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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of fairness concerns of the retailer on the pricing policies of the supply chain partners, their individual profits, and the overall performance of a dual-channel supply chain composed of one manufacturer and one retailer. First, the authors model the dual-channel supply chain under retailer’s fairness concern. Second, the authors derive the optimal pricing policies of the channel members. Third, the authors analyze the effects of retailer’s fairness and bargaining power on the pricing strategies and profit functions of the dual-channel supply chain system.

The authors adopt the manufacturer-led Stackelberg game theoretic framework, where the dominant manufacturer’s pricing decisions are based on the retailer’s pricing decision. The paper considers Nash bargaining solution as the fairness reference point to formulate the utility function of the fair-retailer. The paper uses this approach because it endogenously accounts for the competitive power and cooperative contribution of the channel members when they interact.

The authors find that the retailer’s fairness concerns are not always beneficial for its better performance. If the retailer is moderately sensitive towards its fairness, it will positively influence its performance. However, if the fairness concern becomes too high then it will negatively impact the retailer’s performance because it results in customers’ migration towards direct online channel for buying the products. In addition, if the retailer’s fairness concerns are mild, the manufacturer’s prices will decrease in retailer’s bargaining power, which is opposite otherwise.

The authors use Nash bargaining solution model as the fairness reference in the context of dual-channel supply chain, which is comparatively a recent approach and has been used independently from dual-channel supply chain system.

This study aims to analyze the impact of fractional derivatives on heat transfer and entropy generation during transient free convection inside various complex porous enclosures, such as triangle, L-shape and square-containing wavy surfaces. These porous enclosures are saturated with Cu-water nanofluid and subjected to the influence of a uniform magnetic field.

In the present study, Darcy’s model is used for the momentum transport equation in the porous matrix. Additionally, the Caputo time fractional derivative is introduced in the energy equation to assess the heat transfer phenomenon. Furthermore, the total entropy generation has been computed by combining the entropy generation due to fluid friction (S_ff), heat transfer (S_ht) and magnetic field (S_mf). The complete mathematical model is further simulated using the penalty finite element method, and the Caputo time derivative term is approximated using the L1 scheme. The study is conducted for various ranges of the Rayleigh number (102≤Ra≤104), Hartmann number (0≤Ha≤20) and fractional order parameter (0<α<1) with respect to time.

It has been observed that the fractional order parameter α governs the characteristics of entropy generation and heat transfer within the selected range of parameters. The Bejan number associated with heat transfer (Be_ht), fluid friction (Be_ff) and magnetic field (Be_mf) further demonstrate the dominance of flow irreversibilities. It becomes evident that the initial evolution state of streamlines, isotherms and local entropy varies according to the choice of α. Additionally, increasing Ra values from 10² to 10⁴ shows that the heat transfer rate increases by 123.8% for a square wavy enclosure, 7.4% for a triangle enclosure and 69.6% for an L-shape enclosure. Moreover, an increase in the value of Ha leads to a reduction in heat transfer rates and entropy generation. In this case, Bemf→1 shows the dominance of the magnetic field irreversibility in the total entropy generation.

Recently, fractional-order models have been widely used to express numerous physical phenomena, such as anomalous diffusion and dispersion in complex viscoelastic porous media. These models offer a more accurate representation of physical reality that classical models fail to capture; this is why they find a broad range of applications in science and engineering.

The fractional derivative model is used to illustrate the flow pattern, heat transfer and entropy-generating characteristics under the influence of a magnetic field. Furthermore, to the best of the author’s knowledge, a fractional-derivative-based mathematical model for the entropy generation phenomenon in complex porous enclosures has not been previously developed or studied.

Thermo-magnetic convective flow analysis under the impact of thermal radiation for heat and entropy generation phenomena is an active research field for understanding the efficiency of thermodynamic systems in various engineering sectors. This study aims to examine the characteristics of convective heat transport and entropy generation within an inverted T-shaped porous enclosure saturated with a hybrid nanofluid under the influence of thermal radiation and magnetic field.

The mathematical model incorporates the Darcy-Forchheimer-Brinkmann model and considers thermal radiation in the energy balance equation. The complete mathematical model has been numerically simulated through the penalty finite element approach at varying values of flow parameters, such as Rayleigh number (Ra), Hartmann number (Ha), Darcy number (Da), radiation parameter (Rd) and porosity value (e). Furthermore, the graphical results for energy variation have been monitored through the energy-flux vector, whereas the entropy generation along with its individual components, namely, entropy generation due to heat transfer, fluid friction and magnetic field, are also presented. Furthermore, the results of the Bejan number for each component are also discussed in detail. Additionally, the concept of ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) has also been included to analyse the thermal efficiency of the model.

