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There are numerous food safety aspects that must be taken into consideration by organic food producers and processors to ensure the safety and quality of their products. The application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, together with the implementation of good hygiene practices (GHP), ensures that food safety and process hygiene criteria are met. This study was based on a survey conducted among 316 producers and processors representing the organic food sector in five European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Italy and Poland). The knowledge and experience of organic food operators with HACCP systems were evaluated. Moreover, their
needs and expectations towards assistance (training, guidance materials) that could improve the level of knowledge and compliance with respective food safety rules and regulations were assessed.
The need for support on a number of issues related to food safety and guidance documents on the application of HACCP principles were also identified. This study provides highlights of the application of HACCP principles, with particular focus on identifying priorities and needs for two types of food operators (food producers and food processors). Although most of the surveyed food operators were confirmed to have basic knowledge regarding the HACCP system, there was a lack of understanding of the system principles. The needs and expectations varied among the studied countries and types of organic operators. Recognition of the full potential of the HACCP system requires assistance, particularly in the preparation of documents and records. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings and to identify effective strategies to improve the HACCP knowledge of food operators.
Despite a broadly shared belief by most organizational members that their own organization’s environmental performance should be improved, they frequently struggle to do so. Securing the required behavioral changes within their organization has frequently been identified as one of the crucial challenges encountered. Hence, there is an urgent need for actionable insights into how to develop and sustain these behavioral change processes. To this end, we systematically reviewed and compared research evidence of how intra-organizational behavior for environmental performance improvements develops over time. This review shows that extensive and long-lasting outcomes are achieved when environmental performance improving activities are advocated, role-modelled and endorsed by top and line managers. Shifts in social norms appear strongly associated with extensive and long-lasting behavioral changes, especially when they are broadly shared and embedded in a pro-environmental organizational culture. Initial evidence points towards the importance of role models throughout the organization in developing such a culture. Pro-environmental behavioral changes may be effectively instigated and sustained by: setting goals; providing instructions; facilitating desired behavior through redesigning organizational practices and procedures; and rewarding achieved outcomes. Furthermore, positive performance feedback catalyzes pro-environmental behavioral changes and employee participation in developing new practices and procedures is strongly associated with long-lasting environmental performance improvements. Heightened awareness of current environmental performance and an increase in specific knowledge of activities for environmental performance improvement appear to predict behavioral change. Initial evidence suggests that positive attitudes towards non-green aspects of improving environmental performance are crucial predictors of long-lasting and extensive pro-environmental behavioral changes.
A sustainability transition (ST) of the agri-food system (AFS) is necessary due to manifold environmental and social exigencies. Scholars widely refer to the multi-level perspective (MLP) in the analysis of those transitions. The fast pace of articles covering AFS transitions, the evolving research on spaces between the three levels, and the consisting unclear conceptualization of MLP levels call for a systematic update on literature utilizing MLP in AFS articles covering ST. As a basis for reporting, this systematic literature review uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search was conducted on the database Scopus encompassing the period from 2018 to 2022. After the selection procedure, 58 articles were included in the review. We extracted data based on a combination of a concept-driven and data-driven coding scheme. Qualitative research approaches outweigh and interrelated activities within the AFS are being analyzed, predominantly in the agricultural sectors. The focus lays on ongoing transitions. The concept of sustainability and its direction is considered as given (e.g., through the case lens), without further elaborations. The niche constitutes the most prominent object of study and scholars refer to rather socially innovative activities than technological innovations, providing distinct views on radicality and strategies to breakthrough. A space between niche and regime is being presented, with slightly distinct conceptualisations. Actors from both levels collaborate and exert transformative power. The regime is presented as static but also more vividly evolving views on the regime are demonstrated. The landscape receives the least attention and the focus lays on immaterial characteristics. Combinations of MLP with other frameworks have proven useful, for instance, regarding elaborations on the agency on the landscape level. Generally, an unclear conceptualization of regime and landscape persists, lacking a theoretical elaboration. Further research applying MLP should aim for a deeper examination of its theoretical construct, especially in terms of regime and landscape. More quantitative or mixed-methods research could supplement the current dominating qualitative approaches by testing and validating qualitatively constructed theories and phenomena.