Local Business Research Articles

Culture-led regeneration and the contestation of local discourses and meanings: the case of European maritime port cities

ABSTRACT Culture-led regeneration, understood as a range of policies using cultural activity as a catalyst for urban regeneration, has been widely implemented by many European cities. The interest of local businesses and politicians in these processes seems undiminished despite the various systemic crises hitting European cities. In the meantime, the ways in which culture-led regeneration and its promoters interact with, shape and manipulate local discourses and meanings have become critical for its successful implementation. Drawing upon the literature on the politics of urban development, this paper looks at how culture-led regeneration promulgates, negotiates and manipulates local discourses and meanings. It takes the example of European maritime port cities, where these processes have often served as a means to address the challenges associated with shifting meanings and practices surrounding port-city relationships. We argue that culture-led regeneration schemes operating in port cities in the twenty-first century strive to engage directly with local discourses and meanings associated with past economic activities but, in doing so, renegotiate them, producing hybridized models of regeneration that mirror and align with the agenda of culture-led urban growth coalitions.

Voices in the digital crowd: a discursive analysis of Airbnb boycott

ABSTRACT The ascent of online platforms has ushered in a democratization of information dissemination and has facilitated the formation of public opinion across various societal matters, including boycotts. By employing a qualitative analysis of narratives found within Reddit conversations related to the Airbnb boycott, this study explores the diverse dimensions of public sentiment and opinion formation within discussions about boycotting Airbnb on Reddit. The analysis has revealed a range of themes within these conversations. These themes include concerns about housing affordability, the commercialization of residential areas, negative effects on local businesses, issues related to discrimination, environmental considerations, gentrification, and criticisms of Airbnb’s business practices, service fees, safety measures, and regulatory matters. Overall, this research contributes to our theoretical understanding of digital activism in the realm of tourism, highlighting its implications for broader societal contexts. It also offers practical insights for businesses operating within the sharing economy, helping them engage with politically conscious consumers and address the ethical implications of their operations.

The Influence of Psychological Empowerment and Ethical Leadership on Work Engagement in PDAM Way Rilau Employees

PDAM or Regional Drinking Water Company is one of the local business units in Bandar Lampung. owned by the city of Bandar Lampung, which has a role to distribute clean water to the public. distribute clean water to the general public. The problem in This research is the lack of work engagement which is influenced by the attendance in the month of November 2023 which is not maximized and is proven by attendance in November 2023 which has not been maximized and is evidenced by the data of the work performance assessment list in the with the data of the assessment list for the implementation of work in the obedience section only experienced an increase of 0.32 per year, which is relatively small for a yearly scale increase and the occurrence of the for an increase in the scale per year and the occurrence of a change in leadership leadership turnover in 2022 so that this is the focus of researchers to see psychological empowerment by new leadership on the work engagement of PDAM Way Rilau employees. This research aims to determine the effect of psychological empowerment and ethical leadership on employee engagement of PDAM Way Rilau. The study population was 253 people and the sample was taken as many as 156 people. Data collection through questionnaires based on random sampling technique and processed using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis with the help of SPSS software. SPSS software. The results of the study showed that psychological empowerment (X1) and ethical leadership (X2) have a positive and significant effect on work engagement (Y), thus the hypothesis of this study is supported.the hypothesis of this study is supported.

Plastic Waste Management: Opportunities and Challenges in Implementing Circular Economy in Gorontalo

Indonesia is known as the world's second-largest producer of plastic waste, and plastic pollution in the country is expected to continue increasing. The beverage industry in Indonesia is one of the fastest-growing sectors, contributing significantly to the rising volume of plastic waste, which has reached 490 thousand tons per year. Therefore, a comprehensive solution is needed to address this plastic waste crisis. One approach that can be taken by the Government and Local Governments throughout Indonesia is to promote a circular economy practice consisting of 5Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refurbish, and Renew. In a qualitative study conducted by the Population Research Center of BRIN and BPS in 2022, the issues of plastic waste in the Gorontalo Province and the policies undertaken by the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, and the community have been documented. This article will descriptively present the practices of plastic waste management in the Gorontalo Province, along with various obstacles and challenges. The research results indicate that a specific pattern of cooperation and collaboration between the Local Government, NGOs, and local businesses with extensive networks is necessary to drive a plastic waste-based circular economy in Gorontalo. Transforming the plastic waste disaster into an economically prosperous opportunity is not impossible with sufficient green literacy, political will, and genuine commitment from all parties involved.

