Perspective Of Owners Research Articles

Successful Aging and Preventative Health: A Business Owner's Perspective

Successful aging can be viewed as a continuous and ongoing holistic process or as a goal-oriented approach. Both views provide sufficient exploration and definition toward development continuing through adulthood into the latter. However, the investigation of successful aging and how its definition can become affected by technological-based health innovation is an under-researched topic. Using literature and qualitative interview findings, successful aging may be considered to also incorporate the use of health-related innovation assets under the umbrella of preventative health, which contributes as an important factor toward how older individuals perceive the success of themselves and the various areas of their life as they continue to develop in late adulthood.

A Critical Examination of Business Ethics in Relation to Economic Sense: Perspectives of Customers and Business Proprietors in Region (5) Guyana

This study was pursued to provide statistical and empirical evidence of whether or not business ethics makes economic sense. A critical examination of business ethics and whether or not it makes economic sense was examined by taking into consideration the perspectives of business stakeholders. Economists, business proprietors and customers do not always agree on the concept of business ethics as the moral principles and values implemented for good governance. Customers and business proprietors were targeted to gain insights from different stakeholders on the issue of business ethics and whether or not it makes economic sense. The recommended strategies to be implemented to perpetuate business ethics while at the same time ensuring business growth and development were also considered. This research paper utilized a mixed methods research approach in conjunction with a descriptive online survey and structured interview for the quantitative and qualitative aspects respectively. The inculcation of primary and secondary data provided empirical and statistical substantiation to establish recommendations and to draw conclusion. An element of triangulation was integrated to add robust analytical evidence. The perspectives of customers and business owners on business ethics and economic sense were analyzed through the online survey and interviews responses were grouped, coded and themes were generated to answer the research question: To what extent does business ethics makes economic sense? The perspectives of customers guided the critical examination of what customers expect from businesses, where business ethics was the point of focus. On the other hand, the perspectives of business owners provided data on the implications of adhering stringently to business ethics and whether or not business ethics makes economic sense. The views of participants from opposing ends provided both conflicting and correlated data. However, both customers and business owners were in agreement that businesses should adhere to business ethics.

Social sustainability: employment of former-offenders by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the recruitment practice of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic to learn whether it encourages or discourages former offenders from attempting to attain work after release. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was taken to understand the perspective of SME company owners and decision-makers within the Czech Republic. In all, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted which examined the current recruitment practice and individual attitudes towards employing former offenders. Findings Through a change of employer perception, working with support agencies and amending recruitment practice, opportunities can be created for former offenders in the workplace to assist their rehabilitation. This would assist with overcoming employer attitudes which have little sense of responsibility to helping former offenders with reintegration through employment. Recruitment practices focus heavily on past accomplishments and the existence of a criminal record which can disincentivise former offenders from applying for work because of their stigmatised identity. Prior experience with offenders can lead to a change of attitude and offers a vector for changing employer attitudes. In combination with linkage to agencies which work with former offenders, small businesses could amend their recruitment practice and provide support for former offenders on their rehabilitation journey. Research limitations/implications This study is based on a limited sample size, only 25 responses, and the need for translation from English to Czech could have led to a loss of nuance in the responses gathered. With asynchronous interviews also being used, some brief responses limited the insight which could have been gained. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight areas of practice which can be amended to better attract former offenders, being future-focused rather than past-focused. Social implications Enhancing employment opportunities for former offenders would be a major enhancer for their reintegration efforts and lower the associated social costs to society. Originality/value Prior research has been conducted into the offender experience, with recruiter/owner receiving far less attention. Most prior studies have been quantitative in nature, with few using a qualitative approach.

