Disaster Prevention and Management

Natural hazards and environmental implications in Nepal : Table of Contents

D. Pokhrel, B.S. Bhandari, T. Viraraghavan — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the published information on natural hazards and their implications in the environment. Design/methodology/approach – The published data/information on natural hazards were collected and analyzed. Findings – An analysis of the disaster data (1983-2003) showed that a total of 1,063 lives on an average were claimed by natural calamities (earthquake, landslide, flood, fire, windstorm, epidemics and avalanche) each year. Water-induced (flood and landslide) disasters alone contributed to 31.8 percent of the total deaths. Epidemics claimed the maximum number of deaths (55.9 percent) especially in the post-disaster period. Many of these epidemics occurred due to the contamination of the drinking water sources by flash floods, and landslides. Poor sanitation, unsafe water and unhealthy living conditions contributed to major outbreaks of water-borne diseases especially in the monsoon period claiming numerous lives. Originality/value – Published information on natural hazards and implications on environment is limited. This paper integrated and analyzed 21 years of disaster data. A discussion of environmental implication is provided.

Management of floods in Malawi: case study of the Lower Shire River Valley : Table of Contents

Patrick Lumumba Mijoni, Yasamin O. Izadkhah — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse some vital aspects of floods in Malawi by examining the case study of the Lower Shire River Valley. Whilst the world has many wars taking place and causing unbearable human suffering, natural disasters are also taking their toll on humanity in various ways. The threats of the flood hazard have become complex and interrelated whilst the number of the vulnerable is growing fast. Floods have not spared the peaceful country of Malawi. The whole of Malawi is virtually vulnerable to floods. However, the Lower Shire Valley has been one of the most affected parts of the country. Design/methodology/approach – The paper has focused on the extent of people's vulnerability to the flood hazard and the effectiveness of its management in the area. It has duly analysed the risk reduction measures in practice and identified the various political, social, and economic factors that influence the management of floods in this valley. The study exposes the Malawi strategy towards flood mitigation as well as the situation and attitudes of the flood victims pertaining to the policies and the measures being utilised to address the hazard. Findings – The study confirms that floods can be an issue of broad security agenda. Despite the entanglement of financial constraints, the study recommends that policy makers should make more effort to alleviate the lamentable situation in this valley. Practical implications – It is a requisite to have a comprehensive approach and pragmatic policies as well as their implementation mechanisms. There is also a requirement for effective consultation, collaboration and coordination, progress monitoring and above all, the will. Originality/value – Both the intensity and the frequency of floods are definitely indicating to be on the increase in the country while the capacity to contain them and to protect people to substantial levels is lacking. The paper indicates that the flood hazard has continuously made the habitants of flood plains in Malawi vulnerable and that the extent of vulnerability to the flood risk is very high in the Lower Shire Valley.

Strategic public relations : Table of Contents

Ehsan Khodarahmi — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw the line between public relations and strategic public relations in a simple and understandable language. Design/methodology/approach – Various definitions of both public relations and strategic public relations were cited in the paper and the common terms used in all definitions were outlined. The main discussion was then based on such similarities in order to establish the differences between the two terms. This was done by studying others' research and discussing their findings in a simple language in order to present a reliable literature review to readers and facilitate future research by providing credible references. Findings – There is a grey line between public relations and strategic public relations; however there are differences between the two. This paper clarifies the differences by referring to genuine definitions of the two terms by experts and their analysis of the terms when it comes to practice, which calls for integration. Research limitations/implications – There is limited research conducted in the field of strategic public relations and still many have doubts about its effectiveness. This paper gathered relevant theory and examples from the real business world to suggest integration of public relations with marketing tools with strategic management coupled with generating trust. Practical implications – Symmetrical communications and realising appropriate timing are important to achieve objectives of strategic pubic relations. There is no magic or formula for this but to think outside the box, allow effective stakeholders' engagement and proactive monitoring of the marketplace to increasingly enhance the chances of success. Originality/value – Succinct study of strategic public relations and introducing the term SPR, as well as emphasising the integration of appropriate techniques and tools to achieve optimal result.

Management practice in safety culture and its influence on workplace injury: An industrial study in Malaysia : Table of Contents

Hassan Ali, Nor Azimah Chew Abdullah, Chandrakantan Subramaniam — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent management practices in safety culture are effective in reducing workplace injuries. Design/methodology/approach – Management practices are an important component of an organization's safety climate. The study was conducted in a major industrial zone in Malaysia. The management practices examined in this study were reward, training, management commitment, communication and feedback, hiring practices, and employee participation. In total, 68 companies participated in this study; the injury data provided by the companies were for three years and 24 musculoskeletal injuries were examined. Findings – The multiple correlation was at 0.43 and the R2 was 0.19. A significant linear relationship between management practices subscale and injury rates was obtained (F=2.28, p=0.14). Rewards, management commitment, feedback and selection were found to reduce injury rates. However, only feedback (t=-2.98) and employee participation (t=2.01) were significantly predicting the injury rates. Implementing good management practices does reduce injury rates. Research limitations/implications – Nevertheless, a positive relationship for participation with injury rates suggests that a re-examination of these practices is necessary, as it may not be effective in reducing injury rates. Practical implications – It may be posited that although frequency counts of injuries in the workplace do provide some indication of the extent of workplace injury; nevertheless they do not provide a true account of the severity of these injuries. Originality/value – This paper presents empirical findings on the relationship between management practices and injury rates in the industrial sector in Malaysia

