Recommended Management Practices Research Articles

Comparing farmers’ perception of climate effect on cocoa yield with climate data in the Humid zone of Nigeria

Apart from the conventional inputs for cocoa production, climatic parameters have a significant effect on the yield of the crop globally. However, existing literature suffers a knowledge gap on the farmers' perceptions of climate effect on cocoa yield and its nexus with climate data. The chi-square test of independence, standardized anomaly index (SAI), multiple regression, z-distribution, and descriptive statistics were employed to investigate the socioeconomic and climate impacts on yield. The registered farmers (280) from the Osun State Cocoa Growers Association (OSCGA) in the Nigerian Humid Zone were the interviewees. Climate data were retrieved from the records of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Abuja, while the cocoa yield data were provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Osogbo from 1999 to 2019. The results revealed that climate affected cocoa yield and the yield was significant at p ≤ 0.05 in 1999 and 2000. Most farmers perceived that low temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, sunshine, and wind speed influenced cocoa yield positively. Farmers’ perception was influenced by age, marital status, household size, and educational level at p ≤ 0.01. Understanding the climate and its consequences on cocoa yield will help develop management practices, that were hitherto lacking in Osun State, Nigeria. This study presents the socioeconomic and climate effects on cocoa yield and makes recommendations for management practices in regions with similar ecological settings.

SYSTEM OF STRATEGIC KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF THE MODERN ORGANIZATION

The article focuses on modern theoretical and practical recommendations for knowledge management at the enterprise. Scientific research of the knowledge management problem have been studied. The main stages of monitoring for the construction of the knowledge management system of the enterprise are given. It was noted that the process of knowledge management should be governed, controlled, created from certain sequential interrelated actions, understandable for the recipient. The main tasks of knowledge management at enterprises are defined. It is proposed to use information technologies to facilitate knowledge management at enterprises. The main obstacles that arise during the implementation of the knowledge management system are identified.
 In order to minimize the effect of obstacles, it is proposed to use the approaches of such schools of strategic management as cognitive, learning and culture, since the cognitive school emphasizes the fact that it is necessary to change one of the main issues of strategy construction, namely: instead of what a strategist needs to know, it is necessary to ask what is the essence of their mental process, the school of learning tries to turn management into governance that influences through change and brings practical content to the study of the process of strategy formation, and the school of culture defines approaches to building a development strategy for organizations with a rich history and culture as well as brings an important collective dimension of the social process.
 The proposed knowledge management system at the enterprise, which includes three subsystems: human capital management; knowledge exchange management (information support); management of communication technologies. The main conditions for creating a knowledge management system can be the following competitive advantages: creation of conditions for stimulating and motivating further continuous development of personnel (through professional training and self-education of employees), which contributes to increasing the efficiency of professional training and development of employees; increasing the efficiency of the human capital use, which will ensure the improvement of the competitiveness of enterprises (through the creation of an environment for the sharing and dissemination of knowledge, the involvement of personnel in teamwork, etc.); creation of effective feedback with the subjects of the external environment; and others.

The impact of mascot attributes on sponsorship effectiveness the case of “Bing Dwen Dwen” at the Beijing winter Olympics

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between the attributes of Olympic mascots and their impact on sponsorship effectiveness. Based on a multiattribute model and the introduction of engagement theory and the meaning transfer model, this article uses the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics mascot “Bing Dwen Dwen” as the research object to empirically analyze the effects and mechanisms of the mascot's attributes on preference, event engagement, sponsorship enterprise trust and sponsorship enterprise attitude, ultimately constructing a sponsorship effectiveness model.Design/methodology/approachThe survey method was used to examine 238 respondents' emotions and attitudes towards companies participating in sponsoring Olympic mascots.FindingsThe study found that the main attributes of the mascot include visual and emotional factors, both of which have a positive impact on preference, with emotional factors having a greater influence than visual factors. Visual and emotional factors indirectly affect engagement through preference. Preference and engagement play a completely mediating role in the effect of mascot attributes on sponsorship enterprise trust and sponsorship enterprise attitude.Practical implicationsThis study provides practical recommendations for managers to achieve marketing success in sports sponsorship through mascots.Originality/valueThis paper provides a measurement tool for the study of mascot attributes and important support for subsequent research in sponsorship marketing.

Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): clinicians' knowledge and practice

Background: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is common in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting and is associated with high mortality. Delayed diagnosis and failure to institute evidenced-based management have been associated with poor outcomes. Knowledge of the diagnostic criteria for ARDS and the adoption of recommended management practices by clinicians in the ICU is therefore required to reduce mortality. Objective: This study sought to assess the knowledge and current management practices of ARDS among clinicians in a surgical ICU of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving a purposive sample of 15 clinicians (Specialist Anaesthesiologists) who work at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Surgical ICU. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on the sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and management practices of clinicians on ARDS. Clinicians' knowledge and management practices were scored based on conformity with the ARDSnet Ventilatory Protocol. Categorical data were summarised as frequencies and proportions, and continuous data as Mean ± standard deviation. Results: Clinicians (Specialist Anaesthesiologists) had good knowledge about ARDS (Mean knowledge score = 21.00±3.87),and their management practices were above average (Mean practice score = 8.53±2.50). The clinicians rarely (40%) or never (60%) practised prone ventilation. Conclusion: Specialist Anaesthesiologists had good clinical knowledge of ARDS and applied appropriate management strategies. However, prone ventilation was rarely adopted

Assessment of Potential Risks of Current ESG Investment

This paper addresses the critical need for a systematic examination of risks in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment. By categorizing these risks into three main dimensions - consumer side, corporate side, and regulatory side - this study presents a refined analysis of the distinct risks faced by each stakeholder. The identified risks include costs, limitations of investment models, environmental risks, and risks associated with inconsistent standards. Importantly, this research bridges the gap in previous literature by providing a comprehensive and systematic investigation of ESG investment risks. To mitigate these risks, this paper integrates cutting-edge theories and models to propose practical recommendations for risk management and control. By doing so, it offers valuable insights for investors, corporations, and regulatory bodies seeking to strengthen their understanding of and ability to navigate ESG investment risks effectively. Furthermore, this study forecasts future trends, allowing for reasonable considerations of potential policy changes and the evolution of investment models. By providing such insights, the paper offers a perspective that is forward-looking and adaptable to emerging developments. In summary, this research contributes to the understanding of ESG investment risks by presenting a comprehensive analysis and proposing actionable measures to mitigate these risks. It fills the gap in the existing literature and offers practical significance for stakeholders involved in ESG investment. Additionally, the study presents a forward-looking perspective by offering reasonable projections for future trends.

Features of the formation of the strategy for positioning of agricultural enterprises

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the formation of the strategy for positioning of agricultural enterprises. The interpretation of the concepts of "strategy", "positioning strategy" and the cycle of strategic formation of competitive advantages of an agro-industrial enterprise are studied. The main principles that can be taken into account in the process of forming the strategy for positioning agricultural enterprises are highlighted. The study emphasizes the importance of studying and implementing effective positioning strategies to ensure the stability and competitiveness of an enterprise in the market. In the context of modern challenges and trends in the development of the agro-industrial sector, the authors consider the key aspects that determine the effectiveness of the positioning of enterprises in a competitive environment. Factors such as technological level of production, compliance with quality standards, logistics infrastructure, as well as the influence of economic and political conditions on the formation of the strategy for positioning of agricultural enterprises are analyzed. The authors highlight the need for an in-depth analysis of internal and external factors affecting the activities of agricultural enterprises and consider the importance of effective communication to achieve unique value to consumers. The study examines legislative initiatives aimed at simplifying the change in the target designation of land plots in order to attract investments for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The authors consider how military events affect strategic management in agricultural sector and change approaches to business. The work aims to reveal current challenges and opportunities for agricultural enterprises during the military conflict and provides practical recommendations for effective management in conditions of instability. It is noted that the implementation of digital technologies and innovations plays a key role in the formation of a successful positioning strategy, ensuring the effective use of resources and increase in competitiveness in the market. The paper also examines the prospects and challenges facing agricultural enterprises in the context of forming a positioning strategy in modern conditions. The study indicates that the use of digital technologies is becoming a strategic direction for the development of the Ukrainian agro-industrial complex in the conditions of modern technological progress

ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING LEADERSHIP STYLES AND PROCUREMENT OUTCOMES

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the development of successful procurement leadership practiceswhile also providing practical recommendations for procurement managers and companies wishing to enhance theirprocurement outcomes.

