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The purpose of this study, most recent advancements in threedimensional (3D) printing have focused on the fabrication of components. It is typical to use different print settings, such as raster angle, infill and orientation to improve the 3D component qualities while fabricating the sample using a 3D printer. However, the influence of these factors on the characteristics of the 3D parts has not been well explored. Owing to the effect of the different print parameters in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, it is necessary to evaluate the strength of the parts manufactured using 3D printing technology.

In this study, the effect of three print parameters − raster angle, build orientation and infill − on the tensile characteristics of 3D-printed components made of three distinct materials − acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polycarbonate ABS (PC-ABS) and ULTEM-9085 − was investigated. A variety of test items were created using a commercially accessible 3D printer in various configurations, including raster angle (0°, 45°), (0°, 90°), (45°, −45°), (45°, 90°), infill density (solid, sparse, sparse double dense) and orientation (flat, on-edge).

The outcome shows that variations in tensile strength and force are brought on by the effects of various printing conditions. In all possible combinations of the print settings, ULTEM 9085 material has a higher tensile strength than ASA and PC-ABS materials. ULTEM 9085 material’s on-edge orientation, sparse infill, and raster angle of (0°, −45°) resulted in the greatest overall tensile strength of 73.72 MPa. The highest load-bearing strength of ULTEM material was attained with the same procedure, measuring at 2,932 N. The tensile strength of the materials is higher in the on-edge orientation than in the flat orientation. The tensile strength of all three materials is highest for solid infill with a flat orientation and a raster angle of (45°, −45°). All three materials show higher tensile strength with a raster angle of (45°, −45°) compared to other angles. The sparse double-dense material promotes stronger tensile properties than sparse infill. Thus, the strength of additive components is influenced by the combination of selected print parameters. As a result, these factors interact with one another to produce a high-quality product.

The outcomes of this study can serve as a reference point for researchers, manufacturers and users of 3D-printed polymer material (PC-ABS, ASA, ULTEM 9085) components seeking to optimize FDM printing parameters for tensile strength and/or identify materials suitable for intended tensile characteristics.

This study aims to enhance merging of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques with powder injection molding (PIM). In this way, the prototypes could be 3D-printed and mass production implemented using PIM. Thus, the surface properties and mechanical performance of parts produced using powder/polymer binder feedstocks [material extrusion (MEX) and PIM] were investigated and compared with powder manufacturing based on direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

PIM parts were manufactured from 17-4PH stainless steel PIM-quality powder and powder intended for powder bed fusion compounded with a recently developed environmentally benign binder. Rheological data obtained at the relevant temperatures were used to set up the process parameters of injection molding. The tensile and yield strengths as well as the strain at break were determined for PIM sintered parts and compared to those produced using MEX and DMLS. Surface properties were evaluated through a 3D scanner and analyzed with advanced statistical tools.

Advanced statistical analyses of the surface properties showed the proximity between the surfaces created via PIM and MEX. The tensile and yield strengths, as well as the strain at break, suggested that DMLS provides sintered samples with the highest strength and ductility; however, PIM parts made from environmentally benign feedstock may successfully compete with this manufacturing route.

This study addresses the issues connected to the merging of two environmentally efficient processing routes. The literature survey included has shown that there is so far no study comparing AM and PIM techniques systematically on the fixed part shape and dimensions using advanced statistical tools to derive the proximity of the investigated processing routes.

This study aims to examine how the thickness of layers and printing speed impact the energy absorption capacity of honeycomb structures through drop-weight experiments. In addition, the effect of printing orientation on the resulting microstructure and mechanical performance was targeted to be examined.

In this paper, after manufacturing test specimens using fused deposition modeling technique with three distinct layer thicknesses (0.16 mm, 0.20 mm and 0.28 mm) and printing speeds (40 mm/min, 50 mm/min and 70 mm/min), drop weight tests were carried out. Then to see the effect of printing orientation on mechanical performance, three-point-bending tests were performed and damage mechanisms were comparatively examined through scanning electron microscopy.

