Green jobs from a small state perspective : case studies from Malta

The thrust of the argument in this paper is that artisans can make valuable contributions to the holistic values of sustainable development. These contributions could include both environmental concerns, such as the reduction and recycling of waste and the use of local, natural materials in craft production, as well as the social aspects of developing and preserving local knowledge and skills and the provision of sustainable employment and self-actualisation opportunities. These would in turn be of value in economic terms, as they would enable artisans to develop “prosperous, vibrant enterprises” (Ferraro, White, Cox, Bebbington, & Wilson, 2011, p. 21) which incorporate all three (environmental, social and economic) elements of sustainable development, thus transforming artisans into sustainable entrepreneurs. This paper forms part of a larger research project currently being conducted among artisans in Malta, aimed at assessing the current conditions and practices of Maltese artisans and their traditional craft production in the light of creativity, innovation and sustainability. It reports on an informal preliminary round of research carried out with artisans at the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village in Malta, which sheds some light upon certain unfavourable conditions that are threatening the survival of traditional artisans in Malta. These include unfair competition from mass produced imports, an inadequate certification system for genuine crafts, uninformed and unappreciative local customers, and fluctuations in tourist rates. The paper concludes by giving an outline of the steps that should follow this preliminary research, and by making practical recommendations for the survival, prosperity and sustainability of genuine Maltese artisan enterprises in the context of a market that is not congenial to artisans.peer-reviewe

Green jobs from a small scale perspective : case studies from Malta

Sustainable energy policy and its potential to create green jobs in Malta, as seen from the point of view of Maltese civil society, provides the basis for a critical analysis of the development of environmental policies in Malta. The discussion is based on data emanating from a qualitative type of survey conducted among the key persons involved in the main organisations representing the Maltese civil society. What emerged from this data is that there is a high level of awareness among members of Maltese civil society about the need to create more green jobs and the formulation of an effective policy of sustainable development. Respondents stressed the challenges inherent in a small island sovereign state suffering from peripherality and insularity. However while acknowledging these constraints, respondents expressed a high degree of optimism about the implementation of an effective green policy. They maintain that part of the solution lies in devising innovative practices by means of which Maltese policy makers would exploit Malta’s geographical position and harness all possible material and human resources. However to achieve such a goal the process has be consultative and participative.European Parliamentpeer-reviewe

Is there sustainable entrepreneurship in the wine industry? Exploring Sicilian wineries participating in the SOStain program

Global climate change and the accelerating depletion of natural resources have contributed to increase discussions about the role of private enterprises in reversing negative environmental trends. Rather than focusing on profit maximization, policy makers and consumers pressure groups expect firms to meet a triple-bottom line of economic, environmental and social value creation. Hence sustainable entrepreneurship has received recently increasing interest as a phenomenon and a research topic. More recently, the concept of sustainability has been taken seriously in the Italian wine industry. The organizational challenge for entrepreneurship is to better integrate social and environmental performance into the economic business logic. The aim of this manuscript is to illustrate, through a descriptive approach, the adaptation of the wine industry to the new scenario of sustainable entrepreneurship. To reach this goal we carried out an explorative analysis of 3 Sicilian wineries involved in the SOStain program, which aims at the improvement of sustainability in the wine industry. The findings of the analysis show the existence of sustainability-driven entrepreneurship, in which the wineries undertake to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life for the workforce, their families, the local and global community as well as future generations

The role of government in the implementation of sustainable development initiatives by adventure tourism SMMEs in South Africa : an exploratory inquiry

Abstract: Sustainable development suggests that there are restrictions to the obtainability of ecological resources and the planet to engage human activities. Limited South African research exists in the field of sustainable development in adventure tourism SMMEs especially the role of Government in terms of implementation of sustainable development initiatives. A structured questionnaire was administered via email and hard copies. A total of 105 usable responses were received. Government, business associations and certification bodies have unrelated methods for evaluating sustainability issues. The tourism sector is overwhelmed with initiatives and certifications intended at facilitation and adoption of sustainable development practices. This adds to the confusion that entrepreneurs face when it comes to choosing an appropriate tool. There is consensus that entrepreneurs want to develop their sustainability knowledge base. It is recommended that the different institutions or actors in the arena of sustainable development should make information on sustainable development easily available. The SMMEs also indicated that the legislative framework affecting small businesses should be improved. The government, should award rebates to SMMEs for implementing sustainable development initiatives. Alternative funding for implementing sustainable development initiatives should also be established

