Böcker utgivna av IGI Global

In today's highly competitive and rapidly evolving global landscape, the quest for efficiency has become a crucial factor in determining the success of organizations across various industries. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Methods for Maximizing Efficiency is a comprehensive guide that delves into the powerful mathematical tool of DEA, is designed to assess the relative efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs), and provides valuable insights for performance improvement. This book presents a systematic overview of DEA models and techniques, from fundamental concepts to advanced methods, showcasing their practical applications through real-world examples and case studies. Catering to a broad audience, this book is designed for students, researchers, consultants, decision-makers, and enthusiasts in the field of efficiency analysis and performance measurement. Consultants and practitioners will gain practical insights for applying DEA in various contexts, and decision-makers will be equipped to make informed decisions for maximizing efficiency. Additionally, individuals with a general interest in data analysis and performance measurement will find this book accessible and informative. This book covers a wide range of topics, including mathematical foundations of DEA, DEA models and variations, DEA efficiency and productivity measures, DEA applications in various industries such as healthcare, finance, supply chain management, environmental management, education management, and public sector management.

In the rapidly evolving digital era, businesses undergo profound transformations requiring strategic adaptation and optimization. Digital Business and Optimizing Operating Strategies delves into the intricate interplay between digital technology and business strategies, exploring various facets such as management, marketing, finance, human resources, and more within the digital market structure. This comprehensive book critically examines enterprises' skills, productivity, and adaptability in response to technological advancements and customer expectations. Covering a wide range of sub-topics, this book addresses the management of social media applications, the technological capabilities of human resources, digital sustainability, and the integration of artificial intelligence technology. By highlighting opportunities and challenges, the book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners across diverse disciplines, offering novel perspectives and cutting-edge practices in the digital business landscape. This book is designed to resonate with a diverse audience, and will appeal to researchers, marketing managers, metaverse enthusiasts, website designers and developers, e-commerce practitioners, social media users, consumer behavior and marketing researchers, and brand experts. It is an essential resource for both undergraduate and graduate students while also serving as a valuable reference for professionals in the field.

Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future: Innovative Strategies and Best Practices delves into the critical global challenges of sustainability and the indispensable role of education in forging a sustainable future for generations to come. This interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral endeavor embraces themes ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to social justice, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. By integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions, the book offers a holistic approach to teaching and learning for sustainability, presenting innovative strategies and best practices that can be adapted across diverse disciplines, levels of education, and contexts. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of pedagogical approaches, the book illuminates experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, and project-based learning as powerful tools for addressing sustainability challenges and opportunities. Additionally, it showcases cutting-edge teaching tools and technologies, including online platforms, social media, virtual and augmented reality, and gamification, revolutionizing the dissemination of sustainability education. The book serves as a platform for educators, academics, researchers, policy makers, and students to share experiences, insights, and best practices, propelling the evolution of sustainability education.

The convergence of corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate strategy, and public policy has emerged as a critical domain in contemporary business. The fundamental premise of corporate social responsibility is the obligation a company bears to simultaneously address and tend to the multifaceted needs of its clients, workforce, shareholders, communities, and the environment. The key to unlocking the dual potential of generating both positive social impact and corporate value is found in this delicate balance. Examining a wide array of empirical evidence, Strategies and Approaches of Corporate Social Responsibility Toward Multinational Enterprises establishes the tangible linkages between social responsibility initiatives and competitive advantages, offering invaluable insights for organizations aspiring to attract top-tier talent and bolster brand reputation. Delving into the nuances of corporate strategy, it elucidates the distinction between business strategy and corporate strategy, underscoring the significant influence of CEO decisions on stakeholders directly or indirectly associated with the organization. Designed to resonate with diverse audiences, including corporate sectors, private organizations, banks, universities' faculty and students, industrialists, and researchers, this book offers a roadmap for embracing and implementing novel approaches to CSR for multinational enterprises. Employing strategic business models that prioritize sustainability and responsive strategies, it heralds a new era of corporate excellence and organizational growth.

