Maliha Rahanaz

Bio: Maliha Rahanaz is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Social business model & Social business. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 8 citations.

Social innovation and SONO filter for drinking water

Abstract: Purpose Bangladesh is facing an alarming situation with the drinking water in its most areas, as groundwater used for drinking has been contaminated with naturally occurring inorganic arsenic. Many entrepreneurs along with the government are trying to cope up with this problem. SONO filter is one of them that is based on the social innovation concept. Social innovation is defined as innovative products/services motivated by the goal of meeting a social need, with the opportunity to create new social collaborations. This paper aims to examine the concepts of social innovation, which advocates enhancing values to society and the social benefit to all the stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study and presents the evolution, the development of the social business model and its implementation. Abul Hussam initiated the social business concept through SONO filter that is commercialized through the Manob Sakti Unnayan Kendro. The study has been conducted entirely on the basis of documentary information and data available in the public domain. Findings The findings show a hopeful contribution toward enhancing social benefits to society especially in arsenic-affected areas. SONO filter helps to mitigate the water-borne diseases and make people clean and safe, as well as healthy, by providing pure drinking water. Even by drinking pure water, people with arsenic-related diseases are getting better day by day through this social initiative. Originality/value Business based on social innovation is a new and really a good working concept. It has faced many hurdles in its journey to meet social objectives. Many researchers, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, national planners and society leaders will surely be benefited by its solution.

Friendship Floating Hospitals: Healthcare for the Riverine People of Bangladesh:

Abstract: Bangladesh is a land of rivers, with the settlements near the river banks, coastal areas, and char island areas typically being zones of great poverty. Providing basic healthcare services to these ...

Progress in Understanding the Mechanism of CrVI Removal in Fe0-Based Filtration Systems

Abstract: Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) compounds are used in a variety of industrial applications and, as a result, large quantities of CrVI have been released into the environment due to inadequate precautionary measures or accidental releases. CrVI is highly toxic to most living organisms and a known human carcinogen by inhalation route of exposure. Another major issue of concern about CrVI compounds is their high mobility, which easily leads to contamination of surface waters, soil, and ground waters. In recent years, attention has been focused on the use of metallic iron (Fe0) for the abatement of CrVI polluted waters. Despite a great deal of research, the mechanisms behind the efficient aqueous CrVI removal in the presence of Fe0 (Fe0/H2O systems) remain deeply controversial. The introduction of the Fe0-based filtration technology, at the beginning of 1990s, was coupled with the broad consensus that direct reduction of CrVI by Fe0 was followed by co-precipitation of resulted cations (CrIII, FeIII). This view is still the dominant removal mechanism (reductive-precipitation mechanism) within the Fe0 remediation industry. An overview on the literature on the Cr geochemistry suggests that the reductive-precipitation theory should never have been adopted. Moreover, recent investigations recalling that a Fe0/H2O system is an ion-selective one in which electrostatic interactions are of primordial importance is generally overlooked. The present work critically reviews existing knowledge on the Fe0/CrVI/H2O and CrVI/H2O systems, and clearly demonstrates that direct reduction with Fe0 followed by precipitation is not acceptable, under environmental relevant conditions, as the sole/main mechanism of CrVI removal in the presence of Fe0.

Social innovation drivers in social enterprises: systematic review

Abstract: Identify the drivers of social innovation (SI) that bring together the main management tools and approaches associated with the creation of SI in social enterprises (SEs).,A systematic review was developed in the Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO databases, using the keywords: social innovation, social enterprise and management. After analysis of quality and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 54 articles were selected for full analysis.,SI process was systemised into four steps: mapping and development, consolidation, scaling up and evaluation. The drivers of SI were mapped and classified into three main factors: contextual, organisational and managerial.,In organisational factors, business model was emphasised, as well as partnerships, participatory culture and intrapreneurship, adequate levels of bricolage and continuous learning. The management factors included the characteristics of the entrepreneur/innovator and managerial practices, where those that facilitate teamwork and the participation of all involved are best suited. In contextual factors, the highlight was the need for support from policy makers; community participation and demand for innovations that consider local context and usability.,This study connects previously scattered knowledge in a generic model of SI, highlighting routines and processes used, and provides a starting point for innovators and social entrepreneurs in the complex, uncertain and often unknown process of SI. Additionally, several research gaps were identified to be addressed by future research in the context of SI management.

Corporate social responsibility in the wake of COVID-19: multiple cases of social responsibility as an organizational value

Abstract: Purpose Although corporate social responsibility is a well-researched concept, very few studies have studied organizational social responsibility in the face of internal/external crises. Therefore, this paper aims to examine various firms' organizational social responses to COVID-19 as an external crisis, particularly in terms of the way organizations use their resources to address social problems and the real intention behind these, and the changing organizational drivers influencing such behaviors. Design/methodology/approach The authors explore the initiatives of seven organizations from three different industries in several countries and their actions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A case study approach was taken to collect data and reach a conclusion. A combination of interviews, online communication using semi-structured questionnaires and documentary information available in the public domain was used to collect data and analyze and triangulate the events. Findings Similar internal resources and capacities of the seven organizations resulted in similar responses as they launched proactive initiatives to prepare sanitizers. This research indicates that these organizations pursued other goals besides economic one. When society needed help, these organizations responded quickly, using and reorganizing their resources to assist communities in need. Different organizations from different sectors all behaved in a similar manner, making genuine contributions to the pandemic as each was uniquely capable of doing. These organizations also used their unique capabilities to offer their resources to local communities and governments. Originality/value During the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts by corporate entities to facilitate social reform and recovery have been seen around the globe. The findings could help in understanding the responses of organizations engaging in socially responsible behaviors to overcome external crises. This paper also identifies changing organizational values and their possible impact on society and overall industry philanthropy practices in the future.