The graphical analysis of results indicates that higher values of Ra, Da, e and Rd enhance the convective heat transport and entropy generation phenomena more rapidly. However, increasing Ha values have a detrimental effect due to the increasing impact of magnetic forces. Furthermore, the ECOP result suggests that the rising value of Da, e and Rd at smaller Ra show a maximum thermal efficiency of the mathematical model, which further declines as the Ra increases. Conversely, the thermal efficiency of the model improves with increasing Ha value, showing an opposite trend in ECOP.

Such complex porous enclosures have practical applications in engineering and science, including areas like solar power collectors, heat exchangers and electronic equipment. Furthermore, the present study of entropy generation would play a vital role in optimizing system performance, improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainable engineering practices during the natural convection process.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first ever attempted detailed investigation of heat transfer and entropy generation phenomena flow parameter ranges in an inverted T-shaped porous enclosure under a uniform magnetic field and thermal radiation.

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the leadership competencies of the Z generation (born after 1997) in the VUCA business environment. In today’s scenario, the business works differently than it used to previously. The young workforce wants not just to contribute their energy to the organisation but to their colleagues and themselves too, with the leading global sceneries.

An unstructured questionnaire was prepared by testing the reliability and validity of the data. Multiples linear regression analyses were used to derive results and to check whether the competencies are dependent on the VUCA skill sets. Entrepreneurial leadership, enabling leadership, operational leadership and architectural leadership are chosen to be the independent variables for this study.

The findings reveal that the dependability is on all the four factors for the VUCA business environment and hence the need is to practice the same in the organisation.

The test has been done on a sample having 260 respondents. This study reveals data of the workspace environment only and not how Gen Z will behave to the conditions as individuals. Gender-perspective is not taken into account in this study.

The implications can be seen for the organisations’ understanding of how to deal with generation Z and empower them. The organisation-structure and processes that were developed previously will not be limited now just to making the organisations function but also impact self-development for Gen Z, the development that is focussed on work-teams of Gen Z and so the global market eventually.

The originality is in the variables that have been taken for this study. As the world is growing rapidly, the mind-set and the style in which the manager works are changing. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account what leadership style will affect the current business environment.

One of the main reasons for increase in mortality rate in woman is breast cancer. Accurate early detection of breast cancer seems to be the only solution for diagnosis. In the field of breast cancer research, many new computer-aided diagnosis systems have been developed to reduce the diagnostic test false positives because of the subtle appearance of breast cancer tissues. The purpose of this study is to develop the diagnosis technique for breast cancer using LCFS and TreeHiCARe classifier model.

The proposed diagnosis methodology initiates with the pre-processing procedure. Subsequently, feature extraction is performed. In feature extraction, the image features which preserve the characteristics of the breast tissues are extracted. Consequently, feature selection is performed by the proposed least-mean-square (LMS)-Cuckoo search feature selection (LCFS) algorithm. The feature selection from the vast range of the features extracted from the images is performed with the help of the optimal cut point provided by the LCS algorithm. Then, the image transaction database table is developed using the keywords of the training images and feature vectors. The transaction resembles the itemset and the association rules are generated from the transaction representation based on a priori algorithm with high conviction ratio and lift. After association rule generation, the proposed TreeHiCARe classifier model emanates in the diagnosis methodology. In TreeHICARe classifier, a new feature index is developed for the selection of a central feature for the decision tree centered on which the classification of images into normal or abnormal is performed.

The performance of the proposed method is validated over existing works using accuracy, sensitivity and specificity measures. The experimentation of proposed method on Mammographic Image Analysis Society database resulted in classification of normal and abnormal cancerous mammogram images with an accuracy of 0.8289, sensitivity of 0.9333 and specificity of 0.7273.

This paper proposes a new approach for the breast cancer diagnosis system by using mammogram images. The proposed method uses two new algorithms: LCFS and TreeHiCARe. LCFS is used to select optimal feature split points, and TreeHiCARe is the decision tree classifier model based on association rule agreements.

Kids get exposed to advertising on social media platforms when they visit them to perform various goals. The purpose of this study is to find out the factors which affect kids' behaviour when the kids encounter advertising on social media and also to establish causal relationships amongst the factors of social media advertising (SMA).