Academic scholars and professionals in engineering strive to enhance the performance, efficiency, and security of complex systems, but accessing comprehensive resources for these challenges can be daunting. Enhancing Performance, Efficiency, and Security Through Complex Systems Control offers an ideal solution. Edited by esteemed academics Idriss Chana, Aziz Bouazi, and Hussain Ben-Azza, this book presents a curated collection of scientific articles encompassing multidisciplinary themes like computer science, artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, and control systems. By consolidating cutting-edge research and methodologies, this book empowers scholars and professionals to improve the design, modeling, and control of complex systems. It provides practical solutions, showcases new ideas, and explores innovative technologies to enhance performance, efficiency, and safety. With a meticulous selection process involving internationally recognized scientific committees, this book ensures the highest quality standards, making it a reliable reference for researchers, PhD students, and academics. Delve into the wide range of topics covered, from artificial intelligence to smart systems, and unlock the potential of complex systems control to advance your research endeavors.

The persistent presence of cognitive biases has influenced rational decisions and strategic management since the 1970s. These prejudiced errors in judgment, often systematic and predictable, breach the foundational assumptions of economic theory, leading to dire consequences such as social inequality, financial collapse, and governmental inefficiency. Even the brightest minds are not immune, making it crucial to address these biases head-on. Overcoming Cognitive Biases in Strategic Management and Decision Making unravels the complex tapestry of biases that infiltrate decision-making processes at all levels. From social injustice biases and reasoning errors to action-inaction and social biases, the book confronts the myriad of ways that biases manifest in critical moments. These pose a significant threat to sound decision-making in various fields, impacting professionals ranging from judges and doctors to public officials. The repercussions of unchecked biases are far-reaching, leading to flawed outcomes that echo through society. The urgent need for a strategic response to mitigate these biases and enhance decision-making processes forms the crux of the problem this book seeks to address.

Cutting-Edge Applications of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Sciences is a comprehensive exploration of the revolutionary impact of nanotechnology on the field of medicine. This book delves into the remarkable potential of nanomaterials in advancing medical diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly in drug delivery. It serves as an indispensable guide, presenting the latest developments in nanomedicine, precision medicine, and nanoengineering while addressing the challenges and opportunities that arise. The book covers a wide range of topics, from nanomaterials for cancer therapy to their applications in imaging and diagnostics. It discusses the transformative role of nanomaterials in targeted delivery and controlled release, as well as their potential in regenerative medicine and infectious disease diagnosis and treatment. By presenting cutting-edge research and developments in the field, this book aims to bridge the gap between bench and bedside, providing a vital resource for researchers, clinicians, and students in the biomedical sciences. Moreover, it highlights the commercialization potential of nanomedicine, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Policymakers and regulators will also find this book invaluable for understanding the ethical and safety implications of incorporating nanomaterials into medical practices.

Research that is based on appropriate theoretical or conceptual frameworks ensures valid and credible research objectives and the production of relevant results that complement existing literature on a research problem. Innovative and relevant knowledge is produced using appropriate theories and concepts. Despite the importance of theoretical and conceptual frameworks to research, many researchers have difficulties applying them appropriately in their research. Researchers in information systems have limited exposure to theories of societal and human development that should guide them in applying their knowledge of information systems to address real-world problems. Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks in ICT Research presents a collection of practical case applications of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in information systems research. It guides researchers of information systems to explore and use appropriate theoretical frameworks. This book further tests different theories and frameworks and recommends their effectiveness and improvement and identifies context-specific theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Covering topics such as decision electronic health record implementation, institution management, and technology adoption, this premier reference source is an essential resource for policymakers, educators and advanced-level students of higher education, information systems professionals, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

In today's rapidly advancing digital world, governments face the dual challenge of harnessing technology to enhance security systems while safeguarding sensitive data from cyber threats and privacy breaches. Futuristic e-Governance Security With Deep Learning Applications provides a timely and indispensable solution to these pressing concerns. This comprehensive book takes a global perspective, exploring the integration of intelligent systems with cybersecurity applications to protect deep learning models and ensure the secure functioning of e-governance systems. By delving into cutting-edge techniques and methodologies, this book equips scholars, researchers, and industry experts with the knowledge and tools needed to address the complex security challenges of the digital era. The authors shed light on the current state-of-the-art methods while also addressing future trends and challenges. Topics covered range from skill development and intelligence system tools to deep learning, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, and cloud computing. With its interdisciplinary approach and practical insights, this book serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of e-governance security, leveraging the power of deep learning applications to protect data and ensure the smooth operation of government systems.

