|
on Project, Program and Portfolio Management |
| By: | Mrs Caroline Morrison; Ms Emer Gallagher; Professor Elaine Ramsey; Mr Derek Bond |
| Abstract: | Objectives Whilst much has been written about the role of the 'bottom up' approach to renewable energy, there is still no clear insight into why only some schemes work. The objective of this paper is to illustrate how adopting a social constructivist approach gives more insight into the factors that lead to successful small scale renewable energy adoption. In particular, social enterprises are playing an increasing role in delivering the objectives of Europe 2020 (sustainability and self-sufficiency). This paper discusses these current trends with regards to community renewable energy projects. Prior Work There is a considerable body of literature on community renewable energy projects (Fudge et al., 2011; Walker et al., 2010, 2006; Warren and McFadyen, 2010). At a practical level, the importance of adopting the correct organisational structures has been highlighted (Gubbins, 2010; DETI, 2011). However, in the literature there has been little discussion of this issue. This could be because most of the academic literature is framed within the technological determinist paradigm and has its origins in subjects other than business. Approach The paper presents and discusses the findings of a large number of case studies that explore these issues, undertaken as part of the European Regional Development Fund's transnational Northern Periphery Programme's projects in renewable energy. Results and Implications The case studies identified that the main barriers were socio-economic rather than technical. The main finding is that nearly all successful community renewable energy initiatives had formed themselves into social enterprises. This was because they were better placed to address the key barriers identified. Uncovering this finding was possible through the adoption of a social constructivist approach which allowed the socio-economic issues to be carefully considered. The implication is that further work needs to be undertaken by adopting this paradigm. Value The main value of this paper is that it illustrates how adopting a social constructivist paradigm and using management theory helps to explain the complex issues surrounding the 'bottom up' approach to sustainability and self-sufficiency. In particular, the approach provides an ideal way of studying the functioning of social enterprises. |
| Keywords: | social enterprise, renewable energy, innovation, social constructivism |
| Date: | 2013–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fsr:wpaper:2&r=ppm |
| By: | Anna Sokolova (National Research University Higher School of Economics (Russia), Laboratory for Science and Technology Studies, senior research fellow) |
| Abstract: | As the impact of strategic decision-making at the corporate, sectoral and national levels increases, there are growing demands for high quality and solid Foresight outputs. In this regard, a timely detection and elimination of problems in Foresight projects is of great importance. A thorough evaluation of criteria and methods used in Foresight analysis would permit the improved effectiveness of Foresight activities. The results could be set against the aims to decide on the feasibility of projects and identify ways to improve them. Despite great interest in Foresight evaluation demonstrated by stakeholders at various levels, the general principles for conducting it have not yet been formulated, which hinders its development and the diffusion of successful expertise. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated approach for the evaluation of Foresight projects, including their classification, basic criteria to evaluate project realisation, results and impact and a SWOT analysis. The proposed methodology was tested on Russian National Foresight 2030 and the results are described and analysed. Further ways of developing this approach are suggested |
| Keywords: | foresight, evaluation, Russia |
| JEL: | O22 O32 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:20sti2013&r=ppm |
| By: | Chowdhury, Tasnim; Datta, Rajib; Mohajan, Haradhan |
| Abstract: | Green finance is part of a broader occurrence; from the incorporation of various non-financial or ethical concerns onto the financial universe. Generally green finance is considered as the financial support for green growth which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutant emissions significantly. Green finance in agriculture, green buildings and other green projects should increase for the economic development of the country. In this paper an attempt has been made to describe green financing in a boarder sense. |
| Keywords: | Environment, Green building, Green finance, Green projects, Renewable energy. |
| JEL: | G17 |
| Date: | 2013–03–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:51169&r=ppm |
| By: | Masini, Andrea; Menichetti , Emanuela |
| Abstract: | Investments in renewable energy (RE) technologies are regarded with increasing interest as an effective means to stimulate growth and accelerate the recovery from the recent financial crisis. Yet, despite their appeal, and the numerous policies implemented to promote these technologies, the diffusion of RE projects remains somehow below expectations. This limited penetration is also due to a lack of appropriate financing and to a certain reluctance to invest in these technologies. In order to shed light on this phenomenon, in this paper we examine the decision making process underlying investments in RE technologies. We propose and test a conceptual model that examines the structural and behavioral factors affecting the investors decisions as well as the relationship between RE investments and portfolio performance. Applying econometric techniques on primary data collected from a sample of European investors, we study how the investors a-priori beliefs, their preferences over policy instruments and their attitude toward technological risk affect the likelihood of investing in RE projects. We also demonstrate that portfolio performance increases with an increase of the RE share in the portfolio. Implications for scholars, investors, technology managers and policy makers are derived and discussed. |
| Keywords: | Adaptive conjoint analysis; behavioral finance; investments; renewable energy policy; multivariate regression; |
| JEL: | Q00 |
| Date: | 2013–04–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ebg:heccah:0974&r=ppm |
| By: | Olivier Cadot; Ana Fernandes; Julien Gourdon; Aaditya Mattoo; Jaime de Melo |
| Abstract: | The paper reviews recent evidence from a wide range of studies, recognizing that a multiplicity of approaches is needed to learn what works and what does not. The review concludes that there is some support for the emphasis on reducing trade costs through investments in hard infrastructure (like ports and roads) and soft infrastructure (like customs). But failure to implement complementary reform – especially the introduction of competition in transport services – may erode the benefits of these investments. Direct support to exporters does seem to lead to diversification across products and destinations, but it is not yet clear that these benefits are durable. In general, it is difficult to rely on cross-country studies to direct AFT. More rigorous impact evaluation (IE) is an under-utilized alternative, but situations of “clinical interventions” in trade are rare and adverse incentives (due to agency problems) and costs (due to the small size of project) are a hurdle in implementation. |
| Keywords: | Aid for trade (AFT);trade performance;gravity;impact evaluation |
| JEL: | F15 F35 |
| Date: | 2013–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cii:cepidt:2013-33&r=ppm |