Main Stakeholders Research Articles

Optimal planning and operation of integrated energy systems in South Korea: Introducing a Novel ambiguity set based distributionally robust optimization

In this paper, we address the increasing focus on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and energy policies in S. Korea, advocating for a shift from large, centralized power systems to decentralized Local Power Systems (LPS). This transition emphasizes the integration of Integrated Energy Systems (IES), which significantly enhances the target benefits for stakeholders in the power system. We have also adopted a Distributionally Robust Optimization (DRO) approach to account for the output uncertainty of RES and developed and applied new ambiguity sets tailored to each RES, enhancing the extensive robust design previously utilized with DRO. By applying our proposed ambiguity set-based DRO, we avoid excessive robustness and achieve superior optimal outcomes compared to the general DRO methodology, potentially making a significant contribution to business investment decisions. We have categorized the main stakeholders of the power system as Independent Systems Operators (ISO), Renewable Energy Providers (REP), Energy Exchange Aggregators (EXA), and End-users. The integration of IES leads to a benefit improvement rate of up to 34.8 %, 23.0 %, and 24.2 % for ISOs, REPs, and End-users, respectively, on a global scale. EXAs can secure an annual economic profit of up to $191,362.

Quo Vadis, University? A Roadmap for AI and Ethics in Higher Education

In recent years, academic interest in new developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical challenges in higher education has increased. The new emerging technologies that have become popular among the university community in recent times require an exhaustive study to evaluate their impact on academic integrity and plagiarism. The main stakeholders in higher education (SoTL, educational authorities, and policymakers) must understand the new trends and the most relevant studies to have action guides that preserve academic integrity standards in deploying AI in the university. This research analyzes scientific articles published in high-impact journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) (n=254) and carries out a bibliometric study using VOSviewer 1.6.18 and WordStat 2023.1. The Normalized Impact per Document (NID) and per Year (NIY) are studied, and four thematic groups and twelve main themes are identified and discussed, allowing the internal research structure of this field of study to be determined. Based on the findings, a roadmap for implementing AI in higher education is proposed, preserving ethical standards and based on three levels (Micro, Meso, Macro). This study offers practical implications for SoTL, academic authorities, and policymakers. Furthermore, the evidence found allows editors of high-impact journals to advise on unclosed gaps and new research trends and new research trends in the area.

A Multi-dimensional Framework of Valued Output for Primary Care in England.

Improving efficiency and productivity are key aspects to ensure that general practices in England can meet the needs of a growing population with increasingly demanding and costly healthcare needs. However, current evidence on the efficiency and productivity of general practices is weak, partly due to suboptimal approaches to measure their 'valued' output. To overcome this limitation, this paper presents a multi-dimensional framework and indicators of valued output from the healthcare decision-maker's perspective. We identified existing primary care performance frameworks through a targeted literature review. We reviewed the frameworks and selected the dimensions relating to the impact on patients' health outcomes, corresponding with the definition of 'valued' output from the healthcare decision-maker perspective. For each dimension, we reviewed the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) evidence base and guidance on best practice to develop indicators of valued output. Clinical experts and representatives of the main primary care stakeholders reviewed and validated the framework's comprehensiveness and development process. Based on a review of three existing frameworks, we synthesised a multi-dimensional output framework comprising 13 dimensions for significant primary care-related conditions and services and 51 indicators of valued output. Each indicator of valued output measures a healthcare episode and the resulting impact on patient's health. The multi-dimensional framework and indicators provide a theoretical tool to improve the measurement of primary care output in economic efficiency and productivity studies. Future research should explore the measurability of the indicators through available datasets and the implementation of the framework through analytical approaches for efficiency measurement.

ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: A REVIEW

The field of architecture, a major contributor to the consumption and conversion of resources, is also a main stakeholder in developing a sustainable world for the future. Presently when the whole world is focusing on achieving the SDGs (UnitedNations, 2015), architecture education can be a role player in transforming the future into a sustainable world. To identify the role of architecture education in building a sustainable future, a review was done to find the current status of architecture education in India, relevant published literature was reviewed to assess the ways of fostering sustainability through architecture education. Also, to identify the concerns and issues in aligning sustainability in architecture and highlighting the need for study towards developing a sustainable architectural approach. With the help of comprehensive analysis of the literature reviewed and the future recommendations suggested by authors, a wide gap between architecture and sustainability was found which leads to a scope of study in transforming architecture education to align with SDGs to meet future needs and enhance the relevance of architecture education in today’s time. Although, sustainability in architecture education has been restricted to studying and not implementing or applying in practice; therefore, not only educating about sustainability in architecture but also regulating it is necessary. Thereby, awareness of sustainability needs to be supported by due considerations of incorporating sustainability in practice for which the gradutes should be equipped with all latest necessory tools and research driven learnings. To achieve this there is a need of focusing on envisaging ways in which contemporary issues are addressed in the academic curriculum and the endless possibilities of integrating them into teaching/learning processes and practices. Thus, helping our graduates to be future-ready with skills and knowledge to become contributing members in the attainment of overall sustainable development in India for a better future.

Flying Doctor Services in Sarawak: A Medical Frontline Experience

Malaysia has a 34.3 million population, with 40% residing in rural areas. Since gaining independence, the Malaysian government put a tremendous focus as well as resources in improving the health care services with the aim of improving the health status of Malaysians. The Ministry of Health is the main stakeholder in ensuring quality of services, accessibility, and equity in providing health care to the community. Unfortunately, some rural areas in the state of Sarawak are beyond reachable via land or water transportation. Hence, a flying doctor service was introduced in the state of Sarawak in 1973 for this purpose. However, the quality of care is still limited because of various reasons and challenges faced. Nevertheless, efforts in improving the health care status of the rural continue as we aim to leave no one behind.

The expectations of lecturers and employers towards work-integrated learning in the fields of hospitality and tourism education

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is an instructional method that integrates the requirements of the employment sector into curriculum design, blending academic and practical training. The key drivers of this type of learning management are lecturers and employers. This study aims to compare expectations in WIL, classified by occupation and work experience. Data were collected from two groups of stakeholders, including lecturers from six higher education institutes using WIL learning management, and supervisors responsible for overseeing learners during their practical training period in the hospitality and tourism field. Fieldwork was conducted with employers in managerial positions at nine hotels in Thailand, using cluster random sampling to obtain the 19 participants. The research instrument was an assessment form evaluating the performance expected of learners upon graduation. The statistics used to analyze the data included mean ( ), standard deviation (SD), and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings indicate that lecturers and employers have the highest expectations for WIL learning in the hospitality and tourism field ( = 4.63, SD = 0.27), with different occupations and experiences having similar expectations for WIL learning. These results offer new insights into identifying stakeholder groups as informants for data collection and need analysis in designing or improving curricula. Additionally, the findings can guide curriculum developers in selecting main stakeholders for data collection and need analysis used in curriculum design.

What drives energy storage deployment in local energy transitions? Stakeholders’ perspective

The global shift towards decentralised energy systems has assigned municipalities a key role in achieving national climate neutrality objectives. As the main stakeholders in the local energy transition, municipalities are responsible for the decarbonization of the local energy system through the extensive integration of renewable energy sources into existing systems. However, this integration requires new approaches and system adjustments, such as energy storage deployment, to satisfy the variable nature of renewable energy sources. The integration of novel solutions, such as energy storage, is difficult because of the diverse range of stakeholders involved, each with their own perceptions and expertise. This study uses the Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) methodology to analyse the mental models of different stakeholders regarding their perceived importance of different factors influencing the implementation of energy storage in municipalities. The approach of this study enables a better understanding of municipal energy systems and its dynamics. The results reveal that support schemes such as subsidies and awareness campaigns are key to all stakeholders. Municipalities tend to focus on local needs and technological solutions, while energy experts prioritize technical aspects and national policies. Municipalities address challenges linearly, missing interconnections, whereas energy experts consider feedback loops and system requirements. The study highlights the need for common ground to drive effective policy and infrastructure development. The results could be used to facilitate discussions with policy makers on why energy storage is important and what policy measures should be considered to accelerate its deployment.