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Rethinking Sacred Spaces : Taking the Jakobichurch as an example : [Wintersemester 2022/2023]
(2023)
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Collective dynamic capabilities in innovation ecosystems - an analysis of the multi-actor process
(2023)
Crystallographic and Photoluminescence Studies on the Solid Solution Li3Ba2La3–xPrx(WO4)8 (x = 0-3
(2022)
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) progression is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD), whereas healthy lifestyle habits are associated with lower ccIMT. The objective of the present study was to test whether a healthy lifestyle intervention can beneficially affect ccIMT progression. A community-based non-randomised, controlled lifestyle intervention was conducted, focusing on a predominantly plant-based diet (strongest emphasis), physical activity, stress management and social health. Assessments of ccIMT were made at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. Participants had an average age of 57 years and were recruited from the general population in rural northwest Germany (intervention: n 114; control: n 87). From baseline to 1 year, mean ccIMT significantly increased in both the intervention (0⋅026 [95 % CI 0⋅012, 0⋅039] mm) and control group (0⋅045 [95 % CI 0⋅033, 0⋅056] mm). The 1-year trajectory of mean ccIMT was lower in the intervention group (P = 0⋅022; adjusted for baseline). In a subgroup analysis with participants with high baseline mean ccIMT (≥0⋅800 mm), mean ccIMT non-significantly decreased in the intervention group (−0⋅016 [95 % CI −0⋅050, 0⋅017] mm; n 18) and significantly increased in the control group (0⋅065 [95 % CI 0⋅033, 0⋅096] mm; n 12). In the subgroup, the 1-year trajectory of mean ccIMT was significantly lower in the intervention group (between-group difference: −0⋅051 [95 % CI −0⋅075, −0⋅027] mm; P < 0⋅001; adjusted for baseline). The results indicate that healthy lifestyle changes may beneficially affect ccIMT within 1 year, particularly if baseline ccIMT is high.
Additive manufacturing (AM) has continuously grown in recent decades. Enhanced quality, further development of technology, and fall in prices make AM applicable and capable for various industrial applications, also for the manufacture of medical devices. 3D printing offers the possibility for an unprecedented adaptation to the anatomy of each patient, generating medical devices on a case-by-case basis. In many jurisdictions, custom-made devices qualify for an exemption to pre-market approval standards. This regulation is called into question by new technologies, like AM. Therefore, this article compares the current regulatory requirements for custom-made devices in Europe, the United States, and Australia and discusses the impact on 3D printed devices. It concludes that not all jurisdictions have yet adjusted their regulatory framework for custom-made devices to technological advances. Remaining uncertainties must be eliminated in order to help manufacturers comply with the regulatory requirements, emphasizing key aspects of AM.
To deepen our understanding of how project leaders can lead effectively in different community-academic health partnerships (CAHPs), we conducted an inductive, qualitative study through semi-structured interviews (N = 32) and analyzed the data with Grounded Theory approaches. By presenting a process model illustrating the cycle of effective leaders(hip) in CAHP projects, we contribute to the literature on CAHP, leadership development, and complexity leadership theory in three ways. Firstly, the model depicts the strategies enabling leaders to navigate typical project challenges and perform leadership tasks effectively. Secondly, we distill four beneficial qualities (i.e., adopting a proactive attitude, having an open and adaptive mindset, relying on peer learning and support, and emphasizing self-growth and reflexivity) which CAHP project leaders require to develop themselves into effective leaders. Thirdly, we illustrate leaders' dynamic developmental logics and processes of effective leadership and their contributions to better project functioning in diverse CAHPs.
Numerical Model of the Railway Brake Disk for the Temperature and Axial Thermal Stress Analyses
(2022)
Purpose
Combining the goal-setting and job demands-resources (JD-R) theories, we examine how two project resources, collaborative project leadership and financial project resources, enhance high project performance in community-academic health partnerships.
