Management Practices In Relation Research Articles

Bioinspired stormwater control measure for the enhanced removal of truly dissolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals from urban runoff

Stormwater harvesting (SWH) addresses the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Conventional stormwater control measures (SCMs) effectively remove particulate and colloidal contaminants from urban runoff; however, they fail to retain dissolved contaminants, particularly substances of concern like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs), thereby hindering the SWH applicability. Here, inspired by protein folding in nature, we reported a novel biomimetic SCM for the efficient removal of dissolved PAHs and HMs from urban runoff. Lab-scale tests were conducted together with a more mechanistic investigation on how the contaminants were removed. By integrating hydrophobic organic chains with low-cost hydrophilic flocculant matrixes, our biomimetic flocculants achieved a 1.4–9.5 times removal of all detected dissolved PAHs and HMs, while enhancing the removal of a wide-spectrum of particulate and colloidal contaminants, compared to existing SCMs. Ecotoxicity, as indicated by newborn Daphnia magna as experimental organisms, was reduced from “acute toxicity” of the original runoff sample (toxic unit of ∼2.6) to “non-toxicity” (toxic unit < 0.4) of the treated water. The improved performance is attributed to the protein-folding-like features of the bioinspired flocculants providing: (i) stronger binding to PAHs (via hydrophobic association) and HMs (via coordination), and (ii) the ability of spontaneous aggregation. The bio-inspired approach in this work holds strong promise as an alternative or supplementary component in SCM systems, and is expected to contribute to sustainable water management practices in relation to SDGs.

Personnel Management Practices in Relation to Teachers’ Teaching and School Performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the personnel management practices and its relation to teachers’ teaching and school performance of the public elementary and secondary school teachers in Garcia-Hernandez district. School administrator’s personnel management practices affects teachers’ performance and school performance. The study was conducted in Garcia-Hernandez district, particularly to the two hundred fifty (250) respondents who were the school heads/principals, teaching, and non-teaching personnel for 2022-2023 academic year. This study utilized the descriptive-survey design employing the total population sampling technique with the use of a modified standard research tool from the IEA Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) (2001) for the Personnel Management Practices, Teacher’s Self-Assessment Rubrics (TSAR)” by Hrushikesh Senapaty (2019) for the Teachers’ Teaching Performance, and Achievement Integration Program-School Staff Survey Questionnaire by the Minnesota Department of Education (2009) for the School Performance. The results showed that personnel management practices of the school administrators in Garcia-Hernandez district were very satisfactory. Teachers’ level of performance in terms of designing learning experiences, knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, strategies for facilitating learning, interpersonal relationship, professional and school development were very satisfactory. Likewise, the respondents’ perception on school performance in terms of climate and environment, leadership and government, professional learning, data-based decision-making, improvement initiatives, family and community partnership were also very satisfactory. There is a significant relationship between personnel management practices to teachers’ level of performance and school performance. This study concludes that effective personnel management practices positively influence the performance of both teachers and schools. The study showed that when school leaders engage in discussions with teachers to establish educational goals, provide opportunities for professional development, and encourage participation in school decision-making processes, it results in better teacher performance and contributes to a more positive school environment. Furthermore, it indicated that when teachers design learning experiences that incorporate the knowledge and experiences of their students, foster interpersonal relationships, and engage in ongoing professional development, these lead to better student outcomes and contribute to school improvement. It was recommended that school heads/principals may assign available teaching staff ahead of time in the absence of the regular teacher. The available teacher shall provide modules for the student’s activity in order for them to learn, and to make sure that teaching-learning process continues. Teachers are highly encouraged to pursue graduate and post-graduate studies. Further, schools should have quarterly monitoring and evaluation on their programs, activities and projects for school development.

Enhancing Organisational Environmental Performance through the Implementation of Green Human Resource Management: A Literature Review

The primary objective of research is to classify the available literature, focusing on the significance of green human resource management (GHRM) practices in relation to environmental management and organisational sustainability. The objective of this research is to examine the influence of human resource management practices, including training and development, performance appraisal, and reward and compensation, on the long-term viability of organisations. This investigation also aims to explore the mediating effect of environmental performance in this relationship.