Impacts of quality management principles in supporting sustainable development in the Mauritian hospitality sector

The notion of sustainability has greatly evolved since the 1960s. As the global population is increasing along with the consumption rate, it is becoming urgent to alleviate the negative impacts of this growth while, in parallel, allowing for continuous enhancements in environmental quality and overall living standards. This is where the need for sustainability becomes apparent. This research focuses on the hospitality industry, one of the top pillars of the Mauritian economy, which has expanded drastically during the last two decades. The study aims at assessing sustainability practices through an investigation of the different sustainable practices adopted by the hospitality industry. A survey was conducted with the main stakeholders in the hotel industry. The outcome of the survey, including an overview of the gaps faced by the hotels during their sustainability system implementation or maintenance, contributed to designing a framework linking quality and sustainability. The survey revealed that most hotels possess sustainability certifications. It was noted that more than 80% of the respondents calculate or estimate their CO2 emissions, and that around the same percentage of interviewees use the LCA technique. Further, this study depicts that hotels in Mauritius have started their sustainability journey, which is a positive sign. To help the industry overcome barriers to Sustainable Development (SD), it is recommended to use and include quality management as a tool to support and enhance overall efficiency.

Defining operational objectives for nature-inclusive marine infrastructure to achieve system-scale impact

The marine environment faces continuous anthropogenic pressures, including infrastructural developments at a global scale. Integration of nature-inclusive measures in the design of infrastructural development is increasingly encouraged, but a lack of coordination results in fragmentation of project-based measures, failing to meet the desired overall effects. To realize impact at system-scale, i.e. the seascape dimension required to achieve the set objective for a selected ecosystem component, overarching policies with shared targets towards effective nature-inclusive marine infrastructure are needed. We present a stepwise approach to work towards operational objectives for promoting selected ecosystem components that can be species, habitats or ecosystem processes, in which ruling policies, environmental conditions and the use of infrastructural development are aligned, and agreement on achievable ambitions is reached. Having clear targets will provide guidance to project developers in designing the infrastructure nature-inclusive, and in setting up relevant monitoring programs to evaluate the measures taken. We demonstrate how this stepwise approach could be applied to derive operational objectives for the design of nature-inclusive marine infrastructure in the context of offshore windfarm development in the North Sea, currently one of the most prominent infrastructure developments that changes the marine environment drastically. The European flat oyster Ostrea edulis has been selected as target species in the case study, as its once abundant population is now nearly extinct from the North Sea due to human disturbances, and there’s growing interest to restore its reefs. The application of the stepwise approach indicates the potential for oyster reef restoration in the area, based upon a clear match between ruling policy, environmental conditions, and habitat suitability within offshore wind farms. An agreement between the main stakeholders on achievable ambitions can likely be established and would translate into the operational objective to actively introduce oysters to reach an initial critical mass and optimize settlement habitat in all future offshore wind farms in an area with suitable habitat characteristics. Such an agreement on overarching objectives is crucial to align separate initiatives to promote targeted ecosystem components and to jointly become most effective, which is ultimately in the best interest of the larger community using the system.

Impacts of quality management principles in supporting sustainable development in the Mauritian hospitality sector

The notion of sustainability has greatly evolved since the 1960s. As the global population is increasing along with the consumption rate, it is becoming urgent to alleviate the negative impacts of this growth while, in parallel, allowing for continuous enhancements in environmental quality and overall living standards. This is where the need for sustainability becomes apparent. This research focuses on the hospitality industry, one of the top pillars of the Mauritian economy, which has expanded drastically during the last two decades. The study aims at assessing sustainability practices through an investigation of the different sustainable practices adopted by the hospitality industry. A survey was conducted with the main stakeholders in the hotel industry. The outcome of the survey, including an overview of the gaps faced by the hotels during their sustainability system implementation or maintenance, contributed to designing a framework linking quality and sustainability. The survey revealed that most hotels possess sustainability certifications. It was noted that more than 80% of the respondents calculate or estimate their CO2 emissions, and that around the same percentage of interviewees use the LCA technique. Further, this study depicts that hotels in Mauritius have started their sustainability journey, which is a positive sign. To help the industry overcome barriers to Sustainable Development (SD), it is recommended to use and include quality management as a tool to support and enhance overall efficiency.

