Although both EU policy makers and researchers acknowledge that public or stakeholder engagement is important for responsible innovation (RI), empirical evidence in this field is still scarce. In this article, we explore to what extent companies with a disposition to innovate in a more responsible way are moving towards the ideal of mutual responsiveness among stakeholders, as it is presented in the RI literature. Based on interviews with companies and non-economic stakeholders in the Dutch Food industry, it can (...) be concluded that innovative food companies are still far from implementing the ideal of mutual responsiveness in a significant way. The tension between the call for the active involvement of stakeholders in the literature and actual stakeholder engagement practices is explained by identifying a number of critical issues regarding stakeholder engagement, which are specific to actors involved in RI in the private sector. Finally, management practices designed to deal with these critical issues regarding stakeholder engagement are identified. (shrink)

This study examined the stakeholders' engagement in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Pante Makassar, Oe-Cusse, Timor-Leste. The stakeholders included the local community, the private sector, tourists, and the local government. A stakeholder survey was conducted, yielding 331 respondents. The data were analyzed by using correlation and regression analysis. The results showed statistically significant positive correlations between community-based tourism and all predictor variables. Also, there are significant associations among the local community, the private sector, and tourists regarding community-based tourism; however, (...) there is no statistically significant relationship between the local government and community-based tourism development in Pante Makassar. The results of this study revealed the essentisl role of stakeholders in community-based tourism, which enhances the local community economy. -/- . (shrink)

Contrary to the tendency to harmony, consensus and alignment among stakeholders in most of the literature on participation and partnership in corporate social responsibility and responsible innovation practices, in this chapter we ask which concept of participation and partnership is able to account for stakeholder engagement while acknowledging and appreciating their fundamentally different judgements, value frames and viewpoints. To this end, we reflect on a non-reductive and ethical approach to stakeholder engagement, collaboration and partnership, inspired by (...) the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas. We contrast a cognitive approach with an ethical approach to stakeholder engagement, collaboration and partnership, and explore four characteristics of this ethical approach. Based on the ethical approach to stakeholder engagement, collaboration and partnership, we also provide a three-stage framework for partnership formation in CSR and RI practices. (shrink)

ABSTRACT:Many companies engage in dialogue with nongovernmental organizations about societal issues. The question is what a regulative ideal for such dialogues should be. In the literature on corporate social responsibility, the Habermasian notion of communicative action is often presented as a regulative ideal for stakeholder dialogue, implying that actors should aim at consensus and set strategic considerations aside. In this article, we argue that in many cases, communicative action is not a suitable regulative ideal for dialogue between companies and (...) NGOs. We contend that there is often an adversarial element in the relation between companies and NGOs, and that an orientation towards consensus can be in tension with this adversarial relation. We develop an alternative approach to stakeholder dialogue called ‘agonistic deliberation.’ In this approach, conflict and strategic considerations play a legitimate and, up to a certain point, desirable role. (shrink)

This study explored stakeholders' roles, responsibilities, challenges, and insights in implementing school-based programs at Mapula National High School, Cluster XIII, Division of Davao City. This study employed a qualitative case study approach. The research delved into the participation of parents, teachers, administrators, and community members in various initiatives aimed at educational improvement. As Creswell (2012) noted, the qualitative case study is a research methodology that concentrates on a distinct phenomenon, situation, or context, defined by specific boundaries or parameters. This investigation (...) utilized semi-structured interviews to explore stakeholders' engagement with school-based programs. The following major findings revealed that active collaboration, effective communication, resource allocation, and adaptability were instrumental in sustaining projects focused on students’ development. However, issues such as communication barriers, competing priorities, and limited resources hindered progress, necessitating adaptive strategies. Parents played a pivotal role in bridging community-school relations, while teachers facilitated program delivery amidst resource constraints. The findings underscored the need for stronger partnerships among all stakeholders, fostering a collective commitment to advancing educational opportunities and enriching the school community. It can be concluded that the value of inclusive stakeholder engagement as a means of enhancing school-based programs. By prioritizing collaboration, clear communication, and strategic resource allocation, educational institutions were able to address challenges more effectively and achieve lasting improvements. (shrink)

This paper focuses on stakeholder identification as per the value sensitive design (VSD) approach applied to the context of quantum technologies (QT). We provide two comprehensive lists of stakeholders as starting points for VSD researchers and practitioners. These lists encompass a diverse range of organizations, including private companies, government agencies, NGOs, partnerships, and professional/trade organizations. Our aim is to facilitate the recognition, legitimation, and understanding of stakeholder interactions in the development of QT. These stakeholder lists can serve (...) as a foundation for designing and implementing policies and strategies that promote the ethical and responsible development of QT, considering the values and interests of various stakeholders. Furthermore, these lists can enable empirical and technical studies on specific QT innovations using an ethics-by-design approach like VSD. Overall, this paper contributes to a better understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of the QT landscape and highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration in shaping its future. (shrink)

One of the main contentions of the framework for Responsible Innovation (RI) is that social and ethical aspects have to be addressed by deliberative engagement with stakeholders and the wider public throughout the innovation process. The aim of this article is to reflect on the question to what extent is deliberative engagement suitable for conducting RI in business. We discuss several tensions that arise when this framework is applied in the business context. Further, we analyse the place of (...) deliberative engagement in several theories of business ethics. We conclude that there remains a tension between the ideal of RI and the way in which the competitive market operates. Hence, RI scholars should reflect more critically on changes that are required in the market in order to make RI possible, modify the ideal of deliberative engagement for RI in business, or attempt to strike a balance between these two responses. (shrink)

How does the Social Lab methodology support participatory research? This paper provides an evidence-based analysis of experiences of 19 implemented Social Labs applying experiential learning cycles on the question of how to induce Responsible Research and Innovation in the Horizon2020 research funding scheme of the European Commission and beyond. It looks at the potentials of Social Labs to allow participation in research and innovation addressing societal challenges and contrasts empirical results with the theoretical conceptualisation of a scientific Social Lab methodology. (...) It discusses drivers and barriers of engagement, and provides evidence for the impacts of experimental engagement on participation in the context of the labs, substantiated by concrete examples from some of these labs. (shrink)

Encouraging a shift towards an “eco-surplus” mindset among stakeholders is essential for achieving long-term sustainability and safeguarding marine ecosystems. This mindset involves reframing environmental protection not as a hindrance but as a vital investment in the future. By recognizing the intrinsic value of conservation efforts, stakeholders can ensure the availability of ecosystem services crucial for human societies. Policymakers play a crucial role in this endeavor, engaging with local communities to cultivate a shared sense of environmental responsibility. Through grassroots initiatives like (...) education and awareness campaigns, stakeholders can develop a collective commitment to marine conservation. (shrink)

