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Article
Publication date: 9 May 2022

Erfan Najaf, Hassan Abbasi and Seyed Mehdi Zahrai

Today, using lightweight structural concrete plays a major role in reducing the damage to concrete structures. On the other hand, lightweight concretes have lower compressive and…

162

Abstract

Purpose

Today, using lightweight structural concrete plays a major role in reducing the damage to concrete structures. On the other hand, lightweight concretes have lower compressive and flexural strengths with lower impact resistance compared to ordinary concretes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of simultaneous use of waste glass powder, microsilica and polypropylene fibers to make sustainable lightweight concrete that has high compressive and flexural strengths, ductility and impact resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, the lightweight structural concrete is studied to compensate for the lower strength of lightweight concrete. Also, considering the environmental aspects, microsilica as a partial replacement for cement, waste glass powder instead of some aggregates and polypropylene fibers are used. Microsilica was used at 8, 10 and 12 wt% of cement. Waste glass powder was added to 20, 25 and 30 wt% of aggregates, while fibers were used at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt% of cement.

Findings

After making the experimental specimens, compressive strength, flexural strength and impact resistance tests were performed. Ultimately, it was concluded that the best percentage of used microsilica and glass powder was equal to 10 and 25%, respectively. Furthermore, using 1.5 wt% of fibers could significantly improve the compressive and flexural strengths of lightweight concrete and increase its impact resistance at the same time. For constructing a five-story building, by replacing cement with microsilica by 10 wt%, the amount of used cement is reduced by 5 tons, consequently producing 4,752 kg less CO2 that is a significant value for the environment.

Originality/value

The study provides a basis for making sustainable lightweight concrete with high strength against compressive, flexural and impact loads.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 14 December 2023

Sasidharan Raman Nair, Mohd Rushidi bin Mohd Amin, Vinesh Maran Sivakumaran and Shishi Kumar Piaralal

In 2020, the logistics market in Malaysia was valued at USD 37.60 billion, and it is projected to grow to more than USD 55.0 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate…

Abstract

In 2020, the logistics market in Malaysia was valued at USD 37.60 billion, and it is projected to grow to more than USD 55.0 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 4%. However, more information is needed about the impact of green logistic practice determinants by the local SMEs on the market share. This study serves as a focal point by examining the factors involved by offering a conceptual framework of determinants and their potential outcomes. This study contributes by demonstrating a conceptual, theoretical framework derived from the synthesis of two theory such as the Resource-Based View theory and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory. At the same time, it offers a holistic approach with an in-depth understanding of the Technological and Organizational factors of SMEs. The relationship between the implementation of green practices and organizational performance is also explored.

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2022

Fadi Abdelfattah, Mustafa Malik, Abrar Mohammed Al Alawi, Ramzi Sallem and Anirban Ganguly

This study aims to explore supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Oman. This study analyzes the impact on…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Oman. This study analyzes the impact on selected supply chain drivers – facilities, inventory, transportation and sourcing. It further intends to explore whether the supply chain challenges faced by the SME sector in Oman impact their overall performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows the quantitative technique of structural equation modeling to examine the proposed hypotheses. Data were collected electronically from SME managers/owners/entrepreneurs. All items were adopted and measured using a five-point Likert scale. One hundred and four complete and usable responses were received and considered.

Findings

The data was analyzed using SPSS and PLS statistical software. The model has been supported empirically, and the results showed a significant relationship between supply chain drivers and SMEs’ overall performance in Oman, except for supply chain inventory. The results have demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the SMEs’ supply chain drivers in Oman and, consequently, their overall performance.

Practical implications

The results of this research can drive the development and implementation of a supply chain management strategy. This research will help policymakers induce the performance of SMEs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It would further enhance strategic sourcing and supplier performance considering the developed practices associated with the resource-based view.

Originality/value

The originality of the current study lies in its ability to empirically test two models within the Omani SMEs context while considering the supply chain drivers as a single variable or dividing it into four separate independent variables. This study would provide a preview for scholars for such empirical investigation and serve as a reference for policymakers and practitioners to maintain a management system of crises that may protect the SME supply chain drivers.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Power, Policy and the Pandemic
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-010-8

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2023

Bilal Akbar and Haris Aslam

This research study aims to investigate supplier integration's (SI) impact on supply-side resilience (SSR) while considering the intervening role of supplier sustainability and…

Abstract

Purpose

This research study aims to investigate supplier integration's (SI) impact on supply-side resilience (SSR) while considering the intervening role of supplier sustainability and supplier flexibility (SF).

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in the dynamic capabilities view (DCV), the study posits that integration of the focal firm with firm's suppliers leads to sustainability on the supplier's side, which makes the firms more flexible to work with during disruptive circumstances, resulting in resilience on the supply side. The hypotheses are tested on the data of 181 manufacturing firm supply chain managers from a developing country.

Findings

The research findings confirmed the hypothesized model suggesting that SI positively impacts SSR. The results also confirm the existence of sequential mediation of supplier sustainability and SF between the SI–SSR relationship.

Practical implications

The results of this study show that SI is the primary capability for organizations seeking SSR. Furthermore, the supply-side capabilities, to be effective, are developed in a specific order.

Originality/value

This research advances the body of knowledge by identifying the underlying mechanisms through which SI augments SSR.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2023

Dejian Yu and Anran Fang

Supply chain integration (SCI) dominates supply chain strategy and is receiving increasing academic attention. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the…

Abstract

Purpose

Supply chain integration (SCI) dominates supply chain strategy and is receiving increasing academic attention. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the knowledge trajectory and structure of the SCI field.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 3,533 papers extracted from the Web of Science (WoS), this paper adopts the main path analysis (MPA) method to detect three distinct knowledge development trajectories. Coupling-based clustering is combined with MPA to reveal three critical subfields.