Examining How High School Athletic Directors Leverage Communication With Key Stakeholder Groups to Inform Performance Appraisals of Head Coaches

To ensure that head coaches are effective in leading athletic programs, interscholastic athletic directors engage in a performance appraisal process that reviews coaching efforts. Given the demands of the athletic director role, these leaders are reliant on stakeholders to provide insight that informs the coaching evaluation. Therefore, using the tenets of stakeholder theory, the purpose of this study was to analyze the role that stakeholder feedback plays as athletic directors develop the full picture of coaching performance during an evaluation. Participants (N = 25) featured high school athletic directors represented across school classification (i.e., 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A) and school type (i.e., public and private). Through semistructured interviews and a subsequent thematic analysis, saturation was achieved at this sample size. Two main themes (i.e., main stakeholder groups and leveraging stakeholder feedback) emerged and demonstrate how key stakeholders should be considered as important sources of information guiding interscholastic athletic directors when leading coaching evaluations.

Medical Student’s Attitudes towards Implementation of National Licensing Exam (NLE) – A Qualitative Exploratory Study

The introduction of the post-qualification National Licensing Examination (NLE) in Pakistan has been met with resistance from the medical students. They are the main stakeholders of medical colleges. Objective: To explore the opinions of medical students regarding the feasibility of NLE. Methods: An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted at Riphah International University, Islamic international medical college, Rawalpindi and Gomal Medical College, D.I. Khan, KP using in-depth interviews. A sample of 12 medical students from different medical colleges in Pakistan was included. The recorded interviews transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was then conducted using NVivo V2 and coded into nodes and daughter nodes, of which 5 themes and 17 subthemes emerged. Results: A total of five themes and 17 themes were created. NLE was deemed as a good standardization tool for assessing the competence of medical graduates. Students believed that current MBBS assessment lacks in clinical skills assessment and did not prepare to treat patients upon graduation. However, they did not want to take another exam after the professional exams especially when no incentives are offered to graduates upon clearing. They suggested NLE should be used as a means of constructive feedback for institutions and students to allow them to work on weak areas. Conclusions: There were mixed opinions regarding the acceptance of the exam. If medical institutions across the country focus their curricula on developing clinical skills and incentives are provided to the doctors upon clearing, the students would readily accept the exam

The Analysis of Main Stakeholders of Domestic Abuse in Scotland

The Analysis of Main Stakeholders of Domestic Abuse in Scotland

Integrated nonurban-urban flood management using multi-objective optimization of LIDs and detention dams based on game theory approach

Flood events in urban and non-urban areas have long-term devastating impacts on communities resulting in casualties and economic damages. Different interconnected concepts of flood management lead decision-makers to broaden their focus from traditional points of view to transcend the disciplinary boundaries of hydrological modeling. So, evaluating interconnected aspects of flood control requires configuring an Integrated Flood Management (IFM) system. In this research, a novel comprehensive framework is proposed to control floods in urban and non-urban areas using Low-Impact Development (LID) practices and detention dams, simultaneously. In the first step, urban and non-urban areas of the Darakeh catchment in Tehran, Iran, as the study area, are modeled using Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). Next, by coupling the SWMM with Pareto Envelope-based Selection Algorithm II (PESA-II), optimal management scenarios are generated considering four hydrological-economic objectives. Each management scenario specifies the optimal sites and dimensions of detention dams and the optimal location and area of LIDs in non-urban and urban areas, respectively. Indeed, the innovative IFM framework provides a multi-dimensional trade-off between upstream and downstream flood protection. Then, interactions among the main stakeholders with conflicting interests are incorporated into utility functions. Ultimately, using COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS) and Nash bargaining methods the most capable management scenarios are selected based on stakeholders' preferences. Results showed that the IFM framework can be significantly effective in flood severity attenuation. Based on the findings, proposed method warrants peak flow reduction up to 60.04 and 53.50 percent at the inlet and outlet of the urban area. Besides, the Nash bargaining approach tends to select a scenario with a higher peak flow reduction compared to the COPRAS method. Also, results signify that each stakeholder's relative importance and preferences can remarkably impact the decision-making process. In addition to resolving conflicts arising from implementing flood control measures, this framework can incorporate divergent aspects of flood management into a reliable system.