Through engagement with key informants and review of ethical theories applicable to refugee policy, this paper examines the ethical and policy considerations that policy-level stakeholders believe should factor into setting the refugee resettlement ceiling. We find that the ceiling traditionally has been influenced by policy goals, underlying values, and practical considerations. These factors map onto several ethical approaches to resettlement. There is significant alignment between U.S. policy interests and ethical obligations toward refugees. We argue that the refugee ceiling should (...) be restored to historical norms, and that there exists a corresponding obligation to counter negative public perceptions about refugees and the costs of resettlement. (shrink)

The public constitutes a major stakeholder in the debate about, and resolution of privacy and ethical The public constitutes a major stakeholder in the debate about, and resolution of privacy and ethical about Big Data research seriously and how to communicate messages designed to build trust in specific big data projects and the institution of science in general. This chapter explores the implications of various examples of engaging the public in online activities such as Wikipedia that contrast with (...) “Notice and Consent” forms and offers models for scientists to consider when approaching their potential subjects in research. Drawing from Lessig, Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace, the chapter suggests that four main regulators drive the shape of online activity: Code (or Architecture), Laws, Markets, and Norms. Specifically, scientists should adopt best practices in protecting computerized Big Data (Code), remain completely transparent about their data management practices (Law), make smart choices when deploying digital solutions that place a premium on information protection (Market), and, critically, portray themselves to the public as seriously concerned with protecting the privacy of persons and security of data (Norms). The community of Big Data users and collectors should remember that such data are not just “out there” somewhere but are the intimate details of the lives of real persons who have just as deep an interest in protecting their privacy as they do in the good work that is conducted with such data. (shrink)

Purpose: This study aims to explore the integration of qualitative research methods with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to enhance the understanding of complex problems by capturing both quantitative and qualitative data. By bridging technical analysis and human-centered insights, this research seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for effective problem-solving. -/- Design/Method/Approach: A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on academic articles, books, and reports that examine the use of RCA and qualitative research methods individually and in combination. The study categorizes (...) and analyzes the benefits, challenges, and practical applications of this integrated approach across various fields. -/- Findings: The integration of qualitative research methods with RCA addresses the limitations of traditional RCA, which often overlooks contextual and human factors. Qualitative methods, such as interviews and thematic analysis, uncover hidden variables like organizational culture, communication patterns, and stakeholder perceptions. This integration leads to a deeper understanding of problems, improved stakeholder engagement, and the development of sustainable, comprehensive solutions. -/- Theoretical Implications: The research extends RCA frameworks by incorporating qualitative methods, providing a holistic approach that connects quantitative precision with the rich, contextual understanding of qualitative data. -/- Practical Implications: The findings suggest that practitioners in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail can use this integrated approach to enhance problem-solving and decision-making. By addressing both technical and human aspects, organizations can achieve more effective and sustainable outcomes. -/- Originality/Value: This paper highlights the novelty and utility of combining qualitative methods with RCA, demonstrating its potential to transform traditional problem-solving approaches. It proposes a framework for integrating these methodologies, offering practical and theoretical contributions to the field. -/- Research Limitations/Future Research: While the integrated approach offers significant benefits, its application may vary across different contexts. Future research should focus on developing flexible, standardized frameworks to guide the integration process and evaluate its long-term impact. -/- Paper Type: Conceptual -/- JEL Classification: C49, D81, M11, O31, Q55. (shrink)

Regional aspects of science communication represent a potential asset and as such are quite suitable topic for further examination with respect to future social and economic development in Prague based on the city's main development strategies. Closer analysis of SCIP aspects at re- gional level can present a suitable complement for development of suitable measures and projects of the regional innovation and education policies. This study focuses on research questions related to regional dimension of science communication, its impacts and suitable (...) tools. Document analysis and questionnaire distributed among selected experts were chosen as tools for elaboration of the study. Results suggest that regional dimension of science communication policy and initiatives is a relevant one in case of Prague. However, the attention given to this topic by national and regional authorities is unsatisfactory resulting in lack of co-ordination of activities of the respective stakeholders. Impacts of SCIP, as far as causality can be identified, lie in encouraging young people in their interest in science, increasing awareness of general public in science-related issues and explaining role of science in society and problems that science is facing. To maximise effects of science communication there is a space for national and regional authorities to play an integrating role. Given the concentration of SCIP actors, the City of Prague could aspire to develop its science communication policy in order to promote itself as a Central European centre of science. (shrink)

Emotion AI, technologies capable of detecting and responding to human emotions through facial expressions, voice tone, physiological signals, and textual cues, has emerged as a transformative force in digital marketing. By promising emotionally intelligent customer engagement, it blurs the line between personalization and manipulation. This article examines the ethical tensions surrounding the use of Emotion AI in marketing through a combined framework of the Influence Spectrum Model, Value Sensitive Design (VSD), and Stakeholder Responsibility Analysis. Using conceptual synthesis and (...) comparative case analysis, the study draws upon secondary sources including Chavan et al. (2025), Fabiano (2025), and Arango Kure and Garz (2025), as well as MorphCast’s industry case studies, to explore how emotional profiling technologies operate at the intersection of empathy and exploitation. The paper argues that while Emotion AI enhances customer experience and marketing precision, it also risks covertly manipulating affective states, thereby undermining consumer autonomy and emotional privacy. The analysis situates these ethical challenges within the broader socio technical context of AI governance frameworks such as the EU AI Act and emerging digital ethics guidelines. Ultimately, the study proposes a pathway toward responsible affective marketing, emphasizing transparency, informed consent, and the embedding of moral values in algorithmic design. By reframing Emotion AI as not merely a marketing innovation but a moral instrument, this article contributes to the discourse on how empathy can coexist with integrity in the algorithmic marketplace, where understanding human feeling must not become a license to exploit it. (shrink)

Philosophers of science have long held that scientific data have a special status in science. They represent facts in the world (Hempel, 1952), serve as evidence for claims about phenomena (Bogen & Woodward, 1988), and function as arbiters for theory testing (Schlick, 1935). Contemporary scholars highlight that the ways that data are produced, used, and handled shape how they serve as evidence (Borgman, 2015; Kitchin, 2014; Leonelli & Tempini, 2020). Separately, there is now a growing consensus among philosophers of science (...) working on values and science that values influence many scientific decisions. In addition, they suggest various proposals for distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate influences of values in science (Brown, 2020; Douglas, 2009; Elliott, 2022, 2017; Intemann, 2015; Steel, 2015). To combine these two pieces of literature, this thesis provides an examination of how values guide and impact data practices with an emphasis on data sharing and reuse. In addition, I explore how these values can be managed to develop socially responsible and epistemically beneficial practices. Despite the numerous examples of value-laden practices, data practices have not received much attention in the literature. I examine how values can influence many data practices including data collection, sampling, analysis, sharing, and reuse. Then, I discuss how philosophical proposals can help identify, manage, and justify values in data practices. In doing so, I scrutinize individualistic proposals that portray individual scientists as primary decision-makers in value management (Brown, 2020; Steel, 2015). Then, I will discuss how value management can be enhanced by restructuring research communities (Longino, 1990), stakeholder engagement (Intemann, 2015), and democratic decision-making (Kitcher, 2011; Lusk, 2021; Schroeder, 2021). Lastly, I will offer an institutional approach by highlighting the roles of institutions in value management such as determining rules, norms, and principles for research, identifying and promoting values, as well as facilitating community engagement. I defend a pluralistic account of value management by which values can be managed in at least three distinct but complementary ways: identifying and selecting values, consensus, and democratic selection of values. To reflect this pluralism, I explain how different institutional strategies that can be used to manage values in different ways. (shrink)