A total of 11 factors of SMA have been identified with the help of experts and the causal relationships amongst the SMA factors have been constructed by the implementation of decision-making trail and laboratory evaluation (DEMATEL). Based on the established relationships, a causal diagram has been also developed to understand the structural nature of interdependence amongst the factors.

DEMATEL technique is based on logical steps, which have assisted in categorising the identified factors into two groups: cause group and effect group. Cause group factors are the reasons for the effect group factors to occur. Customisation, entertainment, information and interactivity have been observed as cause factors whereas, relevance, engagement with SMA, purchase intention, product involvement, advertising value, attitude towards SMA and irritation have been observed as effect factors. Product involvement is found to have the highest level of interaction with all other factors. Information and interactivity are observed to influence all other factors.

Kids possess a limited understanding of the selling intent of advertisers which makes kids vulnerable to advertising. This study supports that the content of the advertisement should be kept in accordance with the need of kids and also suggests that marketers should emphasise cause group factors which derive subsequent consequences on effect group factors. The foremost limitation of this study lies in the process of identifying the factors through expert opinions. The sets of contextual relationships may vary when different experts are considered.

This study strives to identify the factors which affect kids' understanding of SMA and also establishes causal relationships amongst them. This kind of study is unique in state of the art and to the authors' knowledge no significant research has been conducted in India which involves establishment of inter-relationships amongst SMA factors that affect kids' behaviour.

Plagiarism is an epidemic for scholars that needs to be managed. Penalties do not seem to be able to stop people from indulging in it. Manipulation of emotions and values may help in discouraging people from plagiarism. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to understand the association between felt emotion and plagiarism outcome behaviours. Another objective of the study is to see the role of virtues in discouraging people from plagiarism.

A scenario-based quasi-experimental method is used to collect the data. Graduate students from various Indian universities were invited for the experiment. The partial least square based structural equation modelling is used to test the measurement as well as path model.

The authors found that manipulated shame resulted in feelings of both international and external shame. When individuals feel internal shame, they avoid and discontinue plagiarism. They also try to repair the damage that they cause by plagiarism. However, feeling of external shame only encourages individuals to discontinue plagiarism behaviour. Virtues such as influence, competitiveness and equality weaken the relationship between internal shame and plagiarism-related outcome behaviour. At the same time, these virtues do not affect the relationship between external shame and outcome behaviours.

This study has important implications for the institutions of higher education. The study suggests that universities should provoke the emotion of shame through various communications to students to control the act of plagiarism by their students.

No study seems to have examined if the manipulation of emotions and values can help reduce the problem of plagiarism. This is an attempt towards bridging this important gap in literature. Therefore, findings of this study are of great value to scholars and content developers.

The purpose of this study is to explicate the relationship between knowledge-based dynamic capacities (KBDC) and innovation-based performance (INPF) in information technology (IT) firms in India by examining the mediating impact of absorptive capacity (ABCP). The paper aims to determine whether and how the ABCP of the firms is recognized as the essential facilitator of INPF.

A survey of 511 respondents from Indian IT employees at the upper and middle management levels was undertaken. In this study, the partial least squares (PLS) technique explored the causal links between constructs with the use of the software application SMART-PLS 3.0.

The outcomes of this study proved the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the ABCP and INPF of information technology firms. Furthermore, ABCP's influence as a mediator between KBDC and INPF is significant. Therefore, findings imply that ABCP mediates the relationship between KBDC and INPF, however, only to some extent.

With the dynamism of the global market, the research has made significant gains in illustrating the criticality of ABCP for strengthening its KBDC in a much-needed Indian context. Therefore, following the recommendations and findings of this study, practitioners should concentrate on strengthening both ABCP and KBDCs to improve their INPF. To do this, managers must proactively organize their resources, procedures, and structure to promote knowledge absorption and dissemination, fostering innovation.

It is a ground-breaking study that proposes that the ABCP plays a crucial role in enhancing the INPF of the firms. The software industry will likely benefit from this study by understanding ABCP's potential impact on its INPF and designing knowledge management methods accordingly.

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) effectiveness on job seekers’ organizational attractiveness (JSA). Deriving inspiration from Carroll’s theory, the study specifically tries to measure the impact of CSR on JSA with the four dimensions pertaining to economics (PECO), pertaining to legal compliance (PLCO), pertaining to ethics (PETH) and pertaining to philanthropic (PPH). Furthermore, the paper also tries to examine the moderating role of company selection (COM SEL) done based on high or low CSR reputation and JSA.