Modelling the governance of European medium-sized port-cities

The paper presents a model designed to analyse port governance. It considers that thestakeholders ability to adopt cooperative behaviors constitutes the key element to portdevelopment. Its focus is on medium-sized European ports and fifteen cases were studied. Eachterritory was first subject to a qualitative survey and analysis of the contents of local stakeholdersdiscourse (over 80 interviews conducted). The material is rich, allowing for the comparisonbetween two or even three ports, yet the delicate nature of the relations brought to light addsconsiderable complexity to the comparison within a larger ensemble. The paper, therefore,proposes a semi-automatic treatment which helps to mitigate this difficulty by means of acomputer model based on graph theory. It involves a modelling system based on the relationsbetween the entities of the system. In this context, the relations between stakeholders wereanalysed in order to create typologies and eventually envisage some standard models ofgovernance. In order to territorialize the subject, six typical cases out of fifteen were used: LeHavre, Nantes-Saint Nazaire, Dunkirk (France), Gdynia (Poland), Klaipėda (Lituania), Hamina-Kotka (Finland).All these port environments modelled according to a single format (i.e. a graph) led to theapplication of a certain number of metrics which enables them to be compared. Two mainmetrics were presented in the framework of this paper for illustrative purposes: “Density” and“S_metric”. These metrics originating in graph theory, coupled with other indicators (distributionof degrees and number of hubs per port), allowed to measure the relationships' intensity and thedistribution of these intensities among the stakeholders, and to identify the main stakeholders orconversely the least influential.

Актуальные вопросы регулирования и раскрытия информации об устойчивом развитии в отчетности организаций

The article highlights the current regulation and sustainability and disclosure issues related to sustainability development. Analyze the recently released IFRS standards on sustainability disclosures — IFRS S1 «General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information» and S2 «Climate-related Disclosures». Highlight the main stakeholder requests for climate risk disclosure in reporting.

Navigating Land Conservation, Utilization, and Market Solutions: Insights from the Lanyang River Watershed, Taiwan

In the current fraught relationship between nature and human society, land conservation and utilization have spawned intensive conflicts that require mediation. The present study explores this issue of coordination between nature and society in a fragile watershed located in northeastern Taiwan: the Lanyang River Watershed. Land zoning in this area has been historically classified and legally implemented, and additional development is constrained by an application review process. Currently, additional land utilization is still in demand in sensitive areas of this watershed, such as for mining and tilling. Due to the geographically, geologically, and climatically fragile characteristics of the watershed, the hillside residents have benefited from the conservation of nature with comprehensive ecosystem services but are at the forefront of the loss of life and property caused by forest ecosystem degradation. They are one of the key local resource users and main stakeholders. Applying the contingent valuation method to survey the hillside residents, the present study assessed the economic value they receive from the comprehensive ecosystem services offered by the natural forest ecosystems. Their opinions are explored using a survey on their awareness of ecosystem damage, their opinions on damage compensation, and on the feasible compensation channels for damage. As the study results ascertained the high value of the comprehensive ecosystem services continuously delivered by the conserved forest ecosystem, the study affirmed that conservation in the area classified and zoned as sensitive is an economic beneficial policy. With a high regard for ecosystem services and awareness of the impact of degradation and of the general agreement for the feasibility of channels of damage compensation, the continuity of conservation for these comprehensive ecosystem services is the preferred strategy for the local hillside residents. To emphasize this further, the opinions of the local community at the intersection of nature and society, where there is a delineated land zoning framework, strongly favor conservation over intensive resource exploitation and agricultural expansion, making further development an unfavorable strategy.