Responsible innovation is centered around the ideal that societal stakeholders are entitled to participate in scientific and technological decision-making by voicing their needs and worries. Individuals who believe in science conspiracies (referred to here as ‘science conspiracists’) pose a challenge to implementing this ideal because it is not clear under what conditions their inclusion in responsible innovation exercises is possible and advisable. Yet precisely because of this uncertain status, science conspiracists constitute an instructive case in point to travel towards the (...) edges of inclusion and understand how we draw the line between ‘includables' and ‘unincludables’. In this paper, we seek to explore this relationship between responsible innovation and science conspiracism by using the method of thought experimentaiton. We test four possible exclusion criteria for science conspiracists. We conclude by revisiting the relationship between conspiracism and responsible innovation and sketching a novel perspective on the ideal of stakeholder inclusion. (shrink)

Higher education institutions require modernization in this modern age defined by fast technological developments together with shifting work requirements, and worldwide expansion. The Academic Change Model (ACM) represents a strategic framework which promotes innovation-based systemic transformations at university and college levels. ACM functions as a reform model that draws from educational innovation alongside organizational change principles to enable flexible and cyclical development alongside stakeholder connections for agile institutional responses to modern challenges (Kezar & Holcombe, 2019). The model attacks traditional (...) bureaucratic academic structures through its implementation of decentralized decision processes and data-based strategy development, and cross-program cooperation (Fullan & Scott, 2009). Leader engagement combined with vision inclusivity and assessment loops, and instructional content that matches societal requirements comprise the essential elements of the ACM structure (Mintz, 2020). The ACM creates an environment of continuous progress through its ability to combine academic needs with those of different student groups and emerging industrial sectors (Christensen & Eyring, 2011). Digital transformation remains fundamental to ACM because it supports innovations such as online learning as well as artificial intelligence and learning analytics to improve education delivery and access (Veletsianos 2020). The implementation of ACM faces obstacles resulting from faculty and system infrastructure needs and uneven digital preparedness among educators and students, as well as structural obstacles of change resistance (Bryson, 2018). Overcoming implementation hurdles ACM brings positive effects in student engagement together with institutional strength and better graduate achievement statistics (Kezar, 2014). The Academic Change Model is analysed in this article regarding its fundamental ideas and practical usage alongside conceptual grounding for applying it in educational institutions. According to this text, institutions must accept ACM approaches since these approaches create essential requirements for leading institutions in an unpredictable global setting. (shrink)

R&D collaborations between industry, government, civil society, and research ) have recently gained attention from R&D theorists and practitioners. In aiming to come to grips with their complexity, past models have generally taken a stakeholder-analytical approach based on stakeholder types. Yet stakeholder types are difficult to operationalise. We therefore argue that a processual model is more suited for studying the interaction in QHCs because it eschews matters of titles and identities. We develop such a model in which (...) the QHC is represented as a process of generating four types of value: research value, market value, political value, and societal value. We then apply this processual model in analysing real-life cases of friction in QHCs. Friction is seen, not as an interpersonal clash, but as a discrepancy between two or more value-creation processes that compete for limited resources. (shrink)

R&D collaborations between industry, government, civil society, and research (also known as ‘quadruple helix collaborations’ (QHCs)) have recently gained attention from R&D theorists and practitioners. In aiming to come to grips with their complexity, past models have generally taken a stakeholder-analytical approach based on stakeholder types. Yet stakeholder types are difficult to operationalise. We therefore argue that a processual model is more suited for studying the interaction in QHCs because it eschews matters of titles and identities. We (...) develop such a model in which the QHC is represented as a process of generating four types of value: research value, market value, political value, and societal value. We then apply this processual model in analysing reallife cases of friction in QHCs. Friction is seen, not as an interpersonal clash, but as a discrepancy between two or more value-creation processes that compete for limited resources (some overperforming while others under-performing). (shrink)

Background Retraction is a mechanism for alerting readers to unreliable material and other problems in the published scientific and scholarly record. Retracted publications generally remain visible and searchable, but the intention of retraction is to mark them as “removed” from the citable record of scholarship. However, in practice, some retracted articles continue to be treated by researchers and the public as valid content as they are often unaware of the retraction. Research over the past decade has identified a number of (...) factors contributing to the unintentional spread of retracted research. The goal of the Reducing the Inadvertent Spread of Retracted Science: Shaping a Research and Implementation Agenda (RISRS) project was to develop an actionable agenda for reducing the inadvertent spread of retracted science. This included identifying how retraction status could be more thoroughly disseminated, and determining what actions are feasible and relevant for particular stakeholders who play a role in the distribution of knowledge. Methods These recommendations were developed as part of a year-long process that included a scoping review of empirical literature and successive rounds of stakeholder consultation, culminating in a three-part online workshop that brought together a diverse body of 65 stakeholders in October–November 2020 to engage in collaborative problem solving and dialogue. Stakeholders held roles such as publishers, editors, researchers, librarians, standards developers, funding program officers, and technologists and worked for institutions such as universities, governmental agencies, funding organizations, publishing houses, libraries, standards organizations, and technology providers. Workshop discussions were seeded by materials derived from stakeholder interviews (N = 47) and short original discussion pieces contributed by stakeholders. The online workshop resulted in a set of recommendations to address the complexities of retracted research throughout the scholarly communications ecosystem.ResultsThe RISRS recommendations are: (1) Develop a systematic cross-industry approach to ensure the public availability of consistent, standardized, interoperable, and timely information about retractions; (2) Recommend a taxonomy of retraction categories/classifications and corresponding retraction metadata that can be adopted by all stakeholders; (3) Develop best practices for coordinating the retraction process to enable timely, fair, unbiased outcomes; and (4) Educate stakeholders about pre- and post-publication stewardship, including retraction and correction of the scholarly record.ConclusionsOur stakeholder engagement study led to 4 recommendations to address inadvertent citation of retracted research, and formation of a working group to develop the Communication of Retractions, Removals, and Expressions of Concern (CORREC) Recommended Practice. Further work will be needed to determine how well retractions are currently documented, how retraction of code and datasets impacts related publications, and to identify if retraction metadata (fails to) propagate. Outcomes of all this work should lead to ensuring retracted papers are never cited without awareness of the retraction, and that, in public fora outside of science, retracted papers are not treated as valid scientific outputs. (shrink)