An analysis of Islamic financing access in Nigeria: perspectives of MSME owners

Purpose Funding difficulties are particularly compounded for Muslim entrepreneurs in Nigeria, owing to the dominance of interest-based financial institutions prohibited in Islam. Thus, this study aims to explore the role of awareness of Islamic finance principles in ameliorating financial deprivation and financial anxiety to increase access to Islamic financing among Muslim entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey method of data collection was used to collect data from a total of 208 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) owners based on hand-delivered questionnaires. The data was analyzed using a partial least square structural equation model. Findings The result supports the direct negative impact of relative financial deprivation and the positive impact of awareness of Islamic finance principles on access to Islamic finance. However, awareness of Islamic finance principles could not moderate any of the direct relationship. Practical implications This study implies that financial deprivation is detrimental to access to Islamic finance, but financial anxiety has no significant impact. In addition, policymakers and MSME owners could directly foster access to Islamic finance through awareness of Islamic finance principles, though it could not redirect the negative impact of relative financial deprivation on access to Islamic finance. Originality/value The valuable finding here is that the substantial positive impact of awareness of Islamic finance principles on access to Islamic finance is not enough to redirect the negative effect of relative financial deprivation on access to Islamic finance.

Multifaceted economic impacts of a 500-year flood on gateway communities of Yellowstone National Park

Disasters can have dramatic implications for gateway communities of National Parks, especially local economies that rely on park tourist visitation as their primary source of income. In June 2022, a 500-year flood event impacted Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and gateway businesses, both directly through infrastructure damages (property loss) and indirectly through park closures and post-disaster marketing. We used a combination of approaches to document and explore the relative importance of these diverse sources of economic impacts. First, structured surveys were used to evaluate economic impacts, from the perspective of individual business owners and community leaders in six gateway communities surrounding YNP. Average revenue loss was 48 % during peak tourist season across all communities but averaged 75 % for communities inaccessible to the park. Direct infrastructure damages to businesses were localized; however, even businesses sustaining property losses suggested more severe economic impacts were the result of loss of visitors from park closures and damaging media coverage. Using annual visitation and economic input-output model data, we developed a statistical model to estimate regional economic impacts from the flood. The model corroborated the results of our survey and suggested the flood led to a total loss of $156 million in visitor spending in gateway areas in 2022, exceeding economic losses from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We present some guidelines for building economic resilience in gateway communities, including diversifying sources of income, building social capital, embracing tourist adaptations, and developing coordinated park-gateway-regional messaging and marketing to the media post-disasters.

Investigating benefits of operating shared kitchen for virtual restaurants: from the small-busniness owner perspectives

Investigating benefits of operating shared kitchen for virtual restaurants: from the small-busniness owner perspectives

Optimizing Coziness and Productivity: An All-Encompassing Ergonomic Investigation on Diners and Restaurant Operators in Dense Urban Living Environments

This research aims to determine and optimize the welfare of visitors and food stall owners in dense urban environments, especially in the context of dense residential areas in big cities. As ergonomics research, its main focus is to assess the physical and psychological conditions of visitors and food stall owners operating in dense urban environments. This research method involves a detailed analysis of ergonomic aspects, including room layout, furniture design, lighting and acoustics, taking into account the unique demands of dense housing. In addition, in-depth interviews with food stall owners and observations of visitor behavior were conducted to understand the non-physical aspects that influence their well-being. The research location is in the Paseban area, Central Jakarta. The results of this research provide an in-depth understanding of how environmental conditions can influence comfort and productivity in food stalls, both from the perspective of visitors and owners. The practical implications of these findings can serve as a guide for architects, designers and policy makers in improving the design of public spaces in dense urban environments, with the ultimate goal of improving the welfare of local communities. This study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of how ergonomics can be applied effectively to improve the quality of life amidst the challenges of dense housing in large cities.

Sustainability promotion through information provision: the perspective of Australian apartment owners and renters

ABSTRACT The provision of sustainability information is a crucial step in raising awareness and promoting sustainability in the residential sector. The effectiveness of this information in increasing interest in sustainability depends on its relevancy and suitability for the intended recipients, namely potential buyers or renters. However, the evaluation of such suitability is impeded due to limited research regarding buyers’ and renters’ preferences and priorities for sustainability information. A nationwide survey of 410 respondents living in Australia provided the data to understand the sustainability priorities and information preferences of three apartment stakeholders: owner-residents, investors, and renters. The survey investigated how ownership type and demographics influence sustainability priorities as well as the perceived importance of information across three criteria: comfort, cost and consumption, and layout and location. The results show that current and potential apartment buyers and renters place high importance on receiving information pertaining to all three criteria. The comfort criterion was found to be significantly more important across most of the studied ownership and demographic groups. Findings from this study can assist apartment developers and researchers in determining key sustainability information that aligns with the preferences and priorities of the targeted buyers and renters.