In the dynamic field of education, leaders confront unprecedented challenges necessitating effective crisis management and creative problem-solving skills. The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the criticality of innovative approaches to educational leadership, enabling leaders to navigate uncertainty, adapt to rapid changes, and sustain educational institutions. Nevertheless, limited resources exist to guide leaders in the post-pandemic world, revealing a significant research gap. Promoting Crisis Management and Creative Problem-Solving Skills in Educational Leadership addresses this urgent issue by offering a comprehensive solution. Authored by renowned scholars and practitioners, this book presents a roadmap for reimagining educational leadership, equipping leaders with the necessary skills to thrive in challenging times. By exploring diverse perspectives and drawing from real-world experiences, the book empowers educational leaders to effectively manage crises, inspire stakeholders, and guide organizations toward success and sustainability. By focusing on crisis management, innovative problem-solving strategies, and the development of essential leadership competencies, this book fills the void in the current literature. It not only provides insights into the distinctive challenges of the post-pandemic world but also offers practical guidance and actionable recommendations for leaders in educational settings. Scholars, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners who engage with this book will gain valuable knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of educational leadership, ensuring the continuous growth and enhancement of their institutions.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the ability to connect with consumers through personalized and programmatic advertising has become a vital skill for global companies. As the market undergoes a paradigm shift towards consumer-centric approaches, the need for comprehensive knowledge in this domain is escalating every day. Connecting With Consumers Through Effective Personalization and Programmatic Advertising addresses a timely and pivotal theme that is crucial for companies and the academic community. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this book equips readers with the tools and strategies necessary to make informed decisions and navigate the dynamic landscape of digital marketing. The book's invaluable content serves as a reliable resource for decision-makers in companies seeking to optimize their digital marketing strategies. It also delves into the depths of knowledge, skills, and processes behind effective personalization and programmatic advertising, offering valuable insights for researchers, teachers, students, and professionals alike.

Professional women of color identify with various natural, Black hairstyles including braids, dread locs, twists, and other natural coiled styles. Black women who work in professional settings have historically encountered negative stares, remarks, and biases. They tend to be stereotyped on their level of professionalism and competency if they choose not to conform to mainstream hairstyles. Women wearing Black hairstyles are often perceived as less beautiful and less professional than those who wear Eurocentric hairstyles. Professional Black women are often challenged in these situations where they must decide how to manage their identity in the work environment. Too often, professional Black women apply and interview for positions where their natural hairstyle becomes the topic of interest. If given the opportunity for employment, subtle references may be made about their hairstyles, which suggests such hairstyles are not in alignment with the professional climate of an organization. This type of pressure makes Black women feel forced to conform to Eurocentric hairstyles. These expectations lead to feelings of social inadequacy, hurt, and discouragement of individuals in their workplace. The apprehensions with hair acceptance are even more concerning, when considering that the notion of straight groomed hair has been largely expected not only by Whites, but also by many people of color as well. Women of Color and Hair Bias in the Work Environment explores the experiences of professional women of color who have had encountered feelings of uncertainty, self-consciousness, or differing treatment, and/or discrimination because of their natural hairstyle choices. The intent is to shine a light on the challenges professional women of color face and how these experiences impact their hiring and/or work environment. Covering topics such as hairstyle empowerment, ethics of hair bias, and diversity of hair, this book serves as an invaluable resource for educators, social workers, psychologists, organizational leadership, business professionals, and more. This book also allows women to be encouraged by stories of professional women who have overcome the societal burdens placed on natural hair.

