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Article
Publication date: 8 January 2024

Anup Kumar, Bhupendra Kumar Sharma, Bandar Bin-Mohsen and Unai Fernandez-Gamiz

A parabolic trough solar collector is an advanced concentrated solar power technology that significantly captures radiant energy. Solar power will help different sectors reach…

Abstract

Purpose

A parabolic trough solar collector is an advanced concentrated solar power technology that significantly captures radiant energy. Solar power will help different sectors reach their energy needs in areas where traditional fuels are in use. This study aims to examine the sensitivity analysis for optimizing the heat transfer and entropy generation in the Jeffrey magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid flow under the influence of motile gyrotactic microorganisms with solar radiation in the parabolic trough solar collectors. The influences of viscous dissipation and Ohmic heating are also considered in this investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

Governing partial differential equations are derived via boundary layer assumptions and nondimensionalized with the help of suitable similarity transformations. The resulting higher-order coupled ordinary differential equations are numerically investigated using the Runga-Kutta fourth-order numerical approach with the shooting technique in the computational MATLAB tool.

Findings

The numerical outcomes of influential parameters are presented graphically for velocity, temperature, entropy generation, Bejan number, drag coefficient and Nusselt number. It is observed that escalating the values of melting heat parameter and the Prandl number enhances the Nusselt number, while reverse effect is observed with an enhancement in the magnetic field parameter and bioconvection Lewis number. Increasing the magnetic field and bioconvection diffusion parameter improves the entropy and Bejan number.

Originality/value

Nanotechnology has captured the interest of researchers due to its engrossing performance and wide range of applications in heat transfer and solar energy storage. There are numerous advantages of hybrid nanofluids over traditional heat transfer fluids. In addition, the upswing suspension of the motile gyrotactic microorganisms improves the hybrid nanofluid stability, enhancing the performance of the solar collector. The use of solar energy reduces the industry’s dependency on fossil fuels.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2019

Nebojsa Davcik and Nicholas Grigoriou

The purpose of this paper is to address how marketing assets and resources of the firm perform under different product (brand) innovation conditions using the dynamic marketing…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address how marketing assets and resources of the firm perform under different product (brand) innovation conditions using the dynamic marketing capabilities (DMC) research perspective. The study contributes to the DMC research stream showing the effects and performance of heterogeneous firm drivers and resources. Academic research to date has paid a little attention to the interrelationship between market share as a performance metric, dynamic capabilities and product (brand) innovation. The current study bridges this knowledge gap by empirically validating the effects of DMC on market share performance output using panel data for 753 retail food brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was initially fitted with the β regression analysis and cluster analysis in the second step of the estimation procedure. The results of simulation by Monte Carlo experimentation are discussed.

Findings

The findings show that firms leverage their marketing capabilities unequally in the multi-brand portfolios, which leads to an unequal intra-firm distribution of assets and resources. The research contributes to the understanding of the brand competitive dynamics and appropriate deployment of assets and resources for improved firm performance.

Originality/value

These findings are useful for both academics and practitioners because they address new and future research. In doing so, the authors advance the firm performance and branding literature with extension in the DMC literature.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2020

Ashutosh Sharma and Byungmin Ahn

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of pulse plating current density on the morphology and solderability of Pb-free Sn-Cu solder coatings prepared from…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of pulse plating current density on the morphology and solderability of Pb-free Sn-Cu solder coatings prepared from alkaline stannate baths.

Design/methodology/approach

Sn-Cu solder coatings were produced from a plating solution containing sodium stannate, copper stannate, sodium hydroxide and sorbitol additive on copper substrates. The pulse plating experiments were conducted in galvanostatic mode. The plating current density was varied from 5 to 25 mA/cm2, and the morphology of the coatings was studied. The solderability of the coatings was assessed by spread ratio measurement after reflowing the solder coatings at 250°C.

Findings

The composition control of eutectic solders is always a challenge in plating. The findings show that Sn-Cu coatings prepared by pulse plating are composed of tetragonal ß-Sn structure and Cu6Sn5 compounds irrespective of bath composition and conditions. The final coatings were very dense and smooth with nodular morphology. It was shown that a eutectic composition can be achieved if we apply a current density of ∼15-20 mA/cm2. The solderability studies suggest that solder coatings plated at and beyond 15 mA/cm2 are more suitable for solder finish applications.

Originality/value

The work presents key issues in pulse electroplating of Sn-Cu solder coatings from an alkaline bath. Possible strategies to control the eutectic Sn-Cu composition by plating process are recommended.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2018

Ruchika Sharma and Asha Prasad

The purpose for this paper is to determine the various dimensions of employer brand in the IT sector of India and analyse their impact on the final intent of the candidates to…

2598

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose for this paper is to determine the various dimensions of employer brand in the IT sector of India and analyse their impact on the final intent of the candidates to join an organisation. A five-factor employer brand (EB) model and three-factor intent to join (ITJ) model have been tested for reliability and validity through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A structural model is empirically tested with EB as independent variable and ITJ as dependent variable through structured equation modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

The items for the independent variable EB are generated with the help of literature and semi-structured interviews with final-year student placement coordinators of B.Tech and MCA, studying in central, state and deemed universities of India. For ITJ, the variables are adopted from the literature and confirmed through CFA in the Indian context. Structured equation modelling has been used to analyse the relationship between EB and ITJ.