Associations between Risk Assessments of COVID-19, Golf Club’s Risk Management, and Golf Participation

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on leisure and sport consumption. While many sports and recreational activities, including sports, were suspended to contain the spread of the virus, golf presented an opportunity for individuals to engage in outdoor activity where social distancing was possible. We investigated the importance of risk perception and safety management practices in relation to repeated leisure activity participation among recreational golfers via online survey (N = 268). The results indicated that recreational golfers’ perceived risk of leisure activity participation and perceived managerial safety climate had a significant effect, while cognitive and affective COVID-19 risk perceptions did not have a significant influence on recreational golfer’ revisit intention. The findings provide empirical evidence on how recreational golfer perceived the domain-specific risks associated with COVID-19 and managerial safety climate influence their sports and recreational activity consumption decision making.

Urban Forest Management Motivations and Practices in Relation to a Large-Scale Tree Planting Initiative

The success of public trees planted in urban areas by tree planting initiatives (TPIs) depends on how well the new trees fit into existing municipal structures and capacities. We sought to understand municipal management of trees in mid-sized towns through a case study in Massachusetts (US) involving a state-funded and state-managed TPI. Data was collected through structured interviews with tree wardens (municipal urban forest managers) to understand the various impacts that maintenance practices, municipal support and funding, and departmental structure may have on recently planted trees. In this Massachusetts program, municipal structure influenced the number of proactive management practices as well as the size of the tree activity budget. Consideration of municipal department roles and structure by TPIs may allow for more effective implementation of these initiatives. Our study begins to fill a research gap regarding small to mid-size municipalities and their role in tree planting and maintenance.

The Problem of Alienation as a Destructive Factor in Development of Russian Universities

One of the main tasks facing domestic universities is to train graduates who are able to work professionally in a transforming economy. The solution of this problem is impossible without fundamental changes in management practices both in relation to universities (implemented in the state educational policy) and within them. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account not only the tasks caused by the changing situation in the country and abroad, but also the negative trends in the development of the domestic education sector, characteristic of the last three decades.The required changes can actually be implemented if management efforts are combined by both the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and university management. The most important task of university management is to overcome such negative consequences as the transformation of the motives and values of key subjects of the educational process (primarily teachers and students), the problem of alienation affecting these social communities, changing the nature and forms of communication between them, etc.The article substantiates the relevance of such changes, provides the main ways to overcome the problem of alienation, based on the use of management concepts adequate to the current situation (concepts of value-oriented management of the university and productive management of its strategic assets).

The Ascendency of the Paradigm Shift from Organizational Change Management to Change Agility

Purpose: Change can be bewildering, alarming, exhausting and risky but at the same time efficacious, productive, beneficial, and salutary. In the current, ever evolving work dynamics, change is the only constant. So, managing change is very important when it comes to any organisation. It is an inevitable process for both individuals and organizations. The main purpose of this study is to understand and analyze the impact of organizational agility in change management process for a successful transition. Theoretical Framework: To keep pace with the demands of ever-changing technology, competition, and other socio-economic factors, it has become very important for organizations to act with agility when a change occurs. Moreover because of the current competitive trends, the main shift can be seen towards the agile paradigm. In our current expeditious work environment, it has become difficult to adopt and function with an existing change model with many steps. Design/Methodology/Approach: Secondary data analysis method is used, which involves a thorough exploratory search of existing data available at varied sources. For the review and evaluation, content analysis was carried out for 115 manuscripts to exclude the irrelevant ones. But after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria 62 papers were selected and analysed, considering time frame, objectives, and related information. Findings: Organizational agility helps in undertaking change in a faster way as it equips employees with required knowledge and skills to efficaciously navigate change, adapting them to thrive in rapid changing environment. Organizational change agility is the unification of organizational operations, attributes and employees using advanced technology. Research, Practical and Social Implications: The study identifies the importance of agility in change management for a successful transition in any organizations. Though change management is a well-studied subject, the success rate of any change process remains low. Incorporating agility can help in overcoming many crucial problems faced by organizations due to its flexibility, transparency, speed, and proper training. Originality / Value: This study is an inventive attempt to enhance the management practices in relation to change management of organizations, by incorporating agility factor. The findings may help and encourage organizations to consider these agility components and variables while adopting any transformation model for a successful change.