An increase in layer thickness from 0.16 mm to 0.28 mm resulted in a notable 37% decrease in the impact resistance of the printed part. In addition, increasing the printing speed from 50 to 70 mm/min reduced the energy absorption capacity of the printed part by approximately 36.5%. Moreover, in terms of printing direction, transversely printed specimens showed 10% lower flexural strength than longitudinally printed specimens. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that internal defects were more prominent in transversely printed specimens, resulting in premature failure. Furthermore, delamination was also detected in transversely printed specimens as another damage mechanism accelerating material failure.

It is seen that the effect of printing parameters on the fundamental mechanical properties including tensile strength, strain at break, ductility and elastic modulus were studied by various researchers. However, to the best of authors’ knowledge, the effect of printing speed and layer thickness on the energy absorption of polylactic acid based hexagonal honeycomb was not encountered. In addition, in-depth SEM analysis to discover the influence of printing direction significantly contributes to the literature.

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is one of the growing technologies in additive manufacturing, that can be used in a number of applications. In this method, process parameters can be customized and their simultaneous variation has conflicting impacts on various properties of printed parts such as dimensional accuracy (DA) and surface finish. These properties could be improved by optimizing the values of these parameters.

In this paper, four process parameters, namely, print speed, build orientation, raster width, and layer height which are referred to as “input variables” were investigated. The conflicting influence of their simultaneous variations on the DA of printed parts was investigated and predicated. To achieve this goal, a hybrid Genetic Algorithm – Artificial Neural Network (GA-ANN) model, was developed in C#.net, and three geometries, namely, U-shape, cube and cylinder were selected. To investigate the DA of printed parts, samples were printed with a central through hole. Design of Experiments (DoE), specifically the Rotational Central Composite Design method was adopted to establish the number of parts to be printed (30 for each selected geometry) and also the value of each input process parameter. The dimensions of printed parts were accurately measured by a shadowgraph and were used as an input data set for the training phase of the developed ANN to predict the behavior of process parameters. Then the predicted values were used as input to the Desirability Function tool which resulted in a mathematical model that optimizes the input process variables for selected geometries. The mean square error of 0.0528 was achieved, which is indicative of the accuracy of the developed model.

The results showed that print speed is the most dominant input variable compared to others, and by increasing its value, considerable variations resulted in DA. The inaccuracy increased, especially with parts of circular cross section. In addition, if there is no need to print parts in vertical position, the build orientation should be set at 0° to achieve the highest DA. Finally, optimized values of raster width and layer height improved the DA especially when the print speed was set at a high value.

By using ANN, it is possible to investigate the impact of simultaneous variations of FFF machines’ input process parameters on the DA of printed parts. By their optimization, parts of highly accurate dimensions could be printed. These findings will be of significant value to those industries that need to produce parts of high DA on FFF machines.

The primary objective of this study is to determine how concentrated ownership affects stock returns by country and scale (by market capitalization), like large, medium, and small-cap firms in selected developed economies of the world.

Using a dataset comprising 12,751 annual observations from 850 listed companies from developed economies from 2004 to 2018, the study employs panel data models and instrumental variable estimation to mitigate endogeneity bias.

The findings reveal a significant and positive correlation between ownership concentration and expected returns on corporate equities in developed economies. Furthermore, the study categorizes firms into distinct size categories and finds nuanced differences in the relationship between ownership concentration and stock returns across large, medium, and small-cap enterprises. The results of the study reveal that ownership concentration (by country) and scale (Large, medium, and small) have a significant and positive impact on the stock returns of firms in developed economies.

the practical implications of this study extend to investors, firms, policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders involved in the financial markets. By considering these implications, stakeholders can make informed decisions to enhance market efficiency, investor protection, and overall market integrity.

To the authors' understanding, this study is the first to examine the impact of concentrated ownership on excessive stock returns across countries and scales, with an explicit focus on large, medium, and small companies in select developed economies worldwide.