With cultural and linguistic diversity, migration, and constant change as defining features of contemporary societies, it is increasingly necessary to enhance our capabilities within multilingual environments. Reconceptualizing Language Norms in Multilingual Contexts offers a groundbreaking exploration of language practices and norms in the diverse and dynamic world we inhabit today. It challenges the traditional understanding of language norms as stable and stationary. Instead, it embraces multiculturalism and multilingualism as the norm rather than the exception. Drawing upon a wide range of methodological approaches, this book brings together a collection of position papers, critical reflections, and explorations by emerging and established voices in the field. It delves into how language norms emerge, evolve, and shape communication in both collective and individual contexts of diversity. By reconceptualizing language norms, this book sheds light on real and relevant language practices in multilingual and multicultural spaces, offering insights from the people who inhabit and navigate these contexts. While the content of this book revolves around everyday communication, its academic approaches and comprehensive exploration make it a valuable resource for graduate students, educators, and researchers in the fields of multilingualism and applied linguistics. By bridging the gap between language norms and multilingualism, this book seeks to advance our understanding of language practices in the increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

The reverberations of an unparalleled labor shortage echo through service-based industries, leaving the hospitality, tourism, and food and beverage sectors grappling with a critical challenge. The fallout from the 2020-2021 global health crisis has laid bare a systemic flaw: the absence of sustainable career pathways for front-line workers. From airlines to cruise ships, theme parks to restaurants, and bars, the shortage of front-line workers has reached a critical level, preventing organizations from operating at full capacity even as public health restrictions are lifted. This crisis stems not only from the economic aftermath of the pandemic but also from the longstanding neglect within these industries to cultivate a resilient front-line workforce. Front-line positions, often considered transient and unskilled, lack the structured development pipelines that other professional industries utilize successfully. As organizations struggle to address these workforce challenges, Career Pathways and Professional Identities for Front-Line Workers in the Service Industries serves as a guide filled with solutions in the face of industry-wide adversity. Career Pathways and Professional Identities for Front-Line Workers in the Service Industries responds to the urgency within the hospitality, restaurant, and tourism industries, by applying the dynamics of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the Gig Economy, to propose innovative solutions to engineer sustainable career pathways and foster professional identities. Ideal for employers, educators, and researchers involved in these industries, the book aims to guide organizations in optimizing operations, implementing leadership-focused succession planning, and minimizing the impact of labor fluctuations. From an academic perspective, it harmonizes industry-focused programs, offering a distinct element for hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management curricula. Additionally, it opens avenues for research on transitioning low-pay roles into meaningful, long-term careers with a focus on continuous improvement.

The COVID-19 pandemic functioned as a stark illuminator, exposing the deep-seated cracks in social and material support for those in caregiving roles. Despite the resilience of care workers and essential personnel, the lack of robust connections and infrastructure became apparent, impacting these individuals but resonating across the broader public. The pandemic laid bare the lengths people must go to care for others and the urgent need for interconnectedness and support within caregiving realms. Perspectives on Social and Material Fractures in Care offers a multi-disciplinary exploration of care, drawing on existing theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and personal stories. By navigating the complexities of care at various levels, the book aims to provide a profound understanding of the current state of affairs. Moreover, it does not stop at diagnosis; it seeks to propel the conversation forward by delving into ethical, intersectional, and life-sustaining approaches to enhance the very fabric of caregiving. As we confront the pressing issues surrounding who receives care, who is expected to care, and the seemingly off-limits aspects of societal concern, the book becomes a vital resource for academics, higher education professionals, and students eager to grasp the intricate dynamics of care in the contemporary United States.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as organizations seek to disrupt and transform processes in order to drive innovation in their business models. However, despite substantial investments in AI implementation, recent research indicates that organizations are struggling to realize the expected benefits. Furthermore, many firms face challenges when it comes to effectively integrating AI applications into their existing organizational systems. To bridge this gap, there is an urgent need to deepen understanding of AI techniques, particularly in the context of Asian organizations, where diverse workforces, cultural differences, language barriers, and skill shortages present unique complexities. Exploring the Intersection of AI and Human Resources Management explores the methodologies, theories, and perspectives related to the application of AI in organizations. Focused on the convergence of Human Resource Management (HRM) and AI, this book aims to provide invaluable insights to academics, researchers, policymakers, organizational managers, advanced-level students, leaders, academicians, and government officials. By shedding light on the tools and applications of AI in optimizing human resources, this book expands the horizons of research and encourages the seamless integration of HRM and AI.