Estimating future streamflow under climate and land use change conditions in northeastern Hokkaido, Japan

Study regionAbashiri River, northeastern Hokkaido, Japan. Study focusIn response to the growing concern over likely future climate and land use land cover (LULC) changes, a better understanding of the consequent streamflow changes is needed in northeastern Hokkaido, Japan. The present study focuses on the Abashiri River Basin (ARB), northeastern Hokkaido, and estimates the future local streamflow and its change in quantity, seasonality, flow regime, and spatial distribution under various possible impacts of climate and LULC conditions. The estimation is produced using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a hydrological model suitable for managemental analysis. Future conditions are applied as alterations to the initial model inputs. New hydrological insights for the regionPossible impact of climate change leads to significant changes in streamflow quantity and flow pattern around the snowmelt season, while negative and insignificant change in streamflow is expected in response to possible LULC change. The results highlight a concerning future for local agricultural water use. Consequently, practical recommendations for local water resources management are advised, focusing on precautionary measures and development insights. Compared to existing research in this region, the present study provides a comprehensive estimation of the possible future streamflow changes on a finer spatiotemporal scale. Further application in the future to help the local water resources management is expected.

Enhancing Landfill Monitoring and Assessment: A Proposal Combining GIS-Based Analytic Hierarchy Processes and Fuzzy Artificial Intelligence

The global surge in urbanization and population growth has led to a significant increase in municipal solid waste generation, posing a considerable challenge in identifying suitable landfill sites. This study proposes a novel framework that enhances landfill site monitoring and assessment by combining GIS-based hierarchical analytical processes with a fuzzy inference system (FIS). The study employs a systematic approach involving phases such as feature selection, spatial analysis, criteria weighting, FIS building, and a case study conducted in São Paulo State, Brazil. The proposed framework effectively assesses landfill suitability and offers practical recommendations for landfill management and future site selection. This framework provides actionable recommendations for landfill monitoring and assessment, supporting landfill management while minimizing environmental and social impacts. It offers a comprehensive approach to landfill assessment, enhancing the sustainability of waste management practices. Further research can improve the proposed framework by refining feature selection and incorporating real-time data for continuous monitoring. Additionally, exploring the integration of emerging technologies, such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence, can further enhance landfill site monitoring and assessment.

Consumer behavior patterns of carbon neutral label using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology

China has paid considerable attention to developing and implementing a carbon labeling system in response to increasing environmental issues such as global warming. This paper aims to provide a theoretical basis for formulating and implementing a carbon labeling system in China through a study of consumer acceptance behavior and its influencing factors. This paper constructed an extended model of consumers’ acceptance behavior of carbon neutral labels based on the theories and methods of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and analyzed the effects of five factors (carbon label cognition, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating factors) on consumer carbon neutral label acceptance and adoption. The structural equation model analysis revealed that carbon label cognition, performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating factors significantly, and positively impact consumers’ acceptance of carbon neutral labels. Moreover, carbon label cognition, performance expectancy, and facilitating factors significantly, and positively affect consumers’ carbon neutral label adoption behavior. Meanwhile, carbon label cognition, and effort expectancy have no significant impact on consumers’ willingness to accept carbon neutral labels, which in turn significantly impacts consumers’ carbon neutral label adoption behavior. According to the research findings, increasing the promotion of carbon labeling and improving the practical strategies and management recommendations for carbon label design are proposed.

The Hospitality Stress Matrix: Exploring Job Stressors and Their Effects on Psychological Well-Being

This research examines the role of job stressors in the hospitality industry and their impact on front-line employees’ job stress and psychological well-being. Unique stressors identified include job insecurity, interpersonal conflict, and emotional labor, each of which pose a significant influence on job stress. This study utilized Smart PLS 3.0 for analysis. Using a judgmental sampling method, questionnaires were given to service touchpoint department employees with over a year’s experience. The self-reported survey took place from 25 to 30 March 2023. Interestingly, while these factors significantly contribute to job stress, their direct effect on psychological well-being was found to be statistically insignificant. Instead, job stress emerged as a significant mediator between these job stressors and psychological well-being. Consequently, the research uncovers the need for hospitality organizations to devise effective stress management and mitigation strategies, rather than solely focusing on reducing the presence of job stressors. Practical recommendations for industry management, encompassing strategies for reducing job insecurity, managing interpersonal conflicts and emotional labor, and the implementation of stress management programs, are provided. These insights have potential implications not only for enhancing employee well-being but also for fostering a more resilient and thriving hospitality sector.