This case is primarily intended fior students to evolve ideas in context to the challenges catering to a green fashion clothing line selling their products in the emerging economy of India wherein the masses are far behind considering the sustainable value of their products. In response to these challenges, the learners would be able toanalyze the influence of internal and external enhancers and inhibitors on a sustainable fashion brand to improve its scalability; articulate the factors influencing diffusion of sustainable fashion apparel; and formulate a strategic plan to aid in the growth and scalability of the brand and building micro-economies that will thrive in the future.The case also addresses topics like consumer attitude toward sustainable fashion clothing line and pricing challenges faced by such brands in developing economies like India.

This case describes the challenges faced by the co-founders, Sanghamitra and Mayuree, who introduced a sustainable fashion apparel brand called Econic. Marketing and sales of Econic’s products came with a bundle of challenges, and it was not easy to convince customers about the authenticity, quality and pricing of these products. Indian consumers had less awareness of the value of sustainable fashion clothing thereby presenting a huge challenge for Econic to flourish and sell their products in India. Thereafter, the brand aimed at expanding beyond the geographical boundaries of India. This further led Econic to face a cutthroat competition from various established players with comparatively huge market shares. Majority of Econic’s sales arose from expatriates or outlanders. Considering the response of local impediments and constraints from India, Sanghamitra began targeting the foreign markets. She saw global expansion as an opportunity for driving the brand’s growth. Eventually, Econic witnessed nascent success when the founders started exporting their products in the markets of UAE [1] and USA [2]. Contrarily, the brand’s co-founder Mayuree felt that it was too early for the brand to enter international market, and instead, it would be more sensible to focus attention in India itself. The approach of both the co-founders seemed paradoxical. At one point, Econic was facing a fierce local competition for their products. How could the brand increase awareness and acceptance of its products was an area of concern for Sanghamitra. Second, expanding into international market posed certain other challenges. The key dilemmas encountered by the co-founders continued to remain that which growth strategy should Econic adopt; how could Econic ascertain to set foot into which market; what were the likely scalability challenges they faced by entering international market; and what could be the finest marketing strategy for their brand.

The case is relevant for students in disciplines of green marketing, principles and concepts of sustainability, climate change and development, corporate social responsibility, marketing and strategy. It is designed for advanced MBA/PGDM and capstone courses.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Grounded in the framework of social learning theory (SLT), the current study explores the impact of leaders’ unethical proorganizational behavior (UPB) on their subordinates’ self-management and moral self-efficacy, which, in turn, affect knowledge hiding and sharing among followers. This study aims to examine how instrumental thinking influences the relationship between leader UPB and subordinate behaviors, shaping knowledge sharing and hiding.

Using a longitudinal approach, this research uses a two-wave data collection strategy with a one-month interval. The study cohort comprises 378 employees drawn from technology service firms situated in China.

Empirical findings confirm that leader UPB is linked to increased follower self-management and knowledge hiding, as well as reduced moral self-efficacy. Instrumental thinking moderates these effects, amplifying knowledge hiding and diminishing moral self-efficacy while reducing knowledge sharing.

The study contributes to the existing literature on UPB by offering insights into the distinct consequences of leader UPB on knowledge-related behaviors of followers. Furthermore, the exploration of employees’ instrumental thinking in the context of leader UPB underscores the strategic manipulation of knowledge to fulfill individual goals, thereby enriching the underpinnings of the SLT. The study underscores the imperative for organizations to grasp the implications of UPB and underscores the necessity for stringent ethical frameworks to mitigate its deleterious impact.

The study contributes to the existing literature on UPB by offering insights into the distinct consequences of leader UPB on knowledge-related behaviors of followers. Furthermore, the exploration of employees’ instrumental thinking in the context of leader UPB underscores the strategic manipulation of knowledge to fulfill individual goals, thereby enriching the underpinnings of the SLT. The study underscores the imperative for organizations to grasp the implications of UPB and underscores the necessity for stringent ethical frameworks to mitigate its deleterious impact.

