BRIDGING RADIAL AND NON-RADIAL MEASURES OF EFFICIENCY IN DEA

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been utilized worldwide for measuring efficiencies of banks, telecommunications, electric utilities and so forth. Yet, the existing models have some well known shortcomings that limit their usefulness. In DEA we have two fundamental approaches to measuring efficiency with very different characteristics; radial and non-radial. We demonstrate a method for linking these two approaches in a unified framework called Connected-SBM. It includes two scalar parameters, and by changing the parameter values we can relocate the analysis anywhere between the radial and the non-radial models. An appropriate choice of these parameters can overcome the key shortcomings inherent in the two approaches, namely, proportionality and mixed patterns of slacks.http://www.grips.ac.jp/list/facultyinfo/tone_kaoru

The Emergence of the ‘Social Licence to Operate’ in the Extractive Industries?

The ‘social licence to operate’ (SLO) is a construct that has potential to transform the mining sector internationally. The SLO is increasing in importance because it can reduce all risks during the energy project life-cycle that are detrimental to the success of energy projects. This paper analyses how SLO's are at first perceived by interdisciplinary energy scholars before examining the legal nature of an SLO and looking at the effectiveness of such an agreement from the perspectives of both the energy company and the local community. In essence, this research seeks to address what is the legal basis of an SLO. Further, an original case study on Columbia is presented which highlights the SLO in action and its transformative effect. The paper also engages in new debates around the relationship of SLOs to related energy concepts such as the energy justice and environmental impact statements, which are also vital to energy infrastructure developmen

The relationship of sine and cosine to the unit circle [electronic resource] /

The demonstration is an interactive learning tool to help students understand the connection between the sine and cosine ratios and the circumference of a unit circle. This method of teaching trigonometry has been validated in the following study: http://staff.edfac.unimelb.edu.au/~kayecs/publications/1997/KendalStacey-Trig.pdfPatson, N 2007 "The relationship of sine and cosine to the unit circle" from The Wolfram Demonstrations Project, creative work, http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/RelationshipOfSineAndCosineToTheUnitCircle/,ERA Eligibl

Abstract art [electronic resource] /

Voronoi diagrams have an organic quality about them because the tessellation of 2 dimensional spaces by convex polygons is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. A low resolution density plot depiction of a Voronoi diagram coloured using a predetermined artistic colour scheme generates instant abstract art. The demonstration allows the user to manipulate randomly set initial points and add new points which are used to determine a Voronoi diagram which is displayed using a set resolution. When the resolution is low an image is generated reminiscent of abstract art in the cubist tradition. Different colour schemes can be chosen to give different effects. This method of creating art is appealing to both kinaesthetic and visual learners.Patson, N 2010 "Abstract Art" from The Wolfram Demonstrations Project, http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/AbstractArt/, creative work.Program requirement: Wolfram Mathematica PlayerERA Eligibl

Juggling priorities : Balancing economic and social drivers to address the language, literacy and numeracy needs of students in the VET sector

Economic success and commitment to the social benefits of inclusive training opportunities are important goals for public Vocational Education and Training (VET). Currently in Australia, VET policy is a shared responsibility between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories. Priorities for investment are juggled between improving efficiency and responsiveness, and providing societal prosperity. Amid recent VET educational reforms and policy directives, the authors undertook a pilot study examining language, literacy and numeracy support and inclusive teaching and learning practices in a Diploma of Nursing course. The data highlighted implications arising from new, market-driven education reforms. This article reports on identified factors that influenced inclusive learning opportunities, noticeably associated with two recent policy developments: the release of the FSK Foundation Skills Training Package and Queensland’s Higher Skills Program Policy 2014–15