Mission statement and social impact: Shedding light on the contribution of Italian B corps to society

This qualitative study examines the relationship between the mission statements of 161 Italian B Corps and their social impact performance, measured by the B Impact Assessment (BIA). The research combined different qualitative methods: content analysis, text mining, and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in a homogeneous research design to explore the content of B Corps mission statements and their influence on social impact performance. The results reveal that B Corps’ mission statements are compound in nature, combining elements related to philosophy and values, environmental protection, and social benefit with the drive toward market success and economic performance. Additionally, mission statements with rich content are associated with better social impact performance, highlighting the role of the mission statement in creating identity and imprinting differentiation for B Corps. Finally, this study offers practical recommendations for entrepreneurs and managers of B Corps to craft clear mission statements that promote positive social impact.

Assessing Biopesticides for Managing Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Africa

Abstract In the last 6 years, the fall armyworm (FAW) has spread to the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, as well as most nations in Africa. This case focuses on sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 300 million people depend on maize, as a staple crop, and the preferred host plant of FAW. Synthetic pesticides against FAW are not always used safely or effectively. Here we assess work on the current state of knowledge on biopesticides for FAW in Africa, document information gaps, including compatibility with other recommended management practices, and list biopesticides that are a priority for research, development and promotion. The case incorporates two earlier assessments, one from 2018 on the status of biopesticide options against FAW, and one from 2020 that led to recommendations for field trials for eight active ingredients – Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki , Beauveria bassiana , Dysphania ambrosioides , ethyl palmitate, eugenol, garlic extract, Metarhizium anisopliae and Steinernema spp. Field trials for some of these pesticides have now been carried out but other trials are still ongoing. The team also recommended bioassays to determine the effectiveness of four active ingredients against FAW – GS-omega/kappa-Hx-tx-Hv1a, canola oil, capsaicin and D-limonene. Information © CAB International 2023

Validation and Evaluation of the Existing Agronomic Practices for Chickpea Productivity around West Arsi Zone of Shashemene Wereda

The activity was conducted around Shashemene wereda of selected kebele in 2022/23 main cropping season, to validate and evaluate crop management (agronomic) practices for adopting chickpea production on the small holder farmer’s field. The study was conducted on selected farmer’s field, then training and awareness were created about the experiment before we established on selected host farmer’s field. The farmers handled all activities by their own local chickpea agronomic management practice on their own farm. However, the research recommended agronomic practice were carried out by the researchers. We already organized the field day two times i.e., at the time of sowing and while harvesting of chickpea. The participants were actively and seriously evaluated the difference between treatments (local farmers practice and research recommended agronomic practice). Producing of chickpea by row planting, NPS fertilizer application, apron star seed treatment and on time fungicide or insecticide application is much better than their local management practice. So, chickpea sown by recommended management practice has showed better performance. The recommended agronomic practice enables to obtained the maximum grain yield (2,030 kg ha-1 and 1,552 kg ha-1) from both Teketay and Natoli varieties respectively. The result of our economic analysis forced to conclude that, planting of chickpea with row spacing, fertilizer application, apron star seed treatment is more economical and advantageous than farmer’s local practice.

Humor on Destination Websites: Effects of Humor on Attitudes and Visit Intentions

Humor is an important technique that can be applied in destination marketing to attract potential travelers. This study used a scenario-based experimental design to explore the effects of humor on destination websites. The results demonstrate that both the content of humor and the temporal distance of the visit significantly influence tourists' attitudes and travel intentions, which are mediated by website trust. The relationships between humor content and visit intentions are stronger when travelers are promotion focused rather than prevention focused, and when they are more familiar with destination websites. This study contributes to knowledge and practice by highlighting humor as an essential component of destination website design and providing practical recommendations for destination marketing and management.

Examining Communication for Homeless Populations in Times of Crises

This paper examines communicating about complex challenges facing populations experiencing homelessness and examining alternative ways to communicate with these populations in times of crisis. Utilizing a case study approach, the researchers focused on cities in New York and California due to the high numbers of unhoused populations and individuals experiencing homelessness within these states. Experts in crisis and emergency management have provided invaluable recommendations on the general protection of life and property; however, individuals identifying as homeless or unhoused share characteristics that heighten their risk and vulnerability, such as lower socioeconomic status, unstable resilience levels prior to a crisis, and geographic disparities. The intersection of these attributes presents unique challenges for emergency managers and relevant public administrators when implementing crisis response and communication strategies, such as one-way written and oral messaging over media and social networks, along with enacting any new protocols needed in relation to the crisis itself, like targeted outreach. This paper discusses the evolution of crisis communication for homeless and unhoused populations, national statistics, along with analysis of case studies for Los Angeles, California, and New York City, New York. The paper concludes with eight major themes related to communicating with homeless and unhoused populations during times of crises and practical recommendations for emergency managers and relevant public administrators.