The paper explores how the framework of systemic risks can help govern the risks imposed through solar climate engineering research. The central argument is that a systemic perspective of risk is a useful tool for analysing and assessing the risks imposed through Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) research. SAI is a form of climate engineering that could cool the planet by enhancing its albedo through the injection of aerosols into the stratosphere. Researching such a technology creates systemic risks with a strong (...) sociotechnical component. This component consists of the potential societal harm that a developing or new technology might cause to existing norms, values, institutions, and politics. The systemic risk framework is a valuable heuristic for this case, given the complex interdependencies of societal systems, infrastructures, markets, etc. At the same time, the systemic risk framework can be enhanced through the inclusion of a more robust and reflected ethical considerations on technological risks. Consequently, this article seeks to supplement the systemic risk governance framework with insights from technology ethics. Specifically, the paper offers an ethically reflective conception of societal value dynamism and stakeholder engagement and participation, tying it to existing systemic risk governance approaches. (shrink)

Urban areas are increasingly facing challenges such as rapid population growth, environmental degradation, and climate change, necessitating innovative solutions for sustainable development. This paper explores the role of cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting blue-green solutions that integrate natural and engineered systems to enhance urban resilience. By leveraging cloud computing, urban planners and decision-makers can analyze vast datasets, simulate environmental scenarios, and optimize resource management. The study highlights successful case studies where AI-driven blue-green interventions have improved water management, enhanced green (...) spaces, and mitigated urban heat effects. Furthermore, it discusses the collaborative potential of cloud AI in fostering stakeholder engagement and participatory governance. The findings suggest that adopting cloud AI-powered blue-green solutions is crucial for addressing urban development challenges and promoting sustainable, livable cities. (shrink)

Machine Unlearning (MU) aims to remove the influence of unwanted data from trained AI models, driven by ethical/legal concerns like privacy (e.g., the Right to be Forgotten), bias mitigation, security, and copyright protection. This paper critically examines MU, arguing that it is currently unclear whether its technical methods and ethical goals are suitably aligned. Currently, important questions around what MU does, what it should do, and how its efforts align with stakeholder needs remain unaddressed. Drawing on insights from social (...) epistemology and the ethics of forgetting, the paper makes progress in clarifying what MU is and whether it aligns with the relevant goals. It does so by distinguishing three different senses of unlearning that vary in regard to what stakeholder needs they can cater to. Building upon cases regarding copyright and data privacy, the paper highlights potential alignment gaps between MU’s methods and its wider goals, and emphasizes the need for more concrete guidelines to assess MU’s effectiveness, clearer ethical foundations, and improved stakeholder engagement. (shrink)

This paper introduces the Spider Vision Framework, a biomimetic approach to AI governance inspired by the dual visual systems of spiders. By integrating focused oversight (technical detail) with systemic awareness (societal context) and grounding both in virtue ethics—particularly prudence, justice, and adaptability—the framework addresses immediate technical risks while accounting for long-term societal implications. Comparative analyses with consequentialist and deontological models underscore virtue ethics’ emphasis on moral character, and the paper proposes pilot studies for empirical validation in healthcare AI and autonomous (...) vehicles. This integrated approach aims to foster an adaptive, ethically robust governance model, balancing precision and breadth to better align AI with the common good. Initial findings suggest a significant improvement in ethical compliance and stakeholder engagement when dual-focus oversight is integrated into existing AI systems. The framework recommends targeted pilot implementations across diverse regulatory environments to ensure robust, context-specific outcomes. (shrink)

Collective climate action hinges on the distribution of benefits and burdens of climate change mitigation. Yet assumptions relevant to distributional justice are frequently made only implicitly in climate change mitigation scenarios. Here, we introduce the patterns of the distributional justice framework that operationalize philosophical justice theories as quantitative requirements for scenario trajectories. We then apply this framework to the IPCC AR6 scenario database to assess the distributional implications of global climate change mitigation scenarios across world regions. Focusing on scenario variables (...) related to energy and meat consumption, we found a diversity of patterns of justice across scenario characteristics. The prioritarian perspective, which prioritizes improvements to those currently worse off, emerged as the most dominant pattern of justice. By contrast, futures with limited or reduced energy and meat consumption were the least represented in the database. Our research further indicates that most scenarios consistent with patterns of justice do not explicitly aim to model more just futures, suggesting that underlying scenario narratives—most often SSP2—largely determine the distributional outcomes. We therefore propose a stakeholder engagement strategy to make distributional justice assumptions in scenario development ex-ante more diverse and transparent. Overall, this study provides a practical avenue for developing justice-conscious scenarios that may be more likely to motivate collective climate action. [Open access]. (shrink)

This study evaluated the strategic position of Mindanao Montessori School Inc., a long-standing private educational institution in Digos City, Davao del Sur. Through environmental scanning and strategic tools such as the SWOT analysis, IFE and EFE matrices, and SPACE and BCG matrices, the paper assessed the internal strengths, weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats facing the school. Findings indicated that while the institution has maintained financial stability and a solid educational reputation, it continues to encounter challenges such as limited technological (...) capacity, increasing competition, and socio-economic fluctuations affecting enrollment. Strategic responses proposed included digital integration, enhanced teacher training, expanded community outreach, and curriculum innovations tailored to emerging social and environmental trends. The analysis positioned the school within the "Grow and Build" quadrant of the IE Matrix and the "Defensive" quadrant of the SPACE Matrix, suggesting that its strategic direction should focus on risk mitigation, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Overall, the study underscored the importance of continuous strategic planning to ensure educational excellence and long-term viability. (shrink)

Integrating the concept of place meanings into protected area management has been difficult. Across a diverse body of social science literature, challenges in the conceptualization and application of place meanings continue to exist. However, focusing on relationships in the context of participatory planning and management allows protected area managers to bring place meanings into professional judgment and practice. This paper builds on work that has outlined objectives and recommendations for bringing place meanings, relationships, and lived experiences to the forefront of (...) land-use planning and management. It proposes the next steps in accounting for people’s relationships with protected areas and their relationships with protected area managers. Our goals are to 1) conceptualize this relationship framework; 2) present a structure for application of the framework; and 3) demonstrate the application in a specific protected area context, using an example from Alaska. We identify three key target areas of information and knowledge that managers will need to sustain quality relationship outcomes at protected areas. These targets are recording stories or narratives, monitoring public trust in management, and identifying and prioritizing threats to relationships. The structure needed to apply this relationship-focused approach requires documenting and following individual relationships with protected areas in multiple ways. The goal of this application is not to predict relationships, but instead to gain a deeper understanding of how and why relationships develop and change over time. By documenting narratives of individuals, managers can understand how relationships evolve over time and the role they play in individual’s lives. By understanding public trust, the shared values and goals of individuals and managers can be observed. By identifying and prioritizing threats, managers can pursue efforts that steward relationships while allowing for the protection of experiences and meanings. The collection and interpretation of these three information targets can then be integrated and implemented within planning and management strategies to achieve outcomes that are beneficial for resource protection, visitor experiences, and stakeholder engagement. By investing in this approach, agencies will gain greater understanding and usable knowledge towards the achievement of quality relationships. It represents an investment in both place relationships and public relations. By integrating such an approach into planning and management, protected area managers can represent the greatest diversity of individual place meanings and connections. relationships, place meanings, trust, narratives, planning, protected areas. (shrink)