A review of the impacts of Business Improvement Districts on crime and disorder

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are an initiative adopted by some local governments, businesses, and residents to address concerns around crime and disorder in commercial areas, especially open street town centres. BIDs have become popular in the USA since the 1970s; however, no comprehensive review of evaluations has occurred to date. This paper systematically reviewed the academic literature to find 13 BID evaluations. These studies were examined in terms of their impacts on crime and disorder, displacement, and cost-effectiveness. Of the nine studies that quantitatively examined BID impacts on crime rates, eight (88%) found a reduction in one or more crime types. Six studies explored BID impacts on property crime, with all finding BIDs had a significant negative association with at least one type of property crime, with BIDs particularly effective at targeting vehicle-related offences. BIDs were also found to have a positive impact on reducing disorder and public nuisance type offences, however, had mixed evidence on violent crime, with three out of seven studies on violent crime finding BIDs can help to prevent robbery. Displacement of crime to surrounding areas was found to be rare, and the three studies that examined costs of operating BIDs all concluded they are cost-effective. The challenges of implementing BIDs are discussed, along with the implications for ongoing policy and practice development in the reduction of crime and disorder in commercial areas.

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN USAHA PETERNAKAN BURUNG PUYUH PEDAGING (Coturnix coturnix japonica) DI KECAMATAN KERUMUTAN

Quail farming business is one of the potential businesses as the population increases and public awareness of the need for daily animal protein sources that are easy to get at affordable prices compared to other poultry meat. The objectives of this study are to find out the feasibility of Mr. Agung Wibowo's quail farming business in Kerumutan District based on market and marketing aspects, technical aspects, environmental aspects and financial aspects. Data collection is carried out by means of field surveys, interviews, literature studies and documentation. The result of this research is that the quail farming business owned by Mr. Agung Wibowo in Kerumutan District is worthy of continuing. Based on market and marketing aspects, it is feasible because it has segmentation, clear targeting and market position, and a selling price that is quite competitive compared to other poultry meat prices and has a marketing strategy with a marketing mix. From the technical aspect, it is feasible because it has all the necessary facilities and equipment and have a clear production cycle and business location. From the environmental aspect, it is feasible because of the environmental impact management. Based on the results of the calculation, the financial aspect is declared feasible. Where the R/C Ratio value > out of 1, which is 1.5. The value of the π/C Ratio is 0.57% higher than the value of the BRI Simpedes savings interest rate of 0.25%. Production BEP Value < Production Amount and BEP Value Price < Selling Price per Head. From the results of the calculation of the Production BEP Value is 3,312 heads. So 3,312 Heads < 5,162 Heads and the result of calculating the BEP Price Value is Rp. 3,011. Then Rp. 3,011 < Rp. 5,500.