Feasting on Profit: Exploring the Interplay of Culinary Trends and Hotel Restaurant Revenue

This study examines how food and beverage trends affect hotel restaurant revenue. By analyzing existing literature and diverse data sources, including guest reviews, revenue records, and industry reports, we uncover how culinary innovations like unique cuisines, dietary preferences, sustainable ingredients, and creative presentation styles influence financial performance. We consider economic aspects, assess guest satisfaction's significance, and conduct competitive analyses to suggest practical recommendations for hotel management, encompassing menu optimization and inventive marketing strategies. We also discuss potential future trends, offering insights to help hotels stay ahead in the ever-changing culinary landscape, ultimately enhancing guest experiences and restaurant revenue.

Public tolerance of lethal wildlife management in Japan: A best–worst scaling questionnaire analysis

Human–wildlife conflict is a major problem for sustainable development worldwide. Lethal management options play an essential role in wildlife management. However, assessing public tolerance of lethal options is crucial. While this has been studied for specific targets, variations in public tolerance by wildlife characteristics such as biological class and nativeness remain unexplored. Accordingly, we administered a questionnaire survey (n = 1000) using best–worst scaling to reveal the comparative tolerance of lethal wildlife management for 10 wildlife species (including mammals, birds, fish, and plants) in Japan. We found that public tolerance of lethal wildlife management differed by species rather than biological class and nativeness. We then used cluster analysis to group respondents with similar lethal wildlife management tolerances and found commonalities based on age, sex, and beliefs. This study offers theoretical insights for understanding public tolerance of lethal wildlife management as well as practical recommendations for wildlife managers.

Maize and groundnut crop production among rural households in Zambia: Implications in the management of aflatoxins

Maize and groundnut are important crops for both commercial and smallholder farming in Zambia, whose production is being threatened by their susceptibility to aflatoxin contamination. Despite this threat, there is limited knowledge of household growers' behaviour and applications related to suitable agricultural management practices, as well as growers’ perception and knowledge of aflatoxins and their effects. This limited knowledge has major implications for acute human health effects such as liver cirrhosis and death, cancer, stunting in children, immune system suppression, impaired food conversion, and reduced livestock productivity and/or increased livestock mortality.This cross-sectional survey of smallholder household growers in Zambia was conducted to identify the gaps in the knowledge and application of aflatoxin-associated agricultural management practices. A sample of 3865 maize- and groundnut-producing smallholder farm households were selected in 27 priority districts implementing the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN)/First 1000 Most Critical Days Programme (MCDP) Phase II. Among the five pre-harvest management practices for maize and groundnuts – namely, controlling weeds, timely planting, controlling pests, and applying basal and top-dressing fertilisers – few households (8%) reported practising all of them. Among the recommended techniques for harvesting and handling maize and groundnuts, the most common harvest-management practices under maize production were drying (95.2% of households) and sorting at harvest (72%). In contrast, very few households (2%) practised at least three of four maize harvest management practices. Similarly, very few households (10%) practised at least 4 of the 6 groundnut harvest-management measures. Comparatively, post-harvest and storage management practices were more commonly practised, although most households did not practise all six post-harvest and storage management measures.Overall, very few households (1% for maize and 4% for groundnuts) were observed to be practising at least 12 of the 14 recommended management practices, implying that there are considerable gaps in the implementation of aflatoxin-related management practices along all stages of maize and groundnut production, consequently posing a significant threat to health and contributing to malnutrition levels in Zambia.As such, there is a need to develop tailored interventions and trainings for farming households, extension officers, and frontline health workers to prevent and manage aflatoxin contamination at different stages of crop production. Furthermore, the elimination of policy constraints, practical barriers of affordability and consumer awareness, and the value attached to the commercial product of Aflasafe, noted to reduce aflatoxin contamination by 80–100%, are of utmost urgency.

ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ УДАЛЕННОЙ РАБОТЫ: ПРЕИМУЩЕСТВА И ВЫЗОВЫ

The impact of remote work on productivity, employee satisfaction, communication and leadership is considered. The benefits of remote work are analyzed, such as increased flexibility and employee satisfaction, reduced office rental costs, and increased access to global talent. The challenges associated with managing remote teams are also considered, including problems of communication, monitoring and motivation of employees, as well as loss of connection with corporate culture and values. Practical recommendations for personnel management in conditions of remote work are provided