Veterinary and pet owner perspectives on addressing access to veterinary care and workforce challenges.

(1) Assess and compare the perceptions of pet owners and veterinary professionals pertaining to the extent of veterinary workforce and access to care challenges in 2023 in Colorado, and (2) Assess what programs, policies, and resources veterinary professionals and pet owners believe would be most effective at addressing access to care and workforce challenges in Colorado. 736 veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or practice/owner manager ("veterinary professionals") in Colorado. A total of 1,209 pet owners (919 from an online survey and 290 from in-person surveying). Distribution of an online anonymous survey to veterinary professionals in Colorado. Pet owners were surveyed both online and in-person at pet pantry or shelter events. Veterinary professionals reported significant workforce challenges, including having to frequently divert clients, clients forced to decline medical care or having to euthanize their pets due to cost. Veterinary professionals were especially supportive of policy efforts to enhance recruitment and retention of technicians, including through mechanisms such as clarifying their scope of practice, loan repayment programs, and enhancing career pathways. Colorado pet owners' responses pertaining to the scope of access to care challenges were similar to prior national research. Pet owners reported particularly needing low-cost emergency clinics in their community as well as resources to reduce the cost of care. Pet owners were generally supportive of expanding veterinary care access through telemedicine; indicating they would feel comfortable seeing a veterinarian via telemedicine, even for the first time, and that expanded use of telemedicine would increase their ability to obtain care. Colorado pet owners and veterinary professionals both identified numerous access to care challenges as well as indicated support for the development of several potential initiatives to address the problem. Low-cost clinics that provide sick and emergency care was the resource rated as being most helpful among pet owners. Further exploration of grants, voucher programs, expansion of telemedicine, increased utilization and title protection for CVTs, and the creation of the veterinary professional associate position are all initiatives that were noted to be worthy of further exploration.

Faktor Utama Keterlambatan Pembayaran Dalam Proyek Perumahan Subsidi dan Komersial

In the implementation of housing development, the problem of late payment delays is a common issue encountered in commercial and subsidized housing projects during construction. These delays impact the timely completion and lead to disputes among the involved parties, which include owners, contractors, and subcontractors. This study aims to analyze the primary factors contributing to late payment in construction projects, specifically in commercial and subsidized housing. The analysis is conducted from the perspective of the owner, contractors, and subcontractors. The study involves six owner respondents, six contractor respondents, and four subcontractor respondents. The survey results were analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess the significance of various factors influencing payment delays in both housing schemes. The analysis results indicate that financial issues with the owner's company are crucial factors from the owner's perspective in causing payment delays in both commercial and subsidized housing projects. A major challenge faced by contractors is the lack of capital availability, which can lead to delays that affect all involved parties. Meanwhile, discrepancies between job specifications not following the contract from the subcontractor's viewpoint highlight the importance of clear communication and rigorousness. All parties involved in housing projects need to improve financial management, enhance capital procurement, and tighten the supervision of contract implementation. By identifying key factors, adopting best practices can help mitigate the risk of payment delays and improve efficiency in future housing project implementations, whether commercial or subsidized.

Finance-based Scheduling for Cash-flow Management of Maintenance Portfolios: Multi-objective Optimization Approach

Bridge agencies are often challenged to develop maintenance programs under given budgets. Numerous studies developed budget-allocation models for maintenance programs during defined planning horizons of multiple fiscal years while totally ignoring the crucial aspect of cash flow. The payment schedules (both timing and amount) for contractors might indicate agencies’ cash needs that exceed the available budgets during certain fiscal years, which create cash flow problems. While numerous finance-based scheduling (FBS) models were developed to manage cash flow for contractors, this function was totally overlooked for portfolio owners. Thus, this research reintroduces the FBS from the perspective of portfolio owners. A FBS model is developed to schedule the activities of the portfolio projects, utilize the schedules to define the payment schedules of projects’ contractors, calculate the agencies’ cash needs during the fiscal years, and utilize the multi-objective optimization algorithms of NSGA-II, SPEA-II, and MOPSO to optimize the projects’ schedules to achieve a balance between the cash needs during the fiscal years and the available budgets. The anticipated extensions in projects’ completion represent the conflicting objectives. Finally, the optimized schedules make the contractors’ payment schedules affordable by the agencies’ budgets, which help to complete projects successfully and achieve the programs’ strategic goals.