Bat dynamics modelling as a tool for conservation management in subterranean environments.

Bat species inhabit subterranean environments (e.g., caves and mines) in small areas with specific microclimatic conditions, during various periods of their life cycle. Bats can be negatively influenced by microclimatic changes within their roosts if optimal habitat patches become unavailable. Therefore, proper management solutions must be applied for the conservation of vulnerable bat populations, especially in show caves. We have pursued an ensemble species distribution modelling approach in subterranean environments to identify sensible patches for bats. Using multi-annual temperature monitoring and bat distribution surveys performed within ten caves and mines, including show caves, we modelled relevant habitat patches for five bat species. The temperature-based variables generated from this approach proved to be effective when processed via species distribution models, which generated optimal validation results, even for bats that were heavily clustered in colonies. Management measures are proposed for each show cave to help in long-time conservation of hibernation and maternity colonies. These measures include creating suitable microclimatic patches within the caves by ecological reconstruction measures, tourist management practices in relation to bats, and show cave fitting recommendations. This approach has never been performed at this scale due to the complex geostatistical challenges involving subterranean environment mapping and can be further used as best practice guidelines for future conservation projects.

SCHOOL HEADS’ HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, TEACHERS’ SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT, AND TEACHING PERFORMANCE

The main thrust of the study was to evaluate the school heads’ human resource management (HRM) practices in relation to teachers’ school engagement and teaching performance. The study employed a descriptive survey method. It was conducted among the 55 private elementary schools in the Division of Bohol using modified questionnaire checklists from Khan N. (2015), Klassen et al. (2012), and the Education Manpower Bureau (2003). The Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient determined the relationship between variables, while the p-value tested the significance level. With the sudden shift in the educational landscape, school heads’ HRM practices, teachers’ school engagement, and teaching performance among private schools have not shown an interdependent relationship since their p-values 0.846, 0.103, and 0.178, respectively, are greater than the 0.05 level of significance. Teachers have independently performed their duties and responsibilities in the new normal setup regardless of the intervention of their school heads. School heads’ human resource management practices have not been associated with teachers’ school engagement and teaching performance. Hence, the researcher recommends that the Board of Directors (BODs), owners, and school heads of private elementary schools should maintain the high practice of the human resource management policies and procedures with more emphasis on the compensation and reward management and conduct of professional developmental activities for teachers regarding modular distance learning delivery modality. Moreover, teachers should maintain school engagement, focusing more on the issues they met in implementing modular distance learning, like student cheating. They should design an anti-cheating scheme regarding the answering of learning modules. Also, teachers should safeguard their mental health as they carry out their roles and responsibilities as curriculum implementers in the new normal. In terms of teaching performance, teachers should stress more on providing support to their students to ensure quality learning despite the absence of face-to-face interaction between them and their students.

The effects of forest management on biodiversity in the Czech Republic: an overview of biologists’ opinions

Europe has been dominated by cultural landscape and rather intensively managed forests. It is thus no surprise that the ongoing global biodiversity crisis as well as the consequences of climate change have been apparent. In recent years, forestry in Central Europe has been going through a crisis caused by extensive disturbances primarily in commercial monocultures; this phenomenon is particularly striking in the Czech Republic. Given the significance of the situation, it is essential to review and optimise the current forest management practices in relation to biodiversity protection. Therefore, a survey among Czech biologists was conducted in an effort to provide specific feedback to foresters and other stakeholders based on scientific and empirical knowledge of the survey respondents. The survey assessed the forest habitat (in terms of light conditions and the structure of the forest environment), forest management tools and conceptual approaches regarding specific species and groups of organisms. The respondents negatively perceived the current forestry practices, especially in terms of creating homogeneity across the forest environment and eliminating important habitats. Structurally diverse old-growth forests as well as the open forests with the presence of old and habitat trees were emphasised by the survey respondents as essential environments. Large-scale non-intervention within protected areas is necessary to support the presence of old-growth forests. On the other hand, there is an urgent need to restore open forests which requires (but not exclusively) the active efforts of man. These two basic appeals are essential in order to diversify the landscape through a combination of segregative and integrative forest management tools that aim to support biodiversity.