Findings

Five dimensions of EB were explored as growth and development opportunity, company’s reputation, acceptance and belongingness, work–life balance and ethics and CSR. ITJ was found to be composed of intent to pursue, employer’s attractiveness and employer’s reputation. EB has been found to be an effective contributor to ITJ.

Research limitations/implications

The current study has been conducted in the IT sector, and other sectors have not been included. The universities considered for the study were limited to central, state and deemed universities of India. Apart from intention to join, there are other attitudinal and behavioural aspects that have not been included in the current study.

Originality/value

This study gives empirical evidence on EB to be an important antecedent of ITJ from the perspective of prospective employees of a developing nation.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2020

Pradeep Kumar Singh, Satyavir Singh Ahlawat, Diwakar Prakash Sharma, Gauri Jairath, Ashok Kumar Pathera and Sanjay Yadav

The purpose of this study was to optimize meat slices for processing attributes to produce better sensory features in developed products from buffalo veal and chevon. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to optimize meat slices for processing attributes to produce better sensory features in developed products from buffalo veal and chevon. The processing parameters such as meat particle size, fat content and binding ability without chopping were the subject of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved three experiments where the particle size, fat content and tumbling time were optimized for optimum binding and improvement in different sensory attributes of product followed by physico-chemical analysis.

Findings

The sensory scores clearly indicated that meat slices prepared from 3 mm meat particle size, 10% fat content and 1 h tumbling time were having best sensory features. The selected product was analyzed for different physico-chemical properties. Emulsion stability and cooking yield revealed significantly (p = 0.01) higher values of 91.6% and 89.7%, respectively, in buffalo veal than in values of 87.6% and 84.9%, respectively, in the chevon product. Similarly the results showed that buffalo veal slices had significantly (p = 0.01) higher (17.4%) protein than the chevon (15.2%), whereas chevon slices had significantly (p = 0.01) higher (10.3%) fat content. The texture profile analysis indicated that cohesiveness (p = 0.01) and chewiness (p = 0.05) were significantly higher in chevon product than in buffalo veal.

Originality/value

The study was conducted to explore the buffalo veal as a potential source of quality meat, as majority of buffalo meat produced in India from spent animals have compromised quality attributes. The comparison was done with chevon, the most popular red meat in the country for the comparative study.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Manjeet Kharub and Rajiv Kumar Sharma

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between latent variables, i.e. human resource management (HRM) effectiveness, quality cost (QC), and firm performance (FP…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between latent variables, i.e. human resource management (HRM) effectiveness, quality cost (QC), and firm performance (FP) for the successful implementation of quality management (QM) practices in micro, small and medium enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The data analysis is accomplished in three steps: in the first step, factor analysis was conducted to extract the latent variables representing key QM practices. In the second step, a descriptive analysis (cross-tabulation) was performed to examine the current situation and association between key QM variables and firm size. In the third step, to test the research hypotheses based on latent constructs, structural equation modelling (SEM) has been used.

Findings

The percent point score shows that there are substantial improvements in all organisational aspects after successful implementation of QM practices. The χ2-test revealed that only three domains namely employee participation, recruitment and retaining and supplier relationship are having a significant variation with respect to the firm size. The SEM results show that HRM effectiveness has a direct and positive relationship with FP, whereas QC has a negative association with HRM effectiveness and FP.

Originality/value

Managers will know which aspect they must consider seeing as an indicator of QM practice in their company(s). Out of the three identified latent constructs first will help to create an efficient human capital, whereas the second will help for addressing extra cost due to poor quality. Finally, the third latent variable will show the effectiveness of these two and will assist in evaluating firm’s performance.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2022

Sumanjeet Singh, Pankaj Chamola, Vimal Kumar, Pratima Verma and Neha Makkar

Micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) is the kingpin of Indian economy. It contributes to 48% of India's exports and provides employment to 110 million people. As a result…

1925

Abstract

Purpose

Micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) is the kingpin of Indian economy. It contributes to 48% of India's exports and provides employment to 110 million people. As a result, it is critical to evaluate the obstacles, expose them and find a way to overcome the crisis due to the pandemic. The study aims to analyse the impact of financial and non-financial measures for the revival of MSME and its impact on firm sustainability and future opportunity as perceived by MSME owners/heads during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, based on a cross-sectional survey of 197 export-oriented Indian MSMEs, attempts to investigate covid crisis mitigation strategies/measures in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model was applied to check model fit, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results of this study show the financial and non-financial revival measures such as firm revival, marketing training, customer relationship management (CRM), financial incentive and firm support, extending worker social security and financial access and price control positively impact MSMEs' business sustainability and future opportunity as perceived by the respondents that lent good support to the hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

The study emphasizes management in association with government and financial institutions to design short-term as well as long-term strategies that may enhance their sustainability in the market. MSMEs are being forced to reassess their business strategy and modify their operating model as a result of the uncertain/unpredictable climate. Many levels of strategy aid in revitalizing the company and providing future possibilities to move forward if the government schemes positively impact the perception of entrepreneurs. Further, the study identifies the immediate measures to tide over the crisis over this sector and then furnishes recommendations for closing the identified gaps in the present understanding.