Crisis management : Table of Contents

Ehsan Khodarahmi — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gather arguments and counterarguments about crises management to date, in order to add value to the current knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – The originality of the concept has remained untouched. The whole idea of writing the literature review was based on what others have done to date and at what point further research stopped and why. This took place only by reading previous research and not conducting any primary research. Findings – Crisis management is what almost all businesses have to have expertise in if success is sought. Based on this study one fit for all strategy is one of the main components of failure as well as failed crisis management. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation is that not enough has been done in this arena and future research is essential to establish why the majority of businesses do not in fact learn lessons from past mistakes. More importantly they do not take some issues as seriously as they should; which in turn leads to crisis, when management is difficult because the timing is too late. However they claim otherwise and have no factual justification. Practical implications – Identifying the credible source of information and being flexible in terms of learning is the most important thing. There are various researches conducted, which are abundant with examples of successful as well as failed crisis management strategies. This paper brings research together in order to contribute to the current knowledge and let scholars and practitioners enjoy one of the latest literature reviews of crisis management with recent and real examples. Originality/value – History repeats over time, but one needs to realise this and have the ability to update the solutions compatible with the faced situation and the time. The twenty-first century is a complex era and needs sophisticated management with proactive and adaptable attitude. Managers normally forecast a situation and before it turns to crisis they deal with it prudently and control the whole situation professionally.

Media relations : Table of Contents

Ehsan Khodarahmi — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify all important aspects of media relations researched by others and write a succinct literature review in order to facilitate the data gathering procedure for the future research in the field. Reliable references are quoted to fulfil the purpose of this paper. Design/methodology/approach – This paper aims to provide an easy to read literature review about media relations and explain terms by appropriate examples. This is done by reading other articles from previous research and reviewed contemporary issues in terms of media relations that businesses face and how they manage the whole process. Findings – Throughout the course of the work, it was found that many small to medium-sized businesses and organisations do not actually plan for their media relations and have limited knowledge of the concept. However larger organisations and conglomerates have a good understanding of media relations and use it as a powerful PR tool. Just a few of them integrate their media relations with other components of PR and this can allow some speculations. Originality/value – Media relations should not be used when issues and crises rise; it is essential to have constant liaison with top media owners in order to be informed about what is going on in the market. This allows adopting/changing strategies when needed in order to earn more public trust, as well as proactively identifying potential issues. Such flexibility and relationship with the media helps businesses to hinder potential issues from being turned to any kind of situation, which may harm own brands and publicity. Therefore customers feel valued and the government trust that particular business activity, because it is in favour with the society. Hence it gives invaluable credit to the business of the company.

Transforming debris management: considering new essentials : Table of Contents

Siddik Ekici, David A. McEntire, Richard Afedzie — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review what is known about debris management and acknowledge that the effective removal of debris has positive impacts on communities affected by disaster. Four new concerns are introduced that should be considered during the debris management process. These include the recognition of additional debris types as well as the importance of evidence in crime scene investigations. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review on debris management is presented in this paper. It illustrates the relevance, amount, and types of debris in disasters as well as the need for advanced planning. Four new essentials are then discussed. Findings – Those involved in debris management should consider how they will deal with excessive donations, human remains, animal carcasses and evidence collection. Research limitations/implications – Although this research could be enhanced with practitioner interviews, the literature review is fairly thorough. Practical implications – Lessons in this paper will help to bring about more effective and efficient debris management operations. Originality/value – This research reviews the current state of knowledge and adds to it.

The application of digital elevation model for the interpretation of Klang Valley geological structure : Table of Contents

Mohamad Abd Manap, Mohammad Firuz Ramli, Ghufran Redzwan — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to utilise the interactive view capability of the geographical information system (GIS) for the geological interpretation in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – Topographical map scale of 1:10 000 was used to generate digital elevation model (DEM). The geological map was draped over the DEM to create a 3D perspective view. The geological interpretation was undertaken using the 3D capability of the GIS software. Findings – From the study, five lineaments which could possibly be the newly identified faults and one lithological boundary have been delineated. Research limitations/implications – Although these findings need to be rechecked in the field, they show the capability of the DEM application in structural geology interpretation. Practical implications – The results obtained from this study demonstrate the capability of utilising a geological map draped over DEM for structural geological interpretation. Thus the technique may increase the interpretation accuracy. Originality/value – The major outcome of this research is the possible use of DEM in the application of geological study.