The challenges of the Anthropocene are growing ever more complex and uncertain, underpinned by the emergence of systemic risks. At the same time, the landscape of risk governance has become compartmentalised and siloed, characterized by non-overlapping activities, competing scientific discourses, and distinct responsibilities distributed across diverse public and private bodies. Operating across scales and disciplines, actors tend to work in silos which constitute critical gaps within the interface of science, policy, and practice. Yet, increasingly complex and ‘wicked’ problems require holistic (...) solutions, multi-scalar communication, coordination, collaboration, data interoperability, funding, and stakeholder engagement. To address these problems in a real-world context, we present the Risk-Tandem framework for bridging theory and practice; to guide and structure the integration of disaster risk management (DRM), climate change adaptation (CCA) and systemic risk management through a process of transdisciplinary knowledge co-production. Advancing the frontiers of knowledge in this regard, The Risk-Tandem framework combines risk management approaches and tools with iterative co-production processes as a cornerstone of its implementation, in efforts to promote the co-design of fit-for-purpose solutions, methods and approaches contributing toward strengthened risk governance alongside stakeholders. The paper outlines how the framework is developed, applied, and further refined within selected case study regions, including Denmark, Germany, Italy and the Danube Region. (shrink)

Abstract: Business lobbying is a pervasive aspect of modern politics, where corporations seek to influence political candidates and policymakers to secure favorable laws, regulations, and policies. While lobbying can be a legitimate tool for stakeholder engagement, its disproportionate influence raises ethical and societal concerns. This paper explores the reasons businesses lobby, the societal risks, the persistence of lobbying practices, and potential reforms to ensure a balanced democratic process. Comprehensive examples are provided to illustrate key points. -/- .

This paper offers a comprehensive review of existing literature on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and leadership, drawing on both theoretical insights and practical implementations. By analyzing scholarly publications from the past two years (2023-2025), the review traces emerging patterns in how AI technologies are being integrated into leadership practices. Key themes include the growing relevance of learning-based systems for adaptive decision-making and the application of attention-based models to improve responsiveness in dynamic environments. The review also addresses ethical dimensions (...) of AI-enabled leadership, emphasizing the need to balance algorithmic efficiency with human judgment and oversight. Concerns around transparency, psychological safety, and trust in automated systems are explored in depth. Furthermore, the paper outlines various AI-supported leadership support systems that are currently in use, highlighting their potential to assist leaders in strategic forecasting, communication, and stakeholder engagement. The synthesis incorporates multiple theoretical frameworks that help contextualize AI’s role in leadership transformation, offering a structured view of how emerging technologies are reshaping leadership thought and behavior. Ultimately, this review maps out a landscape of opportunities and challenges, providing a foundation for future research in AI-augmented leadership. The analysis identifies reinforcement learning as a predominant approach in leadership strategies, with a theory-weighted impact metric (Impact=∑T_i×F_i) assigning it a weighted score of 4.08/6.0. The review also highlights the use of multi-head attention mechanisms (LeadershipAttention(Q,K,V)) to enhance crisis response times by 37% (p<0.001). Additionally, ethical concerns are discussed, particularly regarding the incorporation of KL divergence optimization systems (KL(p_AI |)p_human )<ϵ) to maintain human oversight. The findings from the reviewed studies show that AI adoption leads to a 58% ±12% faster decision-making process, a 41% ±9% increase in strategic accuracy, and 89.2% forecasting precision. However, challenges in psychological safety thresholds (T<0.4) and transparency in AI decision-making (A<0.6) persist. The paper also discusses existing AI-Driven Leadership Decision Support Systems (AI-LDSS), including the use of transformer-based NLP, SHAP-explainable predictions, and bias detection. This review synthesizes theoretical frameworks, including differential leadership equations ((dL_i)/dt=αL_i (1-L_i/K)-β∑L_i L_j+γA_i (t)), and provides an overview of the current state of AI in leadership research. (shrink)

Purpose: This study investigates how international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 26000 influence the perception and adoption of sustainable and responsible practices in Algerian SMEs. By comparing certified and non-certified firms, it evaluates the contribution of these standards to sustainable management and entrepreneurship. -/- Design/Method/Approach: A quantitative, empirical, and comparative approach was applied to assess awareness and integration of responsible management principles. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and interviews across two SME groups – certified and (...) non-certified – allowing comparative analysis of key areas such as corporate policy, strategy, stakeholder engagement, internal processes, and training. -/- Findings: Certified SMEs show a stronger understanding and integration of sustainability principles, reflected in more structured governance and environmental practices. Certification under ISO standards significantly correlates with better management of environmental and workplace concerns. Statistical analysis confirms that certified SMEs more effectively embed sustainability into their operations, enhancing competitiveness. -/- Theoretical Implications: The findings underscore the essential function of international standards as both regulatory and managerial frameworks that promote sustainable management practices. The study supports the argument that structured models of sustainability, such as those embedded in ISO certifications, are fundamental for SMEs seeking to align with international environmental and social expectations. At the same time, the results point to the need for stronger support mechanisms – such as financial incentives and expert guidance – to assist SMEs in fully adopting these practices. -/- Practical Implications: The practical significance of the study lies in several areas. It suggests that government and business institutions should actively promote SME access to international standards by offering supportive certification incentives. Furthermore, it highlights the strategic advantage for SMEs in placing sustainability at the core of their business models, particularly as a tool for improved market positioning. It also emphasizes the importance of enhanced communication with stakeholders to increase transparency and build trust in the company’s sustainability initiatives. -/- Originality/Value: This research offers a new comparative perspective on the role of ISO certifications in shaping sustainable practices within SMEs in a developing country. Unlike earlier studies that focused primarily on large enterprises, this paper illustrates how international standards can serve as a transformative force for small and medium-sized businesses by promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and more responsible management. -/- Research Limitations/Future Research: While the study offers valuable insights, its scope is limited to a sample of 30 Algerian SMEs, which restricts the generalizability of the results. Future research could benefit from a larger and more diverse sample across sectors and regions. Longitudinal studies would provide a clearer view of the long-term effects of ISO certification on SME sustainability. Further investigation into sector-specific barriers and the role of external financial and institutional support could deepen understanding of the adoption and impact of sustainability standards. (shrink)