Economics of physics-based solar forecasting in power system day-ahead scheduling

A high-quality solar power forecasting system that strictly adheres to grid regulations is valuable for system operators to formulate strategies for power system scheduling. Some grid operators, therefore, enact penalty schemes for the forecasts submitted by photovoltaic (PV) plant owners, as a means to fortify truthful and high-quality forecast submissions. From the perspectives of both plant owners and grid operators, this study inquires into the quality-to-value mapping of solar forecasts in the context of power system day-ahead scheduling. A physics-based solar power forecasting method is presented, which consists of two steps. Firstly, ensemble numerical weather prediction (NWP) is summarized into point forecasts. Then irradiance is converted to power via a physical model chain. The results reveal that the two-step physics-based forecasting method has an advantage over a winning method in Global Energy Forecasting Competition 2014 in terms of several accuracy measures. Subsequently, the economics of solar forecasting is quantified through performing day-ahead scheduling on a modified IEEE 30-bus system with PV and battery storage. It is demonstrated that, by respecting the statistical theory on consistency and elicitability when extracting point forecasts from NWP ensembles, both power system operators and PV plant owners can benefit profoundly in terms of cost savings. The former sees fewer needs for reserves, while the latter is less penalized. The data and Python code used to produce the results are also provided to enhance the reproducibility of this work.

Comprehensive techno-economic performance assessment of PV-building-EV integrated energy system concerning V2B impacts on both building energy consumers and EV owners

Deploying photovoltaics (PVs) for buildings is an effective solution to decrease carbon emissions but it also imposes a substantial risk of energy mismatch. Battery storage can mitigate this issue to a certain extent but its capacity is limited due to safety concerns and expensive investment. Energy boundary expansion from buildings to an integrated building-transportation is another valuable attempt. However, few studies have quantified the impacts of electric vehicles (EVs) on the PV-building-EV integrated system currently. This study, therefore, conducted a comprehensive techno-economic performance assessment of this integrated system. An energy-sharing mechanism considering EV charging-discharging and PV-building energy system integration is involved in the assessment. According to this energy-sharing mechanism, feasibility studies of this integrated system without stationary battery installation were conducted. An office building integrated with the EV parking area in Chengdu is selected in this study. Results show that the system's techno-economic performance as well as EV battery degradation were comprehensively quantified from two perspectives. From the perspective of the building consumers, renewable energy penetration is enhanced at 45.1% and the reduction of levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is about 38.9%. From the perspective of EV owners, the LCOE of EV charging can decrease by 18.1%. Extra annual EV battery degradation is quantified at 5.23% and an extra compensation of 10.45 CNY for one-time participation of EV owners is calculated. Reasonable compensation for EV owners can effectively increase their motivation to participate in the energy-sharing mechanism. The comprehensive techno-economic performance assessment can provide frontier guidelines for future work.

Exploring Challenges Forefront to Family Business Leaders: A Perspective of Family Business Owners

Family businesses, owing to their unique blend of family dynamics and business operations, often face distinctive hurdles that can significantly impact their sustainability and growth. This qualitative study delves into the multifaceted challenges that confront family business leaders, as seen through the eyes of family business owners, which is a missing aspect in the extant literature database. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study aims to shed light on the key challenges family business leaders encounter. The findings of the study reveal that the family business leaders have challenges related to the succession planning, financial management, conflict resolution, communication breakdown, governance, HRM, and the evolving business environment in the day-to-day business operation. These findings further echoed the need for a personalized approach and support systems to face the challenges and to be successful in the long run. These results not only contribute to the existing literature related to the management of family business, but also provide a very practical use to the practitioners in increasing the strength of both the family and business while operating within the context with such complexity.

Increasing the Acceptability of Lethal Means Safety Counseling for Firearms: Tips and Scripts.