Detection and Factors That Induce Stenocarpella spp. Survival in Maize Stubble and Soil Suppressiveness under Tropical Conditions

Stenocarpella spp. causes stalk and ear rot in maize and overwinters in stubble during the off-season. Understanding the factors that guide saprophytic colonization is a crucial strategy for management. In this study, we analyzed the abiotic factors and crop management practices in relation to the inoculum of Stenocarpella spp. in stubble by qPCR. Soil samples were used for suppressiveness tests against Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium graminearum, and Stenocarpella maydis. In the 29 fields, different levels of Stenocarpella spp. were detected. Only three fields were considered suppressive for the three pathogens. Heat maps showed that soil suppressiveness was inversely related to the pathogen concentration, and the suppressiveness of one pathogen was correlated with the suppressiveness of other pathogens. Under no-tillage systems in which rotation with soybeans was adopted, Stenocarpella spp. were detected at lower concentrations than in areas that adopted no-tillage systems with maize monocultures. While in tillage systems, the maize–maize monocropping increases the inoculum level of Stenocarpella spp. Crop rotation is a factor related to the observed reduction in the pathogen concentration and increases in the broad-spectrum antagonistic microbial communities. These communities guide the suppressiveness of soil-borne diseases in maize fields cultivated under tropical conditions.

Human Resource Management Practices in Relation to Nurses’ Innovative Work Behavior: Moderating Role of Eudaimonic Well-Being

Human Resource Management Practices in Relation to Nurses’ Innovative Work Behavior: Moderating Role of Eudaimonic Well-Being

Human Resource Management Practices in Relation to Nurses’ Innovative Work Behavior: Moderating Role of Eudaimonic Well-Being

Human Resource Management Practices in Relation to Nurses’ Innovative Work Behavior: Moderating Role of Eudaimonic Well-Being

Understanding how and when workplace ostracism jeopardizes work effort

PurposeWhile the performance consequences of workplace ostracism (WO) have been examined in many studies, relatively little is known about WO's relationship with work effort (WE), which is a vital part of the performance domain. Moreover, the literature is largely silent regarding how WO translates into reduced effort and when such effects are less likely. The purpose of the study is to bridge these gaps. Specifically, the paper examines the relationship between WO and WE, taking into account the mediating role of emotional exhaustion (EE) and the moderating role of work centrality (WC).Design/methodology/approachData for the study came from an online survey of 310 full-time employees of service-sector organizations in Pakistan. The PROCESS macro, a robust computational tool for research models involving both mediating and moderating mechanisms, was used for analysis.FindingsWO was found to be a risk factor for organizations in that it not only induces/aggravates strain in employees, but also hampers them in expending effort in given roles. Findings further highlight that the negative relationship between WO and WE is mediated by EE and moderated by WC.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the cross-sectional data and correlational research design, the study has limited power to make causal inferences about the relationships between the constructs (e.g. WO and WE). Further, the study is conducted in a collectivist culture where people are particularly sensitive to WO; it is, therefore, possible that the strength of relationships between the constructs might differ in individualistic cultures.Practical implicationsApart from informing management practices in relation to minimizing the occurrence of WO, the study also offers valuable insights into how employees can protect themselves from the negative effects of WO.Originality/valueThe study is among the very few empirical works that simultaneously explicate how and when WO jeopardizes employees' WE.