Design/methodology/approach
With a sequential explanatory mixed-method research design, data were collected through a survey (N = 318) and semi-structured interviews (N = 21). A hypothesised three-path mediation model was tested using structural equation modelling with bootstrapping. Qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis.
Findings
Project workers’ hope, goal-commitment and -stress: (1) fully mediate the hypothesised relationship between highly collaborative project leadership and high project performance; and (2) partially mediate the relationship between financial project resources and high project performance. The qualitative data corroborate and deepen these findings, revealing the crucial role of hope as a cognitive-motivational facilitator in project workers’ ability to cope with challenges.
Practical implications
Project leaders should promote project workers’ goal commitment, reduce their goal stress and boost project performance by securing financial project resources or reinforcing workers’ hope, e.g. by fostering collaborative project leadership.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to the project management and JD-R literature by considering the joint effects of project workers’ hope and two commonly studied project resources (collaborative project leadership and financial project resources) on high project performance. Moreover, we demonstrate the importance of the goal-setting and JD-R theories for understanding complex health-promotion projects connecting academic to community work.
Background
Community–academic health partnerships (CAHPs) have become increasingly common to bridge the knowledge-to-practice gap in health care. Because working in such partnerships can be excessively challenging, insights into the individual-level enablers of high performance will enable better management of CAHPs.
Purpose
Steered by the goal-setting theory, this study examined the relations between goal clarity, goal stress, goal importance, and their interactions on perceived project performance among individuals working in CAHPs’ constituting projects.
Methodology
Using a convergent mixed-method research design, online survey data were collected from 268 participants working in a variety of CAHP projects in three German-speaking countries. We tested the hypotheses using structural equation modeling, after which thematic analysis was carried out on the 209 open-ended responses.
Results
CAHP project performance was positively associated with goal clarity and negatively associated with goal stress. A three-way interaction analysis showed that when goal importance was high, the relationship between goal clarity and project performance remained positive regardless of the level of goal stress. The qualitative data corroborate this finding.
Conclusion
In CAHP projects, high goal importance offsets the negative effect of goal stress on project performance, indicating that workers who perceive the project goals as important can manage the stress associated with demanding goals better.
Practice Implications
To achieve high project performance in CAHPs, organizational and project leaders should (a) set clear project goals, (b) facilitate project workers in dealing with stress resulting from overly demanding goals, and (c) emphasize the importance of the project goals, especially when goal stress is high.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Background The potential of adopting a healthy lifestyle to fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is not fully used. We hypothesised that the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (HLCP, cohort 1) reduces weight and other risk markers compared with baseline and control.
Methods 24-month, non-randomised, controlled intervention trial. Intervention: intensive 8-week phase with seminars, workshops and coaching focusing on a healthy lifestyle (eg, plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management) and group support followed by a 22-month alumni phase. Weight reduction as the primary outcome and other NCD risk parameters were assessed at six time points. Participants were recruited from the general population. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.
Results 143 participants (58±12 years, 71% female) were enrolled (91 in the intervention (IG) and 52 in the control group (CG)). Groups’ baseline characteristics were comparable, except participants of IG were younger, more often females, overweight and reported lower energy intake (kcal/day). Weight significantly decreased in IG at all follow-ups by −1.5 ± 1.9 kg after 8 weeks to −1.9 ± 4.0 kg after 24 months and more than in CG (except after 24 months). Being male, in the IG or overweight at baseline and having a university degree predicted more weight loss. After the intervention, there were more participants in the IG with a ‘high’ adherence (+12%) to plant-based food patterns. The change of other risk parameters was most distinct after 8 weeks and in people at elevated risk. Diabetes-related risk parameters did not improve.
Conclusion The HLCP was able to reduce weight and to improve aspects of the NCD risk profile. Weight loss in the IG was moderate but maintained for 24 months. Participants of lower educational status might benefit from even more practical units. Future interventions should aim to include more participants at higher risk.
Trial registration number DRKS00018821.