Findings

The findings show that the definition, content and dimensions of SCI lack unified conclusions. The influencing factors and performance consequences of SCI are long-standing research elements. Building theoretical models and integrated systems and applying blockchain technology to improve SCI are the key research contents. The intertwining of collaboration and SCI cannot be ignored, and the green SCI may be a hot topic in the future.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores knowledge in the SCI field based on the limited literature collected by WoS rather than all published papers. The omissions of some relevant papers and books may exist.

Practical implications

The study methodology provides a framework for similar studies in the future, and the results help researchers to get a comprehensive picture of the knowledge trajectory and structure of the SCI field.

Originality/value

Compared to existing reviews, MPA combines cluster analysis to develop a synthetic framework of the knowledge trajectory and structure in the SCI domain. It contributes to a systematic review of the development of SCI.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 March 2022

Benjamin Agyei-Owusu, David Asamoah, Dorcas Nuertey and Ishmael Nanaba Acquah

The study aims to examine the relationship between dimensions of supply chain integration (SCI), operational performance and firm performance of firms. The study proposes that…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to examine the relationship between dimensions of supply chain integration (SCI), operational performance and firm performance of firms. The study proposes that internal integration serves as the basis for supplier integration and customer integration and all three dimensions directly enhance operational performance and firm performance. Additionally, operational performance is proposed to mediate the effect of dimensions of SCI on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model grounded on the resource-based view and the extended resource-based view was developed to examine the proposed relationships between the dimensions of SCI, operational performance and firm performance. A survey of manufacturing and service firms in Ghana was conducted, with 120 usable responses received. The research model was analysed by using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Robustness tests were conducted by using logistic regression and the Kruskal Wallis test.

Findings

The findings showed that internal integration had positive and significant effects on customer integration and supplier integration. Internal integration had a positive and significant effect on firm performance whilst customer integration had positive and significant effects on operational performance and firm performance. Additionally, operational performance mediated the effect of customer integration on firm performance.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that examine the interrelationships between dimensions of SCI. Additionally, to the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically examine the mediating role of operational performance in the relationship between dimensions of SCI and firm performance.

Article
Publication date: 21 January 2019

Issa Alsmadi and Keng Hoon Gan

Rapid developments in social networks and their usage in everyday life have caused an explosion in the amount of short electronic documents. Thus, the need to classify this type…

1128

Abstract

Purpose

Rapid developments in social networks and their usage in everyday life have caused an explosion in the amount of short electronic documents. Thus, the need to classify this type of document based on their content has a significant implication in many applications. The need to classify these documents in relevant classes according to their text contents should be interested in many practical reasons. Short-text classification is an essential step in many applications, such as spam filtering, sentiment analysis, Twitter personalization, customer review and many other applications related to social networks. Reviews on short text and its application are limited. Thus, this paper aims to discuss the characteristics of short text, its challenges and difficulties in classification. The paper attempt to introduce all stages in principle classification, the technique used in each stage and the possible development trend in each stage.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper as a review of the main aspect of short-text classification. The paper is structured based on the classification task stage.

Findings

This paper discusses related issues and approaches to these problems. Further research could be conducted to address the challenges in short texts and avoid poor accuracy in classification. Problems in low performance can be solved by using optimized solutions, such as genetic algorithms that are powerful in enhancing the quality of selected features. Soft computing solution has a fuzzy logic that makes short-text problems a promising area of research.

Originality/value

Using a powerful short-text classification method significantly affects many applications in terms of efficiency enhancement. Current solutions still have low performance, implying the need for improvement. This paper discusses related issues and approaches to these problems.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2023

Benjamin Garner and Ashraf Mady

Supply chains are under increased scrutiny as consumers have become aware of the dark side of downstream production practices. Many articles and exposés have led consumers to be…

Abstract

Purpose

Supply chains are under increased scrutiny as consumers have become aware of the dark side of downstream production practices. Many articles and exposés have led consumers to be more conscious of purchasing products from companies who source materials in a socially responsible and ethical manner. As a result, business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumers (B2C) companies are under increased pressure to source raw materials in a transparent and ethical way. Because of the associated costs, companies then look to benefit from increased brand equity by promoting to consumers how ethical their products are. The purpose of this study is to look at the case of the food industry to analyze sustainability messaging on Twitter in both B2B and B2C companies to determine which of the dimensions of sustainability (people, profit, planet) are being emphasized.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, two published dictionaries were combined to capture the three dimensions of “sustainability,” and these scales were then used to analyze Twitter posts. This study created a unique software package to classify, mine, collect and analyze Twitter data. This study used these tools to analyze 246,386 Twitter posts within a sample of 39 leading B2C and B2B food companies over a 10-year period (2012–2021) to explore brand messaging and engagement rate.

Findings

This research revealed several interesting results. These include how B2B companies have emphasized the employee (people) dimensions of sustainability, while B2C companies have had a more balanced approach that overall has prioritized the economic dimension (profit) of sustainability. The data on audience engagement revealed a mismatch between the types of sustainability messaging B2B companies and B2C companies in the food industry are posting and what engages audiences.

Originality/value

This study fills several gaps, including analyzing how B2B and B2C companies use sustainability language in their social media brand management, as well as looking at which dimensions of sustainability they emphasize and which ones engage audiences the most. This research is also novel in combining multiple existing scales under one project to analyze the triple bottom line in the analysis of qualitative texts.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 14 February 2022

Michael Calnan and Tom Douglass

Abstract

Details

Power, Policy and the Pandemic
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-010-8

1 – 10 of 324