In lethal means safety counseling (LMSC), clinicians encourage patients to limit their access to common and lethal means of suicide, especially firearms. However, previous studies have shown that clinicians may hesitate to deliver this evidence-based intervention, in part because of concerns that patients might not find such discussions acceptable. Based on a published review of 18 qualitative studies examining diverse perspectives on LMSC, we discuss strategies that may help clinicians increase the acceptability of LMSC among their patients and present supporting scripts, rationales, and resources. The studies included in the review examined the perspectives of clinicians, patients, firearm owners, and other relevant groups across a wide range of clinical settings on LMSC for firearms. The authors of these studies recommend that clinicians approach LMSC in a nonjudgmental manner with awareness of their own biases, demonstrate cultural competency by acknowledging the role of firearms in patients' lives, and adapt LMSC to patients' previous experiences with firearms, safety, and injury. Clinicians may also want to contextualize and provide a rationale for LMSC, decide whether or not to directly ask about access to firearms, and recommend a range of storage options tailored to the patient. Free locking devices or discount coupons for purchasing such devices may increase the acceptability and efficacy of these discussions. The strategies recommended in this paper are the first to be based on a comprehensive set of relevant studies. Future research is needed to examine whether these strategies do in fact increase the acceptability of LMSC and promote other outcomes such as increased feasibility and efficacy.

Pet owner perspectives, motivators and concerns about veterinary biobanking.

Veterinary biobanks store samples for future use and distribute samples to academic researchers and industry entities; however, informed consent provided by owners for pets contributing to biobanks can be complicated by limited understanding of goals, purpose, and logistics of biobanking. This survey-based study aimed to gather feedback from pet owners on how they viewed allowing their pet to contribute to a veterinary biobank, with the goal of identifying opportunities to improve education, awareness of veterinary biobanking initiatives, and the consent processes. An electronic survey was distributed to a listserv of 2,119 pet owners and responses were received from 118 respondents (5.6%). Most respondents (67%) were not familiar with the concept of veterinary biobanking prior to having responded to the survey. Most (89%) were willing to allow their healthy pet to contribute samples to a veterinary biobanking program. Ninety-five percent would allow their sick pet to contribute. Most were neutral about financial incentives as a motivator to participate, although 40% indicated that if their pet's condition resulted in a decision to humanely euthanize, they would be more likely to contribute to the biobank if the veterinary biobanking program covered the cost of euthanasia. Common concerns included security/confidentiality (36%), that results would not be shared with them (33%) or that samples would be used for other purposes beyond those advertised (22%). These results suggest veterinary biobanking initiatives are well received by owners and most are willing to allow their pets to participate. Respondent concerns represent opportunities for veterinary biobanks to improve messaging and dissemination of results from work they support.

Revitalizing Modernist Districts: Neighbourhood Level Mass-Renovation with SOFTacademy Project

This article discusses the neighbourhood-level renovation potential in Tallinn's modernist privately owned apartment blocks, with the aim of addressing the global need for deep renovation. The analysis considers international directives, national policies and municipal objectives, highlighting the focus of current renovation initiatives on apartment buildings. The discourse drives the ongoing conflict between energy-focused renovation and the preservation of spatial quality, relevant especially for the countries that favour partial renovation over the complete transformation of a building. It analyses the emerging impact of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative, emphasizing the need to balance technical energy investments with cultural and aesthetic considerations in wider neighbourhoods. Shifting the focus to Tallinn, the article deals with the challenges of modernist mass production housing districts, recognizing their technical structure, current decay and socio-economic limitations. The European Renovation Wave strategy and upcoming energy efficiency requirements are seen as catalysts for neighbourhood revitalization, prompting the exploration of innovative models to transform these neighbourhoods into liveable and functional spaces. The discussion unfolds within the NEB compass, emphasizing the core values of beauty, sustainability, and cohesion. Practical considerations for the transformation of Tallinn districts are discussed, including spatial regulations, the complexity of ownership and the different perspectives of apartment owners. As a solution, the SOFTacademy approach is introduced, proposing a collaborative model establishing both the hardware and software elements for NEB driven renovation of neighbourhoods. In terms of hardware solution, prefabrication and modularity is used both for renovating the buildings as well as reinventing the courtyards around them. While the physical rejuvenation of the neighbourhoods is the key to NEB transformation, the shift depends as much from the software solutions. The results outline a process for initiating neighbourhood-level renovations, emphasizing the importance of consulting with owners, creating blueprints, and entering into cooperative agreements.