Passthrough Entity Tax Scandal

Three dozen states have enacted laws since 2018 that are designed to provide passthrough entity owners with an unlimited federal tax deduction for state and local business income taxes. These “passthrough entity tax” regimes respond to the December 2017 federal tax law, which imposed a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction. The new state laws generally allow passthrough entities to opt into paying an entity-level state income tax in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar benefit on their owners’ state personal income tax returns. The optional tax has proven to be immensely popular among passthrough entity owners across the country. But there is a problem with the passthrough entity tax concept: under the plain text of the Internal Revenue Code, the workaround does not work. The December 2017 law clearly precludes passthrough entities and their owners from deducting state and local income taxes beyond the $10,000-per-individual cap. And the legislative history of the December 2017 law—read in context—aligns with the statutory text. Surprisingly, the IRS has chosen to permit passthrough entity owners to utilize the workaround anyway. The IRS has not provided a plausible legal rationale for its position, but no one has standing to challenge the IRS’s position in court. Meanwhile, the IRS’s decision to allow the workaround is likely to cost the federal government more than $50 billion by the end of 2025, with most of the federal tax benefits flowing to passthrough owners with incomes of $1 million or more. In effect, the IRS has created a special tax preference—unauthorized by Congress—for hedge fund managers, law firm partners and other passthrough entity owners. And the Biden administration, notwithstanding its professed commitment to tax fairness, has acquiesced in this massive giveaway to the rich. The Biden administration and the IRS should reverse course immediately and apply the $10,000 state and local tax deduction cap to passthrough entity owners. As long as they permit passthrough entity owners to take advantage of the workaround, the Biden administration and the IRS will be abdicating their duty to enforce the law.

Stakeholder Perceptions of Sustainable Tourism Development: A Case Study in Haikou, China

The development of sustainable tourism has various stakeholders such as local residents, businesses, governments, visitors, travel agencies, and tourism companies. Tourism destinations need to be protected not only to ensure a better travel experience but also to ensure that they can be enjoyed in the future. This study explored the degree of influence of key stakeholders such as the government, travel agencies, local residents, and tourists on the development of sustainable tourism in Haikou, the capital city of the island province Hainan, China. This city is rich in tropical natural resources and offers unique opportunities for the development of tourism. In 2018, Haikou was selected as one of the first “International Wetland Cities” by the 13th United Nations Ramsar Convention. However, the high dependence on tourism and centralized consumption have caused several ecological and environmental problems in Haikou. An online questionnaire survey of 419 stakeholders was conducted, and factor analysis was used to identify five dimensions. The structural equation modeling method was used to explore the degree of influence of different relationships on sustainable tourism development in Haikou. The results indicated that key stakeholders are most concerned about tourism awareness, ecological protection, and sociocultural development. Therefore, further efforts to promote and develop tourism must focus on ecological and environmental protection. Creating positive travel experiences and managing tourism wisely can meet the demands of today without compromising the future.

Influence of Cultural Festivals on Local Economic Development in Zimbabwe

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of cultural festivals on local economic development in Zimbabwe. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Cultural festivals in Zimbabwe boost local economic development by attracting tourists and increasing spending in businesses, hotels, and restaurants. They also create job opportunities in event management and hospitality. Additionally, these festivals promote cultural heritage and community pride, which can enhance regional attractiveness for investment. However, economic benefits are often concentrated in larger cities, leaving rural areas less impacted. To maximize benefits, it is essential for festival organizers and local governments to ensure equitable distribution of resources and support sustainable infrastructure development. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Creative economy theory, event impact theory & place-based economic development theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze influence of cultural festivals on local economic development in Zimbabwe. Local governments and festival organizers should develop targeted marketing strategies that not only attract more visitors but also extend the festival’s economic benefits beyond its duration. Develop and implement policies that provide financial and logistical support to cultural festivals. This could include grants, subsidies, or tax incentives for festivals and local businesses involved in the event.