Cloud service models, business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and responsibilities

Purpose The purpose of this article is to identify the role of cloud computing services in business continuity and disaster recovery plans and delineate responsibilities for their execution. In recent times, there has been a huge upsurge in the usage of cloud service models such as infrastructure-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, software-as-a-service and disaster recovery-as-a-service. However, in case of an emergency event or during contract negotiations, a question might arise as to who should be accountable and responsible for the content and execution of recovery plans. The main stakeholders in this scenario are cloud service providers and cloud consumers. Design/methodology/approach After a review of academic articles, standards, guidelines and vendor documentation, a proposal for assigning accountability and responsibility for business continuity and disaster recovery plans is presented, based on the RACI (responsible, accountable, consulted and informed) matrix. In this regard, a critical information infrastructure protection plan, a disaster recovery plan, an information systems contingency plan and a business continuity plan have been elaborated on in the article. Findings RACI matrices are presented for three general cloud service models and for three DRaaS models (managed, assisted and self-service). Accountability and responsibilities depend on the deployed cloud service model and the roles of cloud service providers and cloud consumers. Originality/value The proposed model for accountability and responsibility assignment provides a guideline for the allocation of responsibilities to roles not only during recovery but also during contract negotiations between cloud service providers and cloud consumers. By delving into business continuity and disaster recovery processes and activities, similar yet nuanced RACI matrices should be developed, as presented in this paper. They need to be customised for the specific context.

How Indonesia’s Cities Are Grappling with Plastic Waste: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Plastic Waste Management

In Indonesia, plastic constitutes the second largest component of municipal solid waste; however, 58% remains uncollected. Most plastic recycling depends on informal sectors, accounting for only 10% of the total, leaving the remainder to potentially harm the environment. This paper analyzes how cities in Indonesia have tackled their plastic waste problems from the perspective of the integrated sustainable waste management framework. This study focuses on plastic waste management (PWM) in three cities: Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Magelang. Data were collected from 41 semi-structured interviews, a plastic waste composition data analysis, and site visits. The research outcomes include a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder roles, plastic waste flow, plastic waste composition data, and various challenges in PWM. This study identifies three main stakeholders in collecting plastic wastes: the Department of Environment as the main local government body, community-based waste banks, and private waste management companies. Most recyclable plastic waste is recovered through waste banks and private collection services. In 2022, the predominant types of plastic waste in Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Magelang City were soft plastics, thick plastics, and hard plastics, respectively. The challenges for the PWM stem from various aspects in political, legal, and institutional; environmental; financial and technical; and socio-cultural spheres. Positive trends towards an integrated system are observed, although full integration has not yet been achieved. The research recommends a multi-stakeholder cooperative approach involving municipal authorities, waste banks, and private collectors, responsive to local conditions and emphasizing sustainability aspects throughout waste management stages for a sustainable resource recycling in developing countries.

Key aspects of the Saudi healthcare system reform and the potential impact on the main stakeholders: A qualitative study

ObjectivesTo explore and understand KSA’s fundamental healthcare system reform, the potential changes and challenges, and their impacts on major stakeholders. MethodologyTo gain in-depth insights into healthcare leaders’ perspectives regarding healthcare system reform in KSA, a qualitative research approach was used. Ten participants from diverse backgrounds were selected, representing various sectors in KSA: private, public, executive, consulting, and regulatory. This study was conducted between august 2022 and June 2023. FindingsThe findings revealed four key themes that shed light on healthcare system transformation in KSA and its effects: healthcare system reform, the impact of corporatization/privatization on healthcare providers, the impact of corporatization/privatization on health insurance, and the impact of corporatization/privatization on the workforce. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the ongoing transformation of the public sector toward privatization in KSA faces various challenges that affect most, if not all, stakeholders in the sector. However, the private sector possesses several strengths that can aid in addressing the challenges associated with the rapid transformation of the system. These strengths include familiarity with the market, robust financial management, extensive experience in coding and billing payers and insurance companies, efficient decision-making processes, flexibility, and maturity. ConclusionThe study facilitated comprehensive insights into the transformation of KSA’s healthcare system and the public sector’s shift toward corporatization/privatization. The sector must enhance its capabilities by establishing specialized units and recruiting talent. Further studies are also needed to gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles hindering the transformation.