The present study addresses a gap in the current literature by elucidating the multifaceted outcomes of leaders’ UPB on paradoxical behaviors related to knowledge sharing and hiding among followers. This nuanced examination underscores the need to comprehend the intricate contingencies that accentuate the effects of UPB, particularly in the realm of leadership dynamics. Grounded in SLT, this study delves into leadership dynamics and ethical decision-making.

The trading expenses encountered domestically and across borders have a detrimental influence on global trade. Higher trade costs hamper trade and limit the benefits of trade liberalisation. The current research applies Novy's micro-founded trade cost measure (2013) to estimate global trade costs connected with Afghanistan, along with the factors that influence trade costs. Based on the investigation, trade in agriculture costs is significantly higher compared to the non-agricultural. As a consequence, focusing on agricultural trade facilitation would be advantageous.

Furthermore, enhancing and expediting trade facilities in trading areas are top priorities for government intervention to reduce trade costs. Focusing on free trade agreements and better shipment communication with trade partners increases transportation routes efficiently, cutting time and other expenses. The study proposes that the World Trade Organization's trade facilitation agreement be effectively implemented, administrative burdens at entry points minimised, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) be simplified and harmonised and soft infrastructures be established utilising current technologies.

Nowadays, the tourism industry is considered the largest and most diverse industry in the world, which can play a significant role in the economic growth and development of a country as the main source of income and employment. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to focus on evaluating the competitiveness indicators of Shiraz city tourism destination based on a combined model.

For this purpose, a questionnaire with 78 questions was used to evaluate the indicators, in which a total of 1,432 tourists participated, including 927 domestic tourists and 505 international tourists. The collected data were analyzed to determine the hierarchical relationship between the indicators using equation structural modeling.

The research findings indicate that the most effective and influential indicators in the field of tourism competitiveness are natural and handmade resources, and the most influential factors are demand conditions and cultural and natural resources. In this hierarchy, each factor affects its previous level and influences the next level.

This study offers significant potential for uncovering credible and robust approaches to further investigate the contextualization of tourism competitiveness on both national and international scales, thereby generating valuable new insights. By conceptualizing the diverse dimensions of tourism competitiveness and delving into the variations in its impacts across multiple levels, this research not only challenges existing notions but also aids destinations in maintaining and enhancing their market position and share over time. This study offers valuable insights and practical implications for both researchers and practitioners in the field of urban tourism. It enhances the understanding of destination competitiveness, informs policy decisions, facilitates benchmarking and best practices, guides strategic decision-making and promotes sustainable tourism development.

Continuous performance management is an emerging global phenomenon adopted by the human resources management discipline that is decentralizing the way performance management is traditionally executed within organizations. This study aims to examine the impact of continuous performance management (CPM) on turnover intention in the banking sector in Dubai and to identify the mediating roles of employee motivation and job autonomy.

The study used surveys to collect primary data from 375 employees at 15 banks operating in Dubai to explore the relationships among CPM, employee motivation, turnover intention, as well as perceived job autonomy. Through a robust analytical methodology that included exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, multiple regression and parallel mediation analysis using the Hayes process macro, not only were the factor structures validated, but the relationships between the constructs were also uncovered. This comprehensive research process helped the present study delve into the depths of the study’s subject matter, thereby enhancing the value of the study to the extant literature which given the multicultural orientation, further contributed to the comprehensiveness of the conceptual relationship between the variables.

From the findings, the current study concludes that the key predictors of employee motivation, job autonomy and turnover intention in the banking sector among employees were CPM factors. In addition, based on the findings from the Hays process macro parallel mediation analysis, the current study identified the mediation effect of employee motivation and job autonomy between CPM and turnover intention. With the confirmation of all the research hypotheses, the output from this study is valuable to HR academicians and practitioners seeking to understand CPM and how to implement performance management drivers for the purpose of employee development and retention.

This paper’s originality lies in its examination of the burgeoning trend of CPM within the unique context of the GCC banking sector, a sector-specific focus that offers fresh insights into the adoption and impact of CPM in a regional context.