Street art and place-making of villages: examples of Italian painted villages

PurposeThis study aims to discuss the contribution of street art projects to the place-making of villages and the effects it generates for local stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed based on the main characteristics of the place-making process, street art, creative place-making, as well as place identity, revitalisation and regeneration. This framework defines a set of thematic categories for the qualitative content analysis of online information, e.g. websites, media and blog posts, as well as in-depth interviews with local stakeholders.FindingsThis research presents the contribution of street art in place-making involving citizens, local businesses and international artists in a collective act to preserve local identity and revitalise and regenerate villages.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is focused only on villages. Cities are not considered in the research.Practical implicationsStreet art projects provide villages with several opportunities, such as stimulating place regeneration and revitalisation, giving new shape and decoration to neighbourhoods and streets and attracting visitors and business. Moreover, street art is commonly used to communicate local history, culture, traditions and social and political facts, helping places to vehiculate their identity and their messages to the next generations. Street art is also used as a part of a place branding strategy.Social implicationsThe village gets the opportunity to exploit the street art value proposition to stimulate the restocking of the place, if the primary stakeholders of the place are ready to invest in the new place identity giving trust to the street art project.Originality/valueStreet art projects contribute to the place-making of villages. They are used to communicate place identity, fostering cooperation between local stakeholders and economic and social development.

Affective, meta and collaborative STEAM learning

The purpose of this research was to identify synergies in affective, meta and collaborative STEAM learning, and the level of professional development structure and collaborative support needed for teachers to achieve these. Three project case studies (KIKS, STEAMTEACH and STEAMCONNECT) are examined to do this. In the KIKS (Kids Inspiring Kids in STEAM) project, student groups were issued a very open-ended challenge: “How would you get your fellow students to love STEAM?” They undertook a series of student-led intensive workshops to deliver prototypes and other teaching materials. The intensive, collaborative problem-solving Hothousing workshops focusing on Expectation shock perception enhancement, were inspired by industry practice. The successful outcomes evidenced affective, meta and collaborative learning and suggested the need for further research to develop an associated teacher professional development framework (STEAMTEACH) and also to develop further the collaborative aspect beyond the students (STEAMCONNECT). The projects together delivered over forty project outcomes judged high quality by teachers, students and researchers alike benefitted from affective, meta and collaborative, inclusive learning on many levels from students to teachers to parents to wider community collaboration including local community, business and academic experts. It was thus found that STEAM education can synergically enhance affective, meta and collaborative learning, and for this to happen, should be supported by a STEAM professional development framework and extended networking between teachers, schools, parents, education and industry experts, and community from all abilities and backgrounds.

Developing a Community-Based Participatory Research Program. From Concept to Outcomes

Abstract The scope of the paper is to describe and interpret the steps and activities that led to the development and implementation of a community-based participatory research program that involved an university, local businesses and community organizations, local autorithies and an external funder. Specifically, the paper addresses the following two questions: first, how was this program designed and implemented, and second, what lessons can be learned from this experience that might be extended to the field of community-based research generally? The instrumental case study methodology was applied and the CBPR Program considered is UniverCity Romania.

National–Local Synergies for Development: How a Local Political Machine Delivered Infrastructure Results in Iloilo City

The upsurge in big-ticket infrastructure projects in Iloilo City for the past two decades owes much to the developmental alliance amongst Senator Franklin Drilon as the national government benefactor, multi-term city mayors, and the local business sector. These government officials’ prolonged tenure in office afforded a stable political leadership that ensured long-term planning around key infrastructure projects and continued access to national government funding. Robust institutional and informal ties between political and economic elites enabled consensus-building on the virtues of market-driven growth for which infrastructure is key. The Drilon political machine orchestrated a diverse but astutely networked group of local businesses by involving them in formal participatory planning processes, thereby facilitating approval of big-ticket items, and by influencing bureaucrats from national government agencies to approve the projects.

The Benefits of Revealing Race: Evidence from Minority-owned Local Businesses

The Benefits of Revealing Race: Evidence from Minority-owned Local Businesses

Unprecedented Harmful algal bloom in the UK and Ireland’s largest lake associated with gastrointestinal bacteria, microcystins and anabaenopeptins presenting an environmental and public health risk

