Alain Laurent P. G. Verbeke

THE APPLICABILITY OF MULTICRITERIA-ANALYSIS TO THE EVALUATION OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS (ITS)

This paper describes theoretical foundations of multicriteria analysis (MCA), and the process-related steps to be followed when conducting an MCA in practice. Two MCA methods are discussed in greater detail; namely, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and PROMETHEE. Although the discussion of the merits of MCA can be viewed as generic, special attention is devoted herein to the applicability of these methods to intelligent transportation system (ITS) cases. The paper critically examines the strengths and weaknesses of MCA as compared to cost benefit analysis (CBA), especially in the context of ITS applications.

Strategic Positioning Analysis for Seaports

In this chapter, a Strategic positioning analysis (SPA) is developed as a specific analytical approach consisting of a product portfolio analysis, a shift-share analysis and a diversification analysis. The SPA describes the performance of ports and traffic categories within ports in terms of market share, growth rate, diversification and value added. The SPA needs to be used taking into account the ports position with regard to value-added created by the different traffic categories. By using this integrative instrument, indications on the overall strategic position of ports are provided and will benefit strategy formulation and decision-making on port development.

The Effect of Semi-Automatic External Defibrillation by Emergency Medical Technicians on Survival After Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: An Observational Study in Urban and Rural Areas in Belgium

The introduction of semi-automatic external defibrillators (SAEDs) allowed emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to deliver electroshocks in cases of out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT), often many minutes before the arrival of the mobile intensive care unit (MICU) team. In this observational study we report on the results obtained by the EMTs from the fire departments of Gent, Aalter and Brugge. In Gent, an SAED project started in May 1991. By December 1995, the SAEDs electrodes had been attached in 367 cardiac arrest patients. The first rhythm detected by the device was asystole or electromechanical dissociation (EMD) in 241 patients (66%): only 5 of these patients survived to hospital discharge (2%). In the remaining 126 VF/VT cases (34%) the survival rate was 21% (26/126). In 14 of these 26 patients the shock(s) delivered by the EMTs restored spontaneous circulation before the arrival of the MICU team, with only venous cannulation and/or intubation being performed by the MICU team. In 4 other VF patients, the shock(s) delivered by EMTs converted the VF, with the MICU team successfully taking care of VF/VT relapses or postcountershock EMD. In the remaining 8 VF/VT cases, only the MICU attempts could resuscitate the patient. The SAED project in Aalter was set up in April 1993. By December 1995, care was taken for only 21 patients. None of the 4 VF/VT patients and the 17 asystole/EMD patients survived. In Brugge, there were 240 cardiac arrest cases treated with SAED between January 1991 and December 1995. Among the 89 VF/VT cases, there were 20 survivors (22%): 8 cases survived thanks to SAED shock(s) delivered by EMTs, in 3 cases survival was due to the combination of SAED shock(s) by EMTs and extensive ALS treatment by the MICU team, and in 9 cases restoration of spontaneous circulation was only obtained after application of ALS techniques by the MICU team. This observational study seems to show a beneficial effect of the introduction of SAED in Gent and Brugge. In Aalter the number of treated cases is tool low to draw conclusions. Anyhow, the global survival rate in the three areas remains low. Therefore, more efforts are needed to strengthen the other links of the chain of survival (early access to the emergency medical services-system, early basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early advanced life support.

Computers work for women: Gender differences in e-supported divorce mediation

Despite the increasing use of e-mediated services to settle divorce, research on its effectiveness is limited. In this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of an asynchronous e-supported tool to mediate divorces in the Netherlands. In order to do so, we rely on (a) the number of agreements reached and (objective) (b) with the help of a survey, we ask men and women about their perceptions of justice when involved in an e-mediated divorce (subjective). Results show that in more than 75% of the cases parties reach an agreement. Furthermore, findings indicate that both Dutch men and women evaluate e-supported divorce mediation favorably with high levels of perceived distributive, procedural, interpersonal as well as informational justice. Although men and women do not differ regarding perceptions of distributive and informational justice, women perceive significantly more procedural and interpersonal justice than men. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Money or children?: Power sources in divorce mediation

Abstract In Western societies, family law has transformed from a hierarchical relationship into a system of gender-neutral equality aspiring terms. Many families however, still apply traditional, gendered patterns in their division of labour and family life, even in a country like The Netherlands which is characterised by strong gender egalitarianism. In this paper we argue that the division of gender-based roles in family life affects power distribution in divorce mediation as well as the use of certain power resources by men and women. To test this, we survey 60 experienced Dutch mediators and introduce a new classification model for power sources distinguishing between material and immaterial power. As predicted, in divorce mediation, mediators perceive generally an equal power distribution between men and women, but power bases differ strongly: whereas men were considered to rely more on material resources, women were considered to rely more on immaterial resources. Implications for mediation practice are discussed.

What goes around comes around: The mediation of corporate social responsibility in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee engagement

Organization studies have investigated transformational leadership and employee engagement as key variables in the field. Recent calls in the literature propose further investigation of the link between leadership and engagement, through different levels within the organization. Hence, the current study examines the leadership–engagement relationship in more depth and introduces perceived corporate social responsibility as an organizational level mediator. Hypotheses were tested amongst employees in a European bank (N = 5313) and were supported. This study contributes both to theory and practice by: (a) expanding the scope of transformational leadership effectiveness, specifically as a facilitator for employee engagement, and (b) demonstrating the contribution of perceived corporate social responsibility as a mediator in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee engagement.

Negotiating (in the Shadow of a) European Private Law

Clear and predictable rules act as a shadow in which parties can negotiate. European Private Law cannot offer such a shadow because its rules are too diffuse and incoherent. Nor can national laws provide this in a cross-border context. The European Commissions initiative to review the consumer acquis and create a more consistent body of rules through a CFR must therefore be supported. However, to the extent that the CFR goes beyond the revision of the consumer acquis and envisages the creation of a European contract law, it is argued that a fundamental step is lacking. Before drafting technical rules, an open, transparent and political dialogue is needed about the values underpinning such a contract law. This dialogue can benefit from a diversity of views, including more radical welfarist ideas. Negotiation theory shows how to set up a more open process of developing a European contract law. As in any negotiation, several tensions must be managed: between distribution and creation of value, empathy and assertiveness and between the interests of the European constituency and its political agents. New processes of empowered deliberative democracy with a consensus model of decision making may inspire a means for handling this much needed dialogue on European contract law.

An Application of Stakeholder Analysis to Infrastructure Development: The Case of the ‘DHL Super-hub Location Choice’

This book revisits traditional evaluation methods, such as cost–benefit analysis, to try and find a balance between the ever-increasing demand for transport, the search for sustainable mobility and green transport solutions, and the limited financial resources that governments are able to invest in transport infrastructure projects.

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY CHOICE AND FINANCIAL PROFITABILITY: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MULTINATIONALS AND DOMESTIC FIRMS IN BELGIUM

This chapter aims to determine the financial performance impacts of environmental strategies. The chapter builds upon a sample of firms operating in Belgium and includes both domestic firms and affiliates of foreign multinational enterprises. It appears that an environmental leadership approach is associated with an increase in financial performance, much in line with the mainstream literature on this subject. The surprising result is that a clear linkage can be established between environmental strategy and financial performance for Belgium-based companies, but not for affiliates of foreign multinational enterprises. In contrast, the industry growth rate does not appear to affect the linkages between environmental leadership and financial performance.

Execution officers as a balance wheel in insolvency cases

In this article I expound the view that judicial officers can play an essential role in balancing the debtors (humanity and privacy) and the creditors rights (efficient recovery) in insolvency cases.