Understanding the dynamics of compliance to smoke-free policy regulations: Exploring the perspectives of venue owners and staff in Türkiye.

The study aims to understand the facilitators and barriers associated with enforcing and complying with Türkiye's smoke-free policy from the perspective of hospitality venue owners and employees. A qualitative open-ended survey was conducted in Istanbul and Ankara in 2021 with 58 respondents from 3 different districts in each city from four types of venues: restaurants, traditional coffee and waterpipe houses, and European-style cafés. The open-ended survey included questions to understand the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of respondents about Türkiye's smoke-free policy and their perceptions of the facilitators and/or barriers to smoke-free policy implementation and changes after COVID-19. The data were analyzed using an inductive approach to identify patterns and categorize the data into themes. The respondents expressed that the smoke-free policy aimed to protect employees and customers from secondhand smoke (SHS), respect human health, and improve air quality. Findings suggest that the positive attitude of venue owners and staff toward the smoke-free policy serves as a facilitator. However, fear of financial impact, customers' negative attitudes, difficulties in meeting physical requirements, and insufficient enforcement were found to be barriers to implementing the smoke-free policy. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were reported as an initial increase in compliance and awareness among customers and staff, but some respondents noted negative changes due to the emotional and financial effects of prolonged restrictions. These challenges have led to decreased attention on the smoke-free policy among venue owners, staff and customers. Respondents' suggested improvements were related to building infrastructure, such as the ventilation systems and educating the public on the harmful health effects of smoking. Despite the general understanding of the dangers of secondhand smoke and the smoke-free policy, this study highlights the challenges in implementing smoke-free policy measures and the continued need to raise awareness about the importance of a 100% smoke-free venue. A comprehensive approach to addressing the tobacco epidemic as a multifaceted public health issue is essential.

Enterprise Architecture Information System Using the Zachman Framework

The use of information technology in companies is mandatory to create advantages for the company. Companies of course expect innovation to be able to compete in the global market. Information system development needs to be carried out to improve good business processes and create effectiveness in customer service. A good framework is an important key in designing to produce a satisfactory enterprise system. The company system description can use a framework that suits your needs, namely the Zachman Framework. The Zachman Framework is used to design production company systems by designing based on the perspectives involved with the system. Using the Zachman Framework in designing company systems will produce designs involving the perspectives of planners, owners, designers, builders, subcontractors and users who will discuss in detail data, function, location, people, time and motivation. The results of system design are in the form of a blueprint or company system framework that can facilitate the production process.
 Keywords: Enterprise Systems, Enterprise Architecture, Zachman Framework

Is worldwide patent protection converging? A cross-country index of patent protection strength 1990–2020

This paper introduces the International Patent Protection Strength (IPPS) index, a composite measure designed to assess global patent protection from the perspective of patent owners. Spanning 134 countries from 1990 to 2020, the IPPS index encompasses four dimensions—international mechanism, legislation, enforcement, and administration—constructed using standardized techniques recommended by the OECD. Results indicate global growth in patent protection strength until 2005, followed by a plateau with persistent disparities. Our findings also highlight the heterogeneity across countries and dimensions. In particular, variations in four dimensions are observed among countries at different income levels, with enforcement and administration being more pronounced, often due to resource constraints and a lack of willingness. Linear regression analysis demonstrates a positive and statistically significant relationship between the IPPS index and the Global Innovation Index (GII), affirming the correlation between patent protection strength and innovation. Sensitivity tests validate the robustness of country rankings across different weighting and aggregation methods. These results align with the viewpoint of some commentators who argue that a peaceful North-South dialogue requires introducing a development agenda that allows for affordable access, rather than solely extending intellectual property rights. The IPPS index serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, patent managers, and practitioners, enabling the identification of strengths and weaknesses in patent protection systems and informing targeted policy measures and strategic decision-making.