Inorganic Detetor Materials
(2022)
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
OpenPGP is one of the two major standards for end-to-end email security. Several studies showed that serious usability issues exist with tools implementing this standard. However, a widespread assumption is that expert users can handle these tools and detect signature spoofing attacks. We present a user study investigating expert users' strategies to detect signature spoofing attacks in Thunderbird. We observed 25 expert users while they classified eight emails as either having a legitimate signature or not. Studying expert users explicitly gives us an upper bound of attack detection rates of all users dealing with PGP signatures. 52% of participants fell for at least one out of four signature spoofing attacks. Overall, participants did not have an established strategy for evaluating email signature legitimacy. We observed our participants apply 23 different types of checks when inspecting signed emails, but only 8 of these checks tended to be useful in identifying the spoofed or invalid signatures. In performing their checks, participants were frequently startled, confused, or annoyed with the user interface, which they found supported them little. All these results paint a clear picture: Even expert users struggle to verify email signatures, usability issues in email security are not limited to novice users, and developers may need proper guidance on implementing email signature GUIs correctly.
Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are faced with multiple challenges both in the classroom and in the homework situation. While there are many studies on pedagogical interventions by teachers in the classroom, this is hardly the case when it comes to support staff in after-school homework supervision. In this study, 196 support staff with different qualifications were asked not only about their knowledge of ADHD, their subjective level of stress, and whether they felt trained enough to work with children with ADHD, but also to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of 25 interventions in homework supervision. Overall, the respondents rated effectiveness higher than feasibility. Higher qualifications, greater knowledge, and better preparation went hand in hand with higher ratings of effectiveness. The more stressed the support staff feel themselves to be, the less feasible they rate the measures. The results underline the necessity of employing well-trained pedagogical staff to supervise children with ADHD. A number of interventions can be identified that the support staff deem to be both effective and feasible, and that promise a high level of implementation in practice. At the same time, more attention should be given to potential obstacles to using recommended measures in training and further education.
Emotionally intelligent top management and high family firm performance: Evidence from Germany
(2022)
Executives in family firms are often confronted with emotionally loaded issues, in part due to the need to include the interests of the owning family. Given this context, we hypothesize how high family-firm performance is affected by the emotional intelligence (EI) of a family-based CEO and top-management team (TMT), in addition to the CEO's transformational leadership (TFL) and TMT's behavioral integration. Survey measures were taken from a random sample of 72 CEOs of German family firms and 245 members of their TMTs. We found that TMT behavioral integration mediates between CEO TFL and objective firm performance while CEO EI is significantly related to both CEO TFL and TMT EI. Implications are discussed for future research thereby suggesting an extension to upper-echelon theory.
Purpose. Strong leadership can be success-critical in M&As. The purpose of this study is to present what HR practice can offer if such leadership is absent and puts the success of the merger or acquisition at risk.
Design/methodology/approach. Drawing on a recent merger, this paper clarifies the interplay between trust, leadership, and conflict.
Findings. HR can take an active role in supporting top management during major organizational change by (a) avoiding a leadership vacuum, (b) effectively communicating promises by the new owner, and (c) offering support in inter-familial conflicts during the integration phase.
Originality/value. Supporting a smooth exit for the target owner, assisting the owning family in their communication activities, and taking conflicts within the family seriously, all help to effectively merge two family firms.
Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a common side-effect of exposure to virtual reality (VR). Its unpleasant symptoms may limit the acceptance of VR technologies for training or clinical purposes. Mechanical stimulation of the mastoid and diverting attention to pleasant stimuli-like odors or music have been found to ameliorate VIMS. Chewing gum combines both in an easy-to-administer fashion and should thus be an effective countermeasure against VIMS. Our study investigated whether gustatory-motor stimulation by chewing gum leads to a reduction of VIMS symptoms. 77 subjects were assigned to three experimental groups (control, peppermint gum, and ginger gum) and completed a 15-min virtual helicopter flight, using a VR head-mounted display. Before and after VR exposure, we assessed VIMS with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and during the virtual flight once every minute with the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS). Chewing gum (peppermint gum: M = 2.44, SD = 2.67; ginger gum: M = 2.57, SD = 3.30) reduced the peak FMS scores by 2.05 (SE = 0.76) points as compared with the control group (M = 4.56, SD = 3.52), p < 0.01, d = 0.65. Additionally, taste ratings correlated slightly negatively with both the SSQ and the peak FMS scores, suggesting that pleasant taste of the chewing gum is associated with less VIMS. Thus, chewing gum may be useful as an affordable, accepted, and easy-to-access way to mitigate VIMS in numerous applications like education or training. Possible mechanisms behind the effect are discussed.
(1) The use of renewable energy for power and heat supply is one of the strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As only 14% of German households are supplied with renewable energy, a shift is necessary. This shift should be realized with the lowest possible environmental impact. This paper assesses the environmental impacts of changes in energy generation and distribution, by integrating the life cycle assessment (LCA) method into energy system models (ESM). (2) The integrated LCA is applied to a case study of the German neighborhood of Herne, (i) to optimize the energy supply, considering different technologies, and (ii) to determine the environmental impacts of the base case (status quo), a cost-optimized scenario, and a CO2-optimized scenario. (3) The use of gas boilers in the base case is substituted with CHPs, surface water heat pumps and PV-systems in the CO2-optimized scenario, and five ground-coupled heat pumps and PV-systems for the cost-optimized scenario. This technology shift led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of almost 40% in the cost-optimized, and more than 50% in the CO2-optimized, scenario. However, technology shifts, e.g., due to oversized battery storage, risk higher impacts in other categories, such as terrestrial eco toxicity, by around 22%. Thus, it can be recommended to use smaller battery storage systems. (4) By combining ESM and LCA, additional environmental impacts beyond GHG emissions can be quantified, and therefore trade-offs between environmental impacts can be identified. Furthermore, only applying ESM leads to an underestimation of greenhouse gas emissions of around 10%. However, combining ESM and LCA required significant effort and is not yet possible using an integrated software.
Food production is responsible for approximately 17% of Germany's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. After retail, out-of-home catering is the second largest food sales channel in Germany. A variety of means on both the supply and demand side are necessary to stimulate, facilitate and encourage a more sustainable development and minimise GHG emissions in this sector. Nudges are one of these. This paper's focus lies on the demand side. Set in real-world laboratories, we use a standardised empirical approach to compare different nudging interventions belonging to the area of physical environment and consumers’ choice making process. We compare the effects of the same intervention across different settings and the effect of different, sequential nudging interventions in the same setting. Data was collected in eight workplace and school cafeterias in Germany over two project iterations (2016/2017; 2019/2020). A similar intervention design was applied. Comparability was assured by a harmonised menu. The first project iteration revealed that only one nudge (top menu position, +22.5%) led to significant increases in sustainable food choices, while results from the second iteration showed that all nudge interventions (best counter position, +11.6%; top menu position, +6,9%; label plus information, +15.9%) positively influenced consumer choice. Possible explanations such as the stricter compliance to the experimental design in the cafeterias but also societal developments such as the appearance of the Fridays for Future movement are discussed. As results vary between specific locations and settings, our findings suggest that nudges need to be adjusted to situational conditions for achieving highest efficacy.
Single-shot all-digital approach for measuring the orbital angular momentum spectrum of light
(2022)
Light fields carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) offer a broad variety of applications in which especially an accurate determination of the respective OAM spectrum, i.e., unraveling the content of OAM by its topological charge ℓ, has become a main subject. Even though various techniques have been proposed to measure the OAM spectrum of such modes, many of them fail if optical vortices have to be considered in perturbed or dynamically changing experimental systems. Here, we put forward a novel technique capable of determining the OAM spectrum of light by a single measurement shot, which specifically applies to those fields that have been distorted. Experimentally, our technique only requires to interfere the perturbed light field with a reference field. From the resulting intensity pattern, the accurate OAM spectrum is determined in an all-digital way. We demonstrate our novel approach by numerical simulations and a proof-of-concept experiment employing a model ball lens as an exemplary disturbing object.
