“Triple Bottom Line” as “Sustainable Corporate Performance”: A Proposition for the Future

Based upon a review of corporate performance, corporate financial performance and corporate social performance, we propose that the concept of ―triple bottom line‖ (TBL) as ―sustainable corporate performance‖ (SCP) should consist of three measurement elements, namely: (i) financial, (ii) social and (iii) environmental. TBL as SCP is proposed to be derived from the interface between them. We also propose that the content of each of these measurement elements may vary across contexts and over time. Furthermore, TBL as SCR should be interpreted to be a relative concept that is dynamic and iterative. Continuous monitoring needs to be performed, adapting the content of the measurement elements to changes that evolve across contexts and over time in the marketplace and society. TBL as SCP may be seen as a function of time and context. Keywords: triple bottom line; sustainable corporate performance; corporate social performance; financial performanc

Skunk River Review Fall 2002, vol 14

https://openspace.dmacc.edu/skunkriver/1010/thumbnail.jp

Paracentesis: Faster and easier using the RenovaRP® pump

PURPOSEParacentesis is commonly performed in interventional radiology practice, and large volume paracentesis (LVP) using wall suction can take up to an hour to complete, placing significant stress on room and resource time. As the number of LVP procedures performed by Interventional Radiologists continue to increase, this study was undertaken to analyze the impact of the RenovaRP® Paracentesis Management System (GI Supply) on procedure time and patient satisfaction.METHODSBetween March 9, 2020 and May 29, 2020, procedural data and patient satisfaction was collected as part of a practice quality improvement project and retrospectively analyzed on 39 sequential paracenteses performed with wall suction prior to acquiring the RenovaRP® system and subsequently on 42 paracenteses performed with use of the device.RESULTSA substantially higher fluid flow rate was found using the RenovaRP® system compared to wall suction, 237.2 mL/min vs. 108.6 mL/min (P < .001). This resulted in a significant decrease in procedure room time from 53 min to 31 min (P < .001). There was associated improvement in the patient experience during paracentesis.CONCLUSIONThe RenovaRP® decreases procedure time for LVP with improvement in the patient experience during paracentesis

The design and testing of a dual fiber textile matrix for accelerating surface hemostasis

The standard treatment for severe traumatic injury is frequently compression and application of gauze dressing to the site of hemorrhage. However, while able to rapidly absorb pools of shed blood, gauze fails to provide strong surface (topical) hemostasis. The result can be excess hemorrhage-related morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that cost-effective materials (based on widespread availability of bulk fibers for other commercial uses) could be designed based on fundamental hemostatic principles to partially emulate the wicking properties of gauze while concurrently stimulating superior hemostasis. A panel of readily available textile fibers was screened for the ability to activate platelets and the intrinsic coagulation cascade in vitro. Type E continuous filament glass and a specialty rayon fiber were identified from the material panel as accelerators of hemostatic reactions and were custom woven to produce a dual fiber textile bandage. The glass component strongly activated platelets while the specialty rayon agglutinated red blood cells. In comparison with gauze in vitro, the dual fiber textile significantly enhanced the rate of thrombin generation, clot generation as measured by thromboelastography, adhesive protein adsorption and cellular attachment and activation. These results indicate that hemostatic textiles can be designed that mimic gauze in form but surpass gauze in ability to accelerate hemostatic reactions

Does it pay to be sustainable? Looking inside the black box of the relationship between sustainability performance and financial performance

The last three decades have witnessed a huge amount of research exploring the linkage between companies' sustainability performance (SP), sustainability disclosure and financial performance (FP). Researchers have applied various methods and techniques to investigate this relationship, yet the results remain equivocal. In this article, we look inside this black box by considering various manifestations of sustainability practices and investigating their link with FP. We apply a manual content analysis technique to analyse the sustainability reports of the 100 best-performing US firms. Our results reveal that fragmentation in the results is caused by the SP measurement. Additionally, we note that the interlinkages between different SP dimensions and sub-dimensions are weak and somewhat contradictory. The results help draw important policy implications for the development of an SP reporting framework

Economy and Divorces: Their Impact Over Time on the Self-Employment Rates in Spain

The paper used time-series data and examined the effect of economic and social variables on the male and female self-employment rates in Spain. We also employed cointegration analysis (with and without) structural breaks. We thus find strong evidence that long run relationships exist among the variables. More precisely, we find that the unemployment rates and the ratio of self-employment to employees’ earnings have a positive effect on self-employment, whereas, economic development and divorce rates have a negative effect. Importantly, we find that the economic variables have equal or stronger long run impact on females than males, with both groups reacting to changes in family circumstances. Finally, we show that the short run family circumstances are better predictors of self-employment choices rather than economic factors, with self-employment being a means of adjustment to new personal circumstances and economic needs

Understanding the values and management needs of New Zealand surf breaks

Recent developments in New Zealand coastal policy include increased recognition for surf breaks as unique environments characterised by breaking waves. The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) 2010 includes policies that directly apply or relate to surf breaks and these provide considerable guidance for the protection of these areas and their associated values. This includes a definition for &lsquo;surf break&rsquo; and guidance on other spatial aspects for planning. Local authorities now require a robust framework to implement these policies alongside other NZCPS policies within an integrated approach. &nbsp; An extensive body of local and indigenous knowledge of these environments exists within coastal communities, and may be accessed to assist the management approach. &nbsp;In this study participatory methods were utilised to investigate perspectives on surf breaks in two different regions in New Zealand. Information was sought on the values of surf breaks that are important for their effective management, and on the attributes of surf break environments that support those values. The findings demonstrate that a wide range of values are associated with surf breaks and a complex combination of bio-physical attributes is typically responsible for the values reported. These attributes often equate to the unique characteristics of an individual site, indicating that a site specific focus for management is essential. The findings also highlighted considerable variance in the perceived importance of different surf breaks for different people. Consequently, effective management of the resource is likely to require a thorough understanding and integration of both biophysical and socio-economic information at a range of scales including the level of individual sites and communities.&nbsp