Pesantren for Middle-Class Muslims in Indonesia (Between Religious Commodification and Pious Neoliberalism)

&lt;p&gt;Research about Islamic educational institutions, the market and the rise of the new Muslim middle-class in Indonesian society has mainly focused on schools. Its correlation with pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) as Islamic education providers has not yet been deeply portrayed. This paper aims to identify changes in pesantren management practices in relation to the growth of the Muslim middle-class and questions whether pesantren management practices intended to cater for the middle-class segment of society can be categorized as commodification or as acts of pious neoliberalism. As a preliminary examination, this paper was based on extensive literature and media research, interviews with teachers and parents in pesantren, and non-participant observation. This research highlights three different strategies developed by pesantren to respond to the growing size of the Muslim middle-class in Java, Indonesia: ‘developing’, ‘inserting’ and ‘creating’ new pesantren education programs. Three models are highlighted here in three select pesantren in Java: Firstly, a pesantren established and designed to accommodate middle-class Muslims that employs an approach that is an amalgamation between religious education and international educational standards. Secondly, a well-established traditional pesantren which built new ‘elite’ buildings to respond to demand from middle-class Muslims. And thirdly, a pesantren that targets urban middle-class students of all ages who have limited religious knowledge and which mainly focuses on a tahfidz program (memorizing of the Qur’an) through creating a ‘friendly’ image of learning the Qur’an. These pesantren maintain a deeply religious curriculum similar to traditional pesantren and provide good facilities for students but charge high fees for education, and as such may connotate a commodification practice. Using Mona Atia’s concept of pious neoliberalism, the writer questions whether the fusion of religious practices of any kind, commodification and adjustment to market logic, in this context, might be better understood as pious neoliberalism. In this sense, the commodification practices in the examples offered here should not always bear a pejorative meaning. While admitting that global changes have introduced new challenges to the Muslim community and in relation to Islamic education, it is hoped that this article will encourage further discussion and investigation on the subject of the changing nature of provision and management of Islamic educational institutions, in particular pesantren, in Indonesia.&lt;/p&gt;

Waste Management Systems among Smallholder Farmers in Masaka and Lyantonde Districts, Central Uganda

With diversity in farming systems, crop residues, animal wastes and management practices are often not well managed, and most of it is left on the soil surface. This practice is common, especially among smallholder farmers (SHFs). There is no updated record of commonly used waste management practices. Our study focused on smallholder farmers in two farming systems in Masaka and Lyantonde Districts respectively, and with the objective to determine smallholder waste management practices in relation to farm waste components. Using a sample survey, quantitative data were collected from 120 SHFs representing 10.1% of the total SHF population in the Masaka while 120 SHFs provided data and represented 17.4% of the total SHF population in Lyantonde. Our result revealed that for animal waste, Goat slurry 20.4%, dominated the rest in Lyantonde, while in Masaka Pig slurry 23.6%, was dominant. For crop waste in Lyantonde, Bean trashes 12.9%, dominated, while in Masaka Banana leaves and peelings 11.1%, were dominant. In Lyantonde, common waste management practices were: Surface deposition 41.2%, Burning 18.4% Composting 17.3%, Burying 9.4%, Removal 10.9% and Recycling 2.8%. In Masaka, common practices were: Surface deposition 40.9%, Burning 18.6% Composting 13.2%, Burrying 12.3%, Removal 6.2% and Recycling 8.8%. Factors affecting choice of waste management practices by SHFs were: Age, purpose of waste product, season, quantity of the wastes, waste management policy awareness, farmer’s commitment and economic status of the farmer. Greenhouse gas emission for identified waste management practices across the two Districts shall be determined in our next study.