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are outbreaks of aquatic toxic microalgae emerging as a global problem driven by nutrient enrichment, global climate change and invasive species. We uniquely describe a HAB of unprecedented duration, extent and magnitude during 2023 in Lough Neagh; the UK and Ireland’s largest freshwater lake, using an unparalleled combination of satellite imagery, nutrient analysis, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and cyanotoxin profiling. The causative agent Microcystis aeruginosa accounted for over a third of DNA in water samples though common bacterioplankton species also bloomed. Water phosphate levels were hypertrophic and drove local algal biomass. The HAB pervaded the entire ecosystem with algal mats accumulating around jetties, marinas and lock gates. Over 80 % of bacterial DNA isolated from algal mat samples consisted of species associated with wildfowl or livestock faeces and human-effluent wastewater including 13 potential pathogens that can cause serious human illness including: E. coli, Salmonella, Enterobacter and Clostridium among others. Ten microcystins, nodularin and two anabaenopeptin toxins were confirmed as present (with a further microcystin and four anabaenopeptins suspected), with MC-RR and -LR in high concentrations at some locations (1,137–18,493 μg/L) with MC-LR exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) recreational exposure guidelines in all algal mats sampled. This is the first detection of anabaenopeptins in any waterbody on the island of Ireland. Notwithstanding the ecological impacts, this HAB represented an environmental and public health risk, curtailing recreational activities in-and-around the lake and damaging local businesses. Reducing agricultural runoff and discharge from human-effluent wastewater treatment to manage nutrient loading, and the public health risk, should be the top priority of stakeholders, especially government. Key recommendations include Nature-based Solutions that avoid conflict with the productivity and profitability of the farming sector enhancing sustainability. We hope this stimulates real-world action to resolve the problems besetting this internationally important ecosystem.

Unveiling Student Segments: Leveraging Clustering Analysis of Registration Data for Enhanced Recruitment Strategies

Recruiting the right students is crucial for higher education institutions to achieve their goals of attracting talented individuals and fostering academic success. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of data-driven recruitment strategies in identifying target student populations and tailoring recruitment efforts accordingly. By utilizing K-means clustering analysis on a dataset of student profiles, this research identifies distinct clusters based on factors such as province of residence, parent occupation, and parent revenue. The findings reveal valuable insights into the characteristics and preferences of different student clusters, enabling the development of targeted recruiting strategies. The results indicate that a significant number of students in specific clusters are from Songkhla Province, have parents predominantly engaged in the private sector, agriculture, and fishery occupations, and come from families with moderate income levels. Building upon these findings, several recommendations for recruiting strategies are proposed. These include focusing marketing efforts in the identified regions, forging partnerships with local businesses, offering financial aid programs, and establishing connections with agricultural and fishing communities. This can involve targeted online advertisements, promotional campaigns in local schools, and active participation in career fairs or educational expos held in Songkhla Province. This study contributes to the field of higher education recruitment by leveraging data-driven approaches to identify target student populations and develop tailored strategies.

The Influence of Business Location and Service Quality on Consumer Loyalty with Consumer Satisfaction as a Mediating Variable at PT Giri Aneka Usaha (Perseroda) Giri Husada Wonogiri Pharmacy Unit

The objective of this research is to: 1) test and measure the impact of service quality and business location on customer satisfaction. 2) test and mitigate the effect of quality of service and business site on consumer loyalty. The research was carried out at the Aneka Usaha (Perseroda) Pharmaceutical Unit at Husada district of Wonogiri. The population in this study is the entire customer of Pharmacy Giri Husada. Given the unknown distribution of the population, according to Cooper and Schindler the number of samples taken was 96 rounded to 100 respondents. Research finds that there is an influence on the quality of service and the location of the business on consumer satisfaction. The quality of the service and the location of the business influence the loyalty of the consumer. Consumer satisfaction mediates the quality of the customer service against the loyalty of the consumer, but consumer satisfaction does not mediate the quality of service against the customer loyalty.