Loran-C digital word generator for use with a KIM-1 microprocessor system

The problem of translating the time of occurrence of received Loran-C pulses into a time, referenced to a particular period of occurrence is addressed and applied to the design of a digital word generator for a Loran-C sensor processor package. The digital information from this word generator is processed in a KIM-1 microprocessor system which is based on the MOS 6502 CPU. This final system will consist of a complete time difference sensor processor for determining position information using Loran-C charts. The system consists of the KIM-1 microprocessor module, a 4K RAM memory board, a user interface, and the Loran-C word generator

Business sustainability through successful integration of marketing and operations

Special Issue on Integrating marketing and operations for business sustainabilit

Transaction costs and tradable permits empirical evidence from the EU emissions trading scheme

In this paper, transaction costs in the EU emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) are examined empirically based on survey data from German companies. Transaction costs from measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of emissions, permit trading and general informational costs are considered. Transaction costs from MRV and permit trading are of non-linear form and dependent on annual emission and trading volumes based on OLS and nonparametric estimation. As a consequence of non-linear transaction costs, welfare losses occur compared to a first-best setup under zero transaction costs. In practice, smaller emitters will emit less (abate more) compared to larger emitters and vice versa due to economies of scale in the management of emissions trading. The results further imply that optimal firm size might be influenced by transaction costs in the EU ETS because of relatively high average transaction costs amongst smaller emitters. Overall annual transaction costs in the EU ETS in Germany are estimated to be EUR 8.7 million

DEVELOPING STRATEGIC SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANUFACTURING SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE: AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY

Purpose of the study: This study in Malaysia explores the adoption of strategic social responsibility (SR) practices among manufacturing-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Methodology: A qualitative approach employing the in-depth interview method was taken-up for this study. Eight respondents from manufacturing SMEs in Penang were randomly selected from the list published by the National SME Agency, which is also reckoned as SMECorp and participated in the study. The selection of senior level managers as respondents was also based on their understanding of strategic SR initiatives and decision-making capacity within their organizations. In order to further ensure that all respondents were equal in their views, the study avoided any attempt to interfere with or incorporate existing business-related practices of SMEs, which could influence the findings of this study. Main Findings: In order to enable manufacturing SMEs to pursue sustainable and profitable SR practices, the findings first propose a six-phase SR implementation methodology. Secondly, it includes a risk assessment matrix and thirdly, it is followed by a risk transition matrix. The risk assessment and transition matrices serve as determining factors for this sector to pursue such initiatives. Applications of this study: This enables the adoption of SR initiatives which converts to business competitiveness while positioning the SME strategically from social or environmental or both perspectives. Strategic SR helps to position business, thus proving beneficial for this sector that lacks a method to address SR in a benefitting way. This is vital because strategically aligned SR is able to influence business positioning, thus proving beneficial by contributing to the revenue, image, and brand positioning for this sector. Novelty/Originality of this study: Being a preliminary study, the findings identify the steps that are to be taken by manufacturing entities of smaller magnitude for SR-related business positioning

Responsible tourism: A guide for tourism and sustainability in small-scale fisheries and agri-food

‘Responsible Tourism: a guide for tourism and sustainability in small-scale fisheries and agri-food’ is a product of TourFish, a project funded by the EU INTERREG IVA 2 Seas programme. The aim of TourFish was to explore opportunities for coastal areas through developing responsible tourism that draws together food, small-scale inshore fisheries, regional branding and place-based marketing opportunities

An exploration of the extent to which project management tools and techniques can be applied across creative industries through a study of their application in the fashion industry in the North East of Scotland.

This exploratory research took the form of a qualitative study that aims to investigate the extent to which project management tools and techniques can be effectively applied across the creative industries through a study of their application in the fashion industry in the North East of Scotland. The research uncovered challenges which could influence the transferability of project management tools and techniques in more creative industries and these include: a need to be flexible and reactive; the importance of reflecting on success and lessons learnt; and a tension between the creative and analytical mindsets. Conclusions are drawn as to the pan industry value of project management tools and techniques and it is believed that these could be adapted and their value demonstrated better in the creative industries