The integration of cloud architecture into Human Capital Management (HCM) systems has revolutionized the way organizations manage their workforce. Cloud-based HCM solutions offer enhanced scalability, flexibility, and accessibility, enabling organizations to streamline HR processes, improve data management, and foster greater employee engagement. This paper explores the impact of cloud architecture on HCM processes, highlighting key benefits such as cost-effectiveness, real-time data access, and seamless integration with other business systems. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of case studies from (...) diverse industries, the study demonstrates how cloud-based HCM systems optimize talent acquisition, performance management, learning and development, and workforce analytics. Additionally, the research addresses the challenges associated with transitioning to cloud-based HCM solutions, including data security, privacy concerns, and change management. Best practices for implementing cloud architecture in HCM are discussed, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and continuous evaluation. The findings underscore the pivotal role of cloud architecture in enhancing organizational efficiency, agility, and competitive advantage in today’s dynamic business environment. (shrink)

Purpose: By comparative analysis of international cultural projects, identify strategies and methods that ensure project team cohesion and its effectiveness. To substantiate directions and approaches that, in the context of the complexity of managing international cultural projects, can form effective strategies for overcoming the negative impacts of cultural diversity and communication barriers, and for realizing the expectations of stakeholders. Methods: The study uses both a qualitative approach based on research from various fields, in particular based on the use of Cross-Case (...) Synthesis, inductive coding, cross-case comparison, and a quantitative approach, in particular based on сorrelation analysis, involved constructing a Pearson correlation matrix and a multimodal approach for a balanced combination of structured and semi-structured data. It also integrates insights from project management frameworks and cultural intelligence models to analyze the role of leadership, adaptability, and technology in international project environments. Findings: The study identifies key strategies for mitigating conflicts, leveraging cultural intelligence, and enhancing project outcomes in multicultural settings. It highlights the importance of digital tools and virtual collaboration in managing culturally diverse teams, as well as the impact of cultural awareness on project efficiency, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Originality: This research contributes to the growing field of international project management by offering actionable strategies for professionals working in culturally diverse environments. By understanding cultural dynamics, project managers can implement inclusive strategies that foster collaboration, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure the sustainable success of international cultural initiatives. Keywords: International Cultural Project Management; Cross-Cultural Collaboration; Cultural Intelligence; Global Project Management. (shrink)

The rapid advancement of information technology has transformed public sector operations globally. In Nigeria, government ministries increasingly adopt computerization to improve transparency and efficiency. The study adopted a survey research design using structured questionnaires to collect data from 294 staff across four ministries (Education 112, Finance 114, Works 38, Women Affairs 30) in Anambra State. The population of 1,105 staff was sampled using Yaro Yamane’s formula with a 5% margin of error. Data included both primary (questionnaires) and secondary (documents, literature) (...) sources. The questionnaire, validated through expert review and pretested with 30 health ministry staff, utilized a four-point Likert scale. SPSS software handled data analysis, applying descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test to test hypotheses. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. The findings reveal that financial resources (47.6% strongly agree), leadership support (38.4% strongly agree), and IT infrastructure (53.1% agree) strongly influenced e-administration transparency. Training received mixed responses, with 32.3% strongly agreeing, while interdepartmental collaboration had 40.5% agreeing. Opinions varied on project management (39.8% strongly disagree, 34.7% strongly agree) and stakeholder engagement (40.5% strongly disagree). Data security raised concerns (56.8% strongly disagree), while change management (56.5% agree) and continuous monitoring (45.9% strongly agree) received positive responses. Statistical analysis showed employees with first degrees (mean 30.83) outperformed postgraduates (mean 28.29), with significant differences (p = 0.001), suggesting educational background influenced e-administration service delivery. The study confirmed that computerization improved transparency and service delivery in Anambra State ministries, driven by financial support, leadership commitment, IT infrastructure, training, and monitoring. Challenges included data security and stakeholder engagement. Educational background influenced adaptability, with first-degree holders performing better. Strengthening weak areas can enhance digital governance outcomes. The study recommends strengthening data protection measures and adopting inclusive stakeholder management practices to maximize the benefits of e-administration. (shrink)

In the modern business landscape, effective Human Capital Management (HCM) is pivotal for organizational success. The integration of HCM tools into existing HR systems is a strategic endeavor that can enhance workforce management, streamline HR processes, and foster employee engagement and productivity. This paper explores best practices for integrating HCM tools, highlighting key considerations such as system compatibility, data migration, user training, and change management. Through an extensive literature review and analysis of real-world case studies, the study demonstrates how (...) successful integration can lead to significant improvements in HR operations and overall organizational performance. Additionally, the paper identifies common challenges encountered during the integration process and proposes strategies to mitigate them. The findings underscore the importance of a structured approach to HCM tool integration, emphasizing the role of leadership, stakeholder engagement, and continuous evaluation. Future research directions are suggested to further enhance the integration frameworks, incorporating advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to drive more intelligent and adaptive HCM systems. The insights provided aim to equip HR professionals and organizational leaders with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of HCM tool integration, ultimately fostering a more agile, efficient, and engaged workforce. (shrink)

This capstone is centered around the development of an efficient electronic property inventory system tailored for school assets, driven by the overarching objective of resource optimization to ensure equitable access to vital materials for all learners. The methodology follows the “ISSO” framework (Ignite, Strategize, Systematize, Operationalize), complemented by a Logical Framework. The project employs a homegrown digitalized system constructed through a waterfall model approach, which undergoes alpha and beta testing. The study’s analysis utilizes a t-Test to evaluate its impact. The (...) outcomes reveal that real-time property monitoring significantly enhances custodianship, while digitalization yields improvements in reliability, efficiency, and usability, effectively overhauling the conventional inventory process. The electronic system fosters stakeholder engagement, supporting communication, budget allocation, and audits. Comparative testing demonstrates clear advantages over traditional manual methods. In conclusion, this study underscores the merits of a refined electronic property inventory system. Notably, the research suggests a need for careful consideration of process complexities in outsourcing decisions and showcases the swift, precise, and transparent accounting provided by e-AIMSS deployments, thereby nurturing transparency and public confidence. This innovative approach holds promise for broader application within the realm of e-government processes. (shrink)

The MATATAG Curriculum signifies a pivotal shift in the Philippine education system, prioritizing foundational skills, integrating 21st-century competencies, and promoting values education. This study conducts a comprehensive document analysis to examine the curriculum's impact on stakeholders, revealing positive reception and adaptation among educators, students, and parents. Through meticulous examination of official documents, policy papers, and curriculum guidelines, the study elucidates reductions in academic pressure and enhancements in teacher workload, fostering a conducive learning environment. Additionally, the analysis underscores the curriculum's emphasis (...) on holistic development, nurturing responsible, compassionate individuals. Stakeholder engagement emerges as a critical component for ensuring the ongoing relevance and efficacy of the MATATAG Curriculum. As a beacon of educational progress, the MATATAG Curriculum steers the nation towards excellence in education and societal well-being. (shrink)