Eat healthy – eat OrKANIc

The spurn consumption of vegetables is possibly due to genetic aversion and unpalatable distinction. This results in low vegetable intake that could increase risks of developing non-communicable diseases. Children in particular are having difficulties in eating their daily servings of vegetables. The most common reasons are the texture and taste. This negative appeal of vegetables is rooted in the founding of OrKANIc Locale. OrKANIc Locale is a new food business venture that offers a new and fun way of consuming vegetables. The proposed company name is made to convey the organic idea and ensures that the primary ingredient is emphasized. This combination of words delivers the essence of a ‘local organic business’ and leaves a lasting impression in the minds of potential customers, making them easy to remember. The business organization is selected to be a corporation since it has many benefits, such as anyone can be the owner based on the number of shares held by the stockholders and large managements. Innovation will be fostered through brainstorming sessions, research and development initiatives, and continuous improvement programs. This study aims to determine the viability of OrKANIc Locale as a food corporation through multiple focus such as Management/Legal, Marketing, Technical/Operational, Financial, and Socio-economic aspects, along with the results derived from the customers’ behavior. The study selected feasibility as the appropriate method and approach to identify and gather necessary data from randomly selected one-hundred (100) respondents. As a result, OrKANIc Locale showed a competitive description as the products were able to meet the satisfaction of the purchase. Using this as the primary motivation, the corporation is suggested to maintain quality control, conduct product research, and continue its duty to foster healthy food innovation.

Department of Trade and Industry Livelihood Seeding Program- Negosyo Serbisyo Barangay: Insights to Sustainable Policy Directions

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) initiated the Livelihood Seeding Program Negosyo Serbisyo Barangay (LSP-NSB) to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in disadvantaged areas of the Philippines. This study evaluated the program's progress and challenges faced by identified beneficiaries in Capiz province, aligning their experiences with the five strategic objectives of MSME Development Plan 2017-2022: improved business climate, access to finance, enhanced management and labor capacities, access to technology and innovation, and access to markets. The study offered evidence-based policy recommendations to enhance program efficiency and foster inclusive economic growth. This analyzed respondent and business profiles to recognize program implementation and challenges. It investigated if there is a significant link between implementation status and challenges faced by MSME beneficiaries. A descriptive-mixed method research design was employed, utilizing a validated and reliability-tested researcher-made survey questionnaire translated into the local dialect and conducted to 263 MSME beneficiaries, complemented by Focused Group Discussion, involving DTI implementers, beneficiaries, and barangay officials. Results showed that beneficiaries viewed the program as highly implemented overall, though facing moderate challenges, particularly in the business climate, access to finance, enhanced management and labor capacities, technology and innovation, and market access. Factors like educational attainment, number of dependents, business location, monthly income, and livelihood kit received affected the implementation. Similarly, number of dependents, industry sector, location of business, asset size, monthly income, and livelihood kit received impact challenges. A significant relationship was found between program status and challenges, notably in the business climate and market access.

Management of Context-Specific Knowledge Creation and Application through Collective Social Responsibility in School?Community Partnerships

In knowledge-based institutions such as schools, productivity is associated with effective creation and application of operational knowledge. Using collective fingers theory, this qualitative case study explored how a considerably effective partnership between a South African township secondary school and a network of community organizations/structures, facilitated the creation and application of context-specific and socially responsive knowledge that led to improved internal school conditions, problem solving strategies, poverty alleviation, and extension of social support to vulnerable learners and their families. Based on the thematic analysis drawn from utterances of eight purposefully sampled participants, the study showed that the school’s promotion of common purpose, mutual respect, collective decision making, care for others, collective social responsibility and democratic leadership practices contributed to the success of its mutually beneficial partnership with relevant community networks. It also emerged that by going an extra mile to lobby for multisectoral social support, the school richly benefited from the benevolence of a wide network of government departments; private-corporate sector and local businesses; faith-based formations; and non-governmental organizations some of which offered similar or overlapping services while others offered a diverse range of services to the school. The study proposed that the school must minimize the frequency of late arrival and unwarranted early recusals in knowledge production meetings. It further called for increased cultural capital and inclusion of parents from lower socioeconomic households in decision-making processes; and elimination of procurement policy red tape that occasionally delayed the provision of much-needed social support to schools, families and learners.