confidence completing a variety of functional tasks. Significant correlations were observed between basic neurologic assessments and a participant's perception of their overall health. Although these findings reflect a correlational rather than a causational relationship, they may provide a stimulus for clinicians to reflect on the holistic value of peripheral neurologic assessment. Although the immediate focus for a practitioner is minimizing risk and preserving tissue viability, neurologic test results may be useful to stimulate further discussion about a patient's health outcomes by exploring issues beyond the presenting condition.

Green consumption and sustainable development: The effects of perceived values and motivation types on green purchase intention

AbstractDaily green products have gained growing awareness in recent years. Perceived values of consumers are crucial for companies to promote the formation of holistic value of green products to consumers. In addition, understanding different motivation types of consumers to adopt green purchase behavior is critical. To answer the research call to better conceptualize green purchase intention, this study aims to investigate how consumers' perceived values influence different motivation types, and in turn, affect their green purchase behavioral intention. An extended research model by integrating customer value theory (CVT) and self‐determination theory (SDT) is developed to explain green purchase behavioral intention. Three hundred and five participants were recruited, and the findings were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM). Results suggested that the three perceived values (i.e., emotional value, functional value, and relational value) significantly predict perceived green product value, while perceived green product value predicts four types of regulations (i.e., external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, and integrated regulation). Results also showed that autonomous motivation (i.e., identified regulation and integrated regulation) significantly predicts green purchase intention. These findings provide theoretical implications to SDT and customer value theory in the field of green business strategy management and practical implications to green businesses and governments.