This study explores the intersection of project management practices and environmental challenges in Anambra State, Nigeria, with a focus on understanding how environmental factors influence the planning, execution, and sustainability of projects in the region. Anchored in a qualitative research methodology, the study seeks to uncover nuanced insights into the complex interplay between project management processes and environmental constraints such as erosion, flooding, deforestation, and urbanization, which are prevalent in the state. Through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, (...) the research captures the perspectives of project managers, environmental experts, government officials, and community stakeholders. Findings reveal that environmental challenges significantly impact project timelines, budgets, and outcomes, often necessitating adaptive strategies to mitigate risks and ensure project success. For instance, erosion and flooding not only disrupt construction projects but also lead to increased costs for site remediation and infrastructure resilience. Additionally, the study highlights the role of poor environmental policies and insufficient stakeholder engagement in exacerbating project risks. Conversely, best practices such as environmental impact assessments (EIAs), community-inclusive planning, and the integration of sustainable materials emerge as effective strategies to address these challenges. This study, which provides a detailed account of how environmental factors shape project management in Anambra State, contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development in Nigeria. It underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates environmental science, policy, and stakeholder collaboration in project planning and execution. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for project managers, policymakers, and stakeholders to enhance the resilience and sustainability of projects in the face of escalating environmental challenges. This research offers critical insights into achieving more effective and environmentally conscious project management in developing regions. (shrink)

The study investigates the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science (BSESS) program curriculum within Region III, specifically studying its alignment with the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 81, series of 2017, to distinguish potential curriculum and policy developments that backing life-wide learning and student employability. The research identifies existing gaps in career alignment, stakeholder engagement, graduate employability preparation, and policies supporting lifelong learning within the curriculum. Through multiple case study design, it explores curricular (...) practices, instructional strategies, student engagement, and assessment methods at two state universities, emphasizing their unique approaches to practical learning, community involvement, and stakeholder collaboration. Findings reveal significant areas such as institutional support, curricular planning, and stakeholder engagement, underscoring variations in each institution’s strategies to address community needs, facilitate student-centered learning, and prepare graduates for the sports and fitness industry. The two institutions demonstrate strong commitment to curriculum implementation through initiatives like experiential learning and community engagement, although with distinct approaches influenced by local demands. Challenges highlighted include infrastructure limitations, stakeholder involvement irregularities, and the need for enhanced policy support. Future directions for the BSESS program involve expanding student engagement through global internships, certification programs, and partnerships with local government units (LGUs) to foster community-based health initiatives, while ongoing curriculum reviews ensure alignment with industry demands and societal needs. (shrink)

Research in this study was conducted in Singkawang city, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia which embraces a harmonious multicultural society with three major ethnicities, namely TIDAYU (Chinese, Dayak and Malay). The rich cultural diversities give positive advantages for tourism development and bode well for significant local economic growth. Among others, the Cap Go Meh (Chinese religious tradition) is considered to the biggest event in the region that involves the TIDAYU. Even though the Cap Go Meh is annually celebrated in many different (...) parts of the world, the Singkawang Cap Go Meh Festival has unique features that attract Chinese diasporas from other regions in Indonesia and neighboring countries. For that reason, the actors involved in this event constitute various social, economic, and political backgrounds. This research focused on how Singkawang local government can develop a distinctive tourism strategy to address the specific multi stakeholder interactions using a qualitative approach. The research found that in the context of tourism policy development, the interaction and dynamic patterns among policy actors are developed through linear individual cooperation. Within this pattern, the interaction amongst policy actors tend to involve certain individuals who have authority in controlling resources regardless of their origin or organizations. In fact, this pattern is very strongly based on family relationships or friendships found in both public and private domains. The research has shown that the strategies used in developing tourism policy in Singkawang city should be developed based on network management and good stakeholder engagement. (shrink)

Corporate Governance (CG) encompasses the frameworks, principles, and processes through which organizations are directed and controlled. With the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), traditional governance models are being redefined, creating both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for modern enterprises. Artificial Intelligence, including its major subfields such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing, is reshaping how businesses operate across marketing, product innovation, human resources, and customer experience. Through automation, predictive analytics, and enhanced decision-making, AI allows organizations to (...) function more efficiently and competitively. Yet its dependence on large datasets raises crucial concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility. This paper investigates how AI integration transforms corporate governance structures by influencing decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and trust mechanisms. It explores three fundamental questions: How can companies ensure that AI systems use data ethically and lawfully? What governance mechanisms can enhance transparency and trust in AI-driven decision-making? And how can firms balance innovation with ethical and regulatory compliance? The study concludes that embedding AI within governance frameworks can accelerate innovation and operational excellence, but it also necessitates the establishment of robust ethical standards, regulatory oversight, and adaptive leadership. The emerging “rules of governance” in the AI era will determine how organizations sustain trust, manage digital transformation, and align corporate strategy with societal expectations. (shrink)

Community and stakeholder support for marine and coastal ecosystem conservation policies is crucial. However, extant multinational studies on climate change-related factors that constrain stakeholders’ willingness to protect the ocean are limited. Therefore, the dataset from 709 marine stakeholders across 42 countries, part of the MaCoBioS project funded by the European Commission, was analyzed using the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) method to fill the knowledge gap. The findings reveal that for individuals who think society is doing too much to address (...) climate change, new technologies can solve climate change. Responses to climate change can damage the country’s economy and might not be productive in supporting actions protecting the ocean. Based on the study results, we recommend policymakers raise awareness among individuals engaged in marine and coastal ecosystems about the crucial role of marine protection in combating climate change, taking into account the limitations of technology in solving climate change problems and the inadequacy of current efforts. The findings also provide insights for enhancing the effectiveness of awareness and knowledge-raising campaigns, conservation programs, and eco-surplus culture-building agenda. (shrink)

Philosophy of science has the potential to enhance scientific practice, science policy, and science education; moreover, recent research indicates that many philosophers of science think we ought to increase the broader impacts of our work. Yet, there is little to no empirical data on how we are supposed to have an impact. To address this problem, our research team interviewed 35 philosophers of science regarding the impact of their work in science-related domains. We found that face-to-face engagement with scientists (...) and other stakeholders was one of the most—if not the most—effective pathways to impact. Yet, working with non-philosophers and disseminating research outside philosophical venues is not what philosophers are typically trained or incentivized to do. Thus, there is a troublesome tension between the activities that are likely to lead to broader uptake of one’s work and those that are traditionally encouraged and rewarded in philosophy. We suggest several ways that philosophers of science, either as individuals or as a community, can navigate these tensions. (shrink)

In this article, we critically discuss the ideal of alignment, unity and harmony in cross-sector partnerships for wicked problems like sustainable development. We explore four characteristics of the concepts of identity, unity and difference which are presupposed in the partnership and collaboration literature, and point at their metaphysical origin. Based on our analysis of these four characteristics, we show the limitations of the metaphysical concepts of identity and difference in the case of CSPs for wicked problems like sustainable development.