Originality/value

The impact of COVID-19 on Indian MSMEs and how these MSMEs are dealing with it are highlighted in this paper, which is quite scarce and insufficient to cover the gap. It also provides a comprehensive view of firm sustainability and perceived opportunity among MSMEs.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2022

Manjeet Kharub, Rahul S. Mor and Sudhir Rana

This paper examines the mediating role of manufacturing strategies in the relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance.

1296

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines the mediating role of manufacturing strategies in the relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study gathered 250 responses from firms in a developing country's key manufacturing sectors, including mechanical, electronics, automotive, textile and food. First, descriptive statistics were applied to fix outliers like respondent biases, missing values and normality issues. Second, exploratory factors analysis (EFA) ensured data adequacy and homogeneity through Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett tests. Finally, confirmatory factors analysis (CFA) was used to identify the interactions (direct, indirect and total effects) between latent variables representing manufacturing strategies (quality, cost, delivery and flexibility), competitive strategies (cost-leadership and differentiation) and firms' performance (sales growth and profitability). In total, two structural equation modelling (SEM) models (SEM-I, SEM-II) were created to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Of the 40 items identified by the literature review, four were outliers, and three could not satisfy the EFA criteria (eigenvalue >1). Only 33 items could therefore reach CFA. SEM–I and SEM-II study results found no direct relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance (−0.03 = β = 0.08; p > 0.05). However, the findings revealed that cost-leadership could be an appropriate strategic choice and improved firms' performance if the quality and delivery are focussed (0.20 = β = 0.87; p < 0.001). While competitive strategies impact manufacturing strategies positively, the latter is only a mediator between the cost-leadership strategy and the firms' performance.

Originality/value

This research shows that the cost-leadership approach currently seems viable; however, flexibility and cost requirements were not satisfied due to infeasible product differentiation. These results will be beneficial to executives interested in investing in India's industries.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2000

Jian‐Guo Zhang, A.B. Sharma, Yu‐De Ni and Zheng Li

The design issues on network architecture and modulation scheme that can be used to implement reliable MIL‐STD‐1773 avionics optical fiber data buses are discussed. Both…

1281

Abstract

The design issues on network architecture and modulation scheme that can be used to implement reliable MIL‐STD‐1773 avionics optical fiber data buses are discussed. Both single‐star and multi‐star architectures are presented to such optical fiber data buses. Several network configurations based on passive and/or active coupling components are also considered, and they are compared in terms of system complexity and reliability. Moreover, three modulation schemes are presented, i.e. partial trilevel Manchester II bi‐phase coding, extended Manchester II bi‐phase coding with beginning‐stopping flags, and pseudo‐four‐ary pulse width modulation, respectively. Their use can feasibly solve the problem associated with fast identification of correct operation states of an active transmitter at the output of optical receivers.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 72 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2019

Yasanur Kayikci, Melisa Ozbiltekin and Yigit Kazancoglu

The purpose of this paper is to find solutions to improve the red meat sector in an emerging economy, Turkey, from the circular economy point of view, and taking sustainability…

1199

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find solutions to improve the red meat sector in an emerging economy, Turkey, from the circular economy point of view, and taking sustainability approach. The need for circular management within the red meat sector in Turkey is emphasized by using Grey method. As theoretical contribution of this study, the investigation of the causes of losses at the slaughter stages of the red meat supply chain leads to proposals for sustainable and circular solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Grey method is used to predict the number of slaughtered cattle and the amount of bone and blood waste in the slaughtering process between 2018 and 2020.

Findings

It is revealed that according to Grey prediction calculations, although the amount of slaughtered cattle, bone and blood waste seem have decreased between 2018 and 2020, there are still significant losses in Turkish red meat sector. For bone waste, this is expected to be 56,581,200 kg in 2018, 48,235,840 kg in 2019 and 41,121,380 kg in 2020. For blood waste, it is expected to be 24,754,275 kg in 2018, 21,103,180 kg in 2019 and 17,990,604 kg in 2020.

Social implications

The proposed model in the study will contribute on sector revitalization, increase in product safety, quality and hygiene, development in the management of training and education centers for farmers/labors and increase in employment.

Originality/value

This paper represents policymakers with a proposal for triple bottom line (TBL) based circular and central slaughterhouse model, based on TBL, which brings social, economic and environmental benefits for the red meat sector in Turkey.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

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