Management and engineering students enrolled in premier institutions and universities of Western Odisha in India are surveyed for their perceptions of CSR and JSA. Purposive and convenience sampling are applied to collect data from 456 job seekers. Based on the analysis, the study proposes two main models (Models 1 and 2) wherein Model 1 tries to measure the effect of CSR on JSA and Model 2 checks the moderating effect of COM SEL on CSR and JSA. In addition, robustness of the study is tested using control variables (Models 3 and 4). Data is treated through SmartPLS 3.3 software. The structural equation modelling (partial least squares-SEM) method is applied to test the hypotheses and for further analysis.

The result reveals an interesting insight. There is a positive and significant effect of PECO, PLCO and PPH on JSA. Moreover, no such significant effect is observed between PETH and JSA. Further, the findings are contrary with respect to COM SEL, that partially moderates the effect of CSR on JSA. However, the results reveal that COM SEL has a substantial moderating effect on the PPH dimension of CSR and JSA.

The results highlight that CSR positively and significantly affects JSA in terms of PECO, PLCO and PPH, thereby emphasizing that organizations must be more focused on these perspectives of CSR. Further, though the results did not exhibit any significance with PETH, it is essential that organizations should strengthen the ethical aspects of CSR as well and align them with the CSR strategic actions. The study also confirms the moderating effect of COM SEL on PPH dimension of CSR and JSA, thereby supporting the philanthropic approach in this domain. Further, the organizations should foresee the philanthropic factor of CSR as a competitive advantage to attract potential job seekers.

This research attempts to contribute to CSR and HR literature in two ways. First, it is the first attempt to use PLS-SEM with an attempt to understand job seekers’ perception of CSR and JSA with Indian data consisting of students belonging to premier business management and engineering institutes. Second, the study is an attempt to empirically measure the moderating effect of COM SEL on JSA. To sum up, the study will provide insights to organizations to help craft CSR strategies for attracting more job seekers.

This study aims to examine task and relationship conflict and their linkage with defensive communication strategies, i.e. mature, neurotic and immature defensive communication. Furthermore, Study 1 also investigated the mediating impact of relationship conflict and the moderating impact of a manager’s active-empathic listening in dealing with task conflicts and the defensive communication of the employees. Study 2 intended to assess the causal direction of task conflicts and defensive communication strategies.

This research integrates the Job Demands–Resources framework, Conservation of Resources theory and Conflict Expression framework. Data from 124 professionals in India’s tertiary industry was gathered using a longitudinal approach. Study 1 analyses the dynamics between conflicts and defensive communication while considering managers’ active-empathic listening as a potential mitigating factor. Study 2 was conducted after a 10-month interim to delve into the intricate causal connections between defensive communication strategies and task conflicts. For analysing the data, SPSS was used for conducting confirmatory factor analysis. Furthermore, to analyse the conceptual framework and the hypothesised relationships in this study, partial least squares (PLS) modelling was performed using Smart-PLS 4.0.

Task conflicts have a significant negative association with mature and neurotic defensive communication, whereas they have a strong positive relationship with immature defensive communication. Relationship conflict significantly mediates the association between task conflict and immature defensive communication. The moderating role of the manager’s active-empathic listening was not supported. In addition, the relationship between immature defensive communication and task conflict is significantly positive, outlining their bidirectional association. In contrast, the association between mature defensive communication is significantly negative. This highlights the potential of immature defensive communication to create escalatory conflict spirals and of mature defensive communication to de-escalate them.

Defensive communication strategies, commonly explored in the psychological realm, particularly within family and romantic relationship contexts, have received limited attention in organisational behaviour. This longitudinal study offers a unique perspective on the evolution of defensive communication and its impact on task conflict over time, enhancing the understanding of how individuals adapt their communication strategies as conflicts persist or dissipate. The investigation also advances the understanding of conflict spirals, illustrating the potential of mature defensive communication to de-escalate conflicts while revealing a bidirectional connection between immature defensive communication and task conflicts.

Leaders need to prioritise addressing task conflicts, particularly those that might spiral into relationship conflicts. This would present managers with the ability to make task conflicts more functional in nature, which could help to enhance both team and organisational achievements. The bidirectional relationship between task conflict and immature defensive communication points towards the exigency for managerial and organisational initiatives to prevent the development of conflict spirals at the workplace.

This study offers crucial interdisciplinary perspectives into the body of literature with the longitudinal investigation of the connections between managers’ active-empathetic listening, task conflict, relationship conflict and the various defensive communication strategies. With the help of insights from this study, managers and leaders will be empowered to take the necessary actions to reduce employee defensive behaviours and foster a supportive culture for evoking positive and desirable performance.