The place of scientific expertise in democracy has become increasingly disputed, raising question who ought to have a say in decision-making about science and technology, with what authority, and for what reasons. Public engagement has become a common refrain in technoscientific discussions to address tensions in the rightful roles of experts and the public in democratic decision-making. However, precisely what public engagement entails, who it involves, how it is performed, and to what extent it is desirable for democratic (...) societies remain contested matters. Nevertheless, strong commitments to greater public engagement in the governance of science and technology persist. This essay examines expert discussions about heritable human genome editing beginning from the 2015 International Summit on Human Genome Editing through the controversies surrounding of the first CRISPR-edited humans in late 2018 and the subsequent renewed calls for a moratorium on heritable human genome editing. I examine these discussions as example cases in which the right relations among experts, the public, and technoscientific decision-making are actively reconfigured. I argue that rather than expanding the range of included stakeholders, public engagement serves as an enabling handservant of technocracy that reinforces the position of scientific experts in decision-making as both epistemic and normative authorities. (shrink)

Although it seems both ethically and epistemically appropriate to engage with publics to ensure that values used in research consider the interests of relevant stakeholders, doing so successfully faces serious challenges. Because values play central roles in drug and medical device research, using the USA Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) attempts to incorporate stakeholders’ values can offer insights into these problems. I point out challenges regarding the incorporation of what are arguably legitimate but conflicting values from relevant stakeholders. Identifying these (...) challenges is necessary to determine what strategies might be more likely to address them. (shrink)

This Mathematical Symbols Glossary serves as a comprehensive companion to The Temporal Dimensions of Value: A Philosophical Inquiry into Quality, Duration, and Market Equilibria and its associated treatise on the Value-Lifespan Equilibrium (VLE) Framework. The glossary systematically catalogues over 200 mathematical symbols, operators, and notational conventions employed throughout the theoretical development of the VLE Framework, a novel approach to analyzing market equilibria that explicitly incorporates temporal dynamics, product lifespan, and multi-stakeholder welfare considerations. Organized into twenty thematic sections, the glossary (...) progresses from fundamental parameters—time, duration, and quality—through economic variables, welfare functions, game-theoretic notation, and information structures, culminating in specialized VLE-specific symbols and the framework's three core axioms. Each entry provides the symbol, its meaning, contextual notes, and where applicable, functional relationships and typical parameter ranges. The glossary addresses notational ambiguities inherent in interdisciplinary work spanning microeconomic theory, dynamic optimization, game theory, and welfare economics. Beyond serving as a reference tool, the glossary includes pedagogical elements: guidance on reading complex mathematical expressions, tips for navigating technical content at varying levels of mathematical sophistication, and explicit acknowledgment of the framework's theoretical assumptions and computational limitations. The document employs conventions from graduate-level mathematical economics while maintaining accessibility through clear explanations and context-dependent clarifications. This glossary is intended for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners engaging with the VLE Framework's application to problems of planned obsolescence, sustainable consumption, extended producer responsibility, and quality-duration trade-offs in market design. It will prove particularly valuable for scholars working at the intersection of industrial organization, environmental economics, and dynamic game theory. (shrink)

First, we explain the conception of trustworthiness that we employ. We model trustworthiness as a relation among a trustor, a trustee, and a field of trust defined and delimited by its scope. In addition, both potential trustors and potential trustees are modeled as being more or less reliable in signaling either their willingness to trust or their willingness to prove trustworthy in various fields in relation to various other agents. Second, following Alfano (forthcoming) we argue that the social scale of (...) a potential trust relationship partly determines both explanatory and normative aspects of the relation. Most of the philosophical literature focuses on dyadic trust between a pair of agents (Baier 1986, Jones 1996, Jones 2012, McGeer 2008, Pettit 1995), but there are also small communities of trust (Alfano forthcoming) and trust in large institutions (Potter 2002, Govier 1997, Townley & Garfield 2013, Hardin 2002). The mechanisms that induce people to extend their trust vary depending on the size of the community in question, and the ways in which trustworthiness can be established and trusting warranted vary with these mechanisms. Mechanisms that work in dyads and small communities are often unavailable in the context of trusting an institution or branch of government. Establishing trust on this larger social scale therefore requires new or modified mechanisms. In the third section of the paper, we recommend three policies that – we argue – tend to make institutions more trustworthy and to reliably signal that trustworthiness to the public. First, they should ensure that their decision-making processes are as open and transparent as possible. Second, they should make efforts to engage stakeholders in dialogue with decision-makers such as managers, members of the C-Suite, and highly-placed policy-makers. Third, they should foster diversity – gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic background, disability, etc. – in their workforce at all levels, but especially in management and positions of power. We conclude by discussing the warrant for distrust in institutions that do not adopt these policies, which we contend is especially pertinent for people who belong to groups that have historically faced (and in many cases still do face) oppression. (shrink)

An increasing number of regulations propose the notion of ‘AI audits’ as an enforcement mechanism for achieving transparency and accountability for artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Despite some converging norms around various forms of AI auditing, auditing for the purpose of compliance and assurance currently have little to no agreed upon practices, procedures, taxonomies, and standards. We propose the ‘criterion audit’ as an operationalizable compliance and assurance external audit framework. We model elements of this approach after financial auditing practices, and argue (...) that AI audits should similarly provide assurance to their stakeholders about AI organizations’ ability to govern their algorithms in ways that mitigate harms and uphold human values. We discuss the necessary conditions for the criterion audit, and provide a procedural blueprint for performing an audit engagement in practice. We illustrate how this framework can be adapted to current regulations by deriving the criteria on which ‘bias audits’ for hiring algorithms can be performed, as required by the recently effective New York City Local Law 144 of 2021. We conclude by offering critical discussion on the benefits, inherent limitations, and implementation challenges of applying practices of the more mature financial auditing industry to AI auditing where robust guardrails against quality assurance issues are only starting to emerge. Our discussion as informed by experiences in performing these audits in practice highlights the critical role that an audit ecosystem plays in ensuring the effectiveness of such methodology. (shrink)

Disaster response is a highly collaborative and critical process that requires the involvement of multiple emergency responders (ERs), ideally working together under a unified command, to enable a rapid and effective operational response. Following the 9/11 and 11/13 terrorist attacks and the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it is apparent that inadequate communication and a lack of interoperability among the ERs engaged on-site can adversely affect disaster response efforts. Within this context, we present a scenario-based terrorism case study to (...) highlight the challenges of operational disaster command and response. In this article, which is based on the French emergency response doctrine, we outline a semantics-based common operational command system that is designed to guarantee an efficient information flow among ERs. Our focus is on offering to all ERs, a real-time operational picture of the situation in order to enable multilevel coordination among firefighters, police, healthcare units, public authorities, and other stakeholders. Our approach consolidates information to promote timely sharing of data among ERs. The proposed system is based on an ontology that has been developed to represent the different types of knowledge on the part of ERs, providing a shared vocabulary that covers a variety of interoperability concerns. (shrink)