Analysis of Environmental Factors Determining the Adoption of Land Management Practices in Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecological Zone of Kaduna Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)

This study analyzed the various determinants of land management practices in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State and determined most sustainable practice(s), with the specific focus on: Socio-economic characteristics of farmers; types of land management practices in relation to the determinant factors; effects of land management practices on the farm productivity; determine the most sustainable land management practice in the study area. A purposive sampling technique was adopted in collecting data from three hundred and eighty (380) rural farmers with structured questionnaires administered in Buruku, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Five land management practices showed positive effects on the farm productivity as compared to the mean of 3 points; these were cover crop, crop rotation, irrigation, organic manure and fertilizer application. Two land management practices as perceived to have good effects on farm productivity of respondents were agro-forestry and bush fallow as shown in the component one of the result of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). It was concluded that the farming population was ageing and was adversely affected the choice of best practices due to lack of education and knowledge to adopt the best land management practice. Sustainable land management practices has the potential to reverse the trend of food scarcity and environmental disasters, help to improve local livelihoods, restore natural ecosystems and also contribute significantly to climate change adaptation and mitigation. There is clear evidence that the productivity of soils in Buruku Village will continue to decline if strategic measures are not put in place to manage soil fertility in different soil units to support agricultural land.

Application of big data analytics and organizational performance: the mediating role of knowledge management practices

Drawing from tenets of the resource-based theory, we propose and test a model that examines the relationship between the application of big data analytics (ABDA) and organizational performance (OP) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Further, this study examines the mediating role of knowledge management practices (KMP) in relation to the ABDA and OP. Data were collected from respondents working in SMEs through an adapted instrument. This research study adopts the Baron–Kenny approach to test the mediation. The results indicated that the ABDA had a positive and significant impact on OP. Also, KMP had partially mediated the relationship between ABDA and OP in SMEs. The dataset was solely comprised of SMEs from Pakistan administered Kashmir and may not reflect the insights from other regions. Hence limits the generalizability of the results. Findings highlight both strategic and practical implications related to decision making in organizations for top management, particularly in developing countries. This study attempts to contribute to the literature through novel findings and recommendations. These fallouts will help the top management during the key decision-making process and encourage practitioners who seek competitive advantage through enhanced organizational performance in SMEs.

Financial Management Practices and Growth of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises: The case of Kassena-Nankana West District

The promotion of financial management practices and growth of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) can contribute significantly towards the sustained elevation of a nation for a better or more humane life. SMEs play a crucial role in addressing the impediments of poverty, inequality and job creation. Yet, many SMEs face numerous challenges ranging from the lack of capital, poor management skills and the application of best financial management practices.This paper explores SMEs’ financial management skills and practices in relation to their growth. The study used questionnaire to collect data from managers or owners of SMEs. Descriptive statistics was used to present the results of the data. Not only that but also, a multiple regression model was also used to test the correlation between financial management practices of SMEs and business growth. The results indicates a moderate correlation between the financial management practices of the SMEs and the growth of the enterprises. Based on the findings, it is recommended for targeted financial education programmes to help managers and owners of SMEs develop and adopt best financial management practices.

Performance Budgeting in Context: An Analysis of Italian Central Administrations

The impact of financial austerity in many countries and the need to set the direction for governments have radically changed several aspects of Public sector management (Rubin and Willoughby 2014; Anessi-Pessina et al. 2016). A central component of this effort to transform public management involves using strategic planning and performance measures for budgeting decisions (Joyce 1997). Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the use of performance budgeting at the national as well as at subnational and local level, with varying approaches and results across countries (Bleyen et al. 2017; OECD 2017). This article analyzes the dynamics of strategic planning and performance management practices in relation to the budgeting processes in the context of the Italian central government, with the aim of evaluating whether a predominant integration model is apparent in relation to those used in different countries at the OECD level. Starting in 2009, reforms concerning the implementation of performance management tools in the Italian public sector have been promoted and revised, although the need to fully integrate the performance and budgeting processes looks urgent. Based on data from Italian Ministries, this article analyzes the type of relationship and the degree of coherence between adopted strategic plans and budgets. The results show the persistence of a prevalent misalignment between planning and budgeting. Data that were collected from the analysis of strategic plans and budgets from ten Ministries depict a patchy situation, in which some ministries integrate the processes defining a consistent and comparable model, while some others do not. In the conclusions, areas for improvement of the process are identified, while providing policy implications.