Heating networks are highly relevant for the achievement of climate protection goals of urban energy systems. This is due to their high renewable energy potential combined with high plant efficiency and utilization rates. For the optimal integration and sector coupling of heating networks in holistic urban energy systems, open source energy system modeling tools are highly recommended. In this contribution, two open source approaches (the "Spreadsheet Energy System Model Generator"-integrated DHNx-Python module (DHNx/SESMG) and Thermos) are theoretically compared, and practically applied to a real-world energy system. Deviations within the results can be explained by incorrectly pre-defined parameters within Thermos and cannot be adjusted by the modeler. The simultaneity is underestimated in the case study by Thermos by more than 20%. This results in undersized heating plant capacities and a 50% higher number of buildings connected to the network. However, Thermos offers a higher end-user usability and over 100 times faster solving. DHNx/SESMG, in contrast, offers the possibility to adjust more model parameters individually and consider multiple energy sectors. This enables a holistic modeling of urban energy systems and the model-based optimization of multi-sectoral synergies.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Diese Arbeit kann in der Bibliothek für Architektur, Design und Kunst (Leonardocampus 10) eingesehen werden.
Based on an integration of socioecological systems and intergroup contact theory, we hypothesized that the context in which intergroup contact takes place moderates its association with attitudes toward refugees. To test this prediction, majority members in Germany reported in three studies (Ntotal = 695) how often they have had positive and negative direct and indirect contact with refugees in different contexts and their attitudes toward refugees. While the association between direct contact and intergroup attitudes was relatively context-independent, the association between indirect contact and attitudes toward refugees strongly depended on context. Indirect contact was more strongly associated with attitudes toward refugees in contexts with close relationships (family and friends) than in contexts with distanced relationships (newspaper and TV).
Purpose.
Mergers & acquisitions (M&As) can be an effective way to expand into new markets or business opportunities. Yet, a considerable number of failed M&As can be attributed to disregarded human resource (HR) concerns. In particular, an organization’s leadership tends to hail the advantages of a merger or acquisition during the early stages, raising employees’ expectations (honeymoon effect). Many documented failures in such corporate transactions indicate organizational members’ declining satisfaction following a deal (hangover effect).
Design/methodology/approach. Drawing on in-depth interviews with senior M&A experts at a global big-four accountancy firm and focus group sessions with their respective clients, this study investigates in two cases the interplay between HR issues and M&A transactions and infers effective risk management actions.
Findings. A honeymoon hangover after a transaction may appear in organizations if HR issues are neglected. Study results provide notable implications for HR departments and HR professionals facing a merger or acquisition. These implications include (1) focusing on HR risks, (2) involving HR executives to manage the HR due diligence efforts, (3) setting up transition teams that communicate well, (4) creating policies for learning and knowledge sharing, (5) developing new competencies for the NewCo, (6) being sensitive to cultural differences and (7) considering legal aspects.
Originality/value. Although M&As have been much researched, relatively little has been written on practical managerial adaptation from a human resource perspective and its implications for organizational learning. This article helps address this imbalance by providing a people-oriented approach for effectively managing M&As from beginning to integration.
Research limitations/ implications. The two transactions studied revealed patterns that are important for successful change. However, we should not underestimate the individual perspective in M&As. Further studies with interview data directly from stakeholders are important to analyze further the relationships between HR due diligence, organizational learning, effective knowledge transfer, and culture. Due to our research approach, we cannot claim that the results can be generalizable to all major M&As. Further research is needed to measure the impact of the HR Due Diligence aspects outlined on M&A success.
From 2023, new minimum standards for the reuse of treated wastewater will apply in the EU. Internationally, water reuse has already been a relevant issue for some time. Rising water demand worldwide, also as a result of global climate change, is increasing the scarity of freshwater resources in some areas. Reclaimed water is increasingly considered as a valuable substitute for natural water resources. Even before the new EU regulation came into force, DWA has published an extensive report covering a variety of aspects to be considered within the scope of non-potable water reuse. This article provides an overview of that DWA Topics issue “Non-Potable Water Reuse – Development, Technologies and International Framework Conditions for Agricultural, Urban and Industrial Uses”.
Public catering has become increasingly important in recent years. With increasing annual customers, the sector’s impact on the environment is also growing continuously. At the same time, public catering offers a lever to promote sustainable nutrition that has rarely been used so far. Small changes in kitchen practices and food offers can thus be multiplied into a significant positive impact on environmental challenges, such as climate change or loss of biodiversity due to the large
number of servings. In contrast to private households, management decisions in public catering can influence the food-
related environmental impact of thousands of customers. This article deals with the nationwide level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resource use in the German public catering segment “business” and its saving potentials by different
scenarios of unsupported and supported recipe revision. In this paper, we define "unsupported" as the intuitive optimization of recipes by employees of public catering businesses. In contrast, “supported” approaches had to meet specific target goals,
for example of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung; engl. German Nutrition Society or the sustainable level. Specifically, we will test how (A) an unsupported recipe revision, (B) a recipe revision based on dietary recommendations and (C)
a recipe revision using scientific guidance affect the environmental impact of a dish. As a methodological framework, an online survey of public catering companies was conducted as well as a scenario analysis at menu level and at nationwide
level. The results are based on empirical data on the one hand, and on extrapolations on the other. The results show that the nationwide implementation of recipe revision according to scientific guidance—such as concrete target goals for the GHG emissions per serving—can save up to 44% of resource use in the German business catering sector (which corresponds to 3.4 million tons of resources per year) and as much as 40% of GHG emissions (0.6 tons GHG emissions per year). Even in
the scenario of unsupported recipe revision, GHG and resource savings of up to 20% can be realized. The results show that public catering can reduce its material and carbon footprint by 20% overnight. Moreover, the findings show indications for the sustainable transformation of public catering. Nevertheless, it must be noted that these are some first steps of the transformation, which will require further changes with even greater impacts and political activities.
Automated regression tests are a key enabler for applying popular continuous software engineering techniques. This paper focuses on testing BPMN-based Process-Driven Applications (PDA). When evolving PDAs, the affected test cases must be identified and co-evolved as well. In this process, affected test cases can be overlooked, misunderstandings may occur during communication between different roles involved, and implementation errors can arise. Regardless of possible error sources, the entire test migration process is time-consuming. This paper presents a new semi-automated test migration process for PDAs. The concept builds on previous work on creating regression tests using a no-code approach. Our approach identifies the modifications of the PDA and classifies their impact on previously defined tests. The classification indicates whether existing test code can be migrated automatically or whether a manual revision becomes necessary. During an AB/BA experiment, the concept and the developed prototype proved a more efficient test migration process and a higher test quality.
Ecosystem Emergence and Founding Conditions - Lessions Learned from an Imprinting Perspective
(2022)
The rise of ecosystem prominence has provided several definitions of how we understand ecosystems nowadays. In this context, several scholars have considered influencing factors for ecosystem emergence. This paper addresses this consideration and analyzes the salient characteristics of different ecosystem types and their potential persistence since ecosystem founding to improve the understanding of emergence. We applied a three-step approach (1) identifying ecosystem types based on bibliometric analysis, (2) exploring salient characteristics per ecosystem type using qualitative content analysis and (3) deriving founding conditions from the salient characteristics following a conceptual approach. Based on a bibliometric analysis, we identified business/innovation, entrepreneurial and service ecosystems. In a second step, we developed salient characteristics within the themes of structure, power constellation/interdependencies and governance by inductive coding. As we identified a significant difference in alignment structure, we analyzed if alignment structure persists since ecosystem origin and explains why ecosystems differ. We analyzed potential pairings between alignment structure and their respective founding condition for every ecosystem type. With the alignment structures’ persistence, we can better understand why ecosystem types differ.