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1 – 10 of 232
Article
Publication date: 24 May 2023

Vijaya Prasad Burle, Tattukolla Kiran, N. Anand, Diana Andrushia and Khalifa Al-Jabri

The construction industries at present are focusing on designing sustainable concrete with less carbon footprint. Considering this aspect, a Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industries at present are focusing on designing sustainable concrete with less carbon footprint. Considering this aspect, a Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete (FGC) was developed with 8 and 10 molarities (M). At elevated temperatures, concrete experiences deterioration of its mechanical properties which is in some cases associated with spalling, leading to the building collapse.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, six geopolymer-based mix proportions are prepared with crimped steel fibre (SF), polypropylene fibre (PF), basalt fibre (BF), a hybrid mixture consisting of (SF + PF), a hybrid mixture with (SF + BF), and a reference specimen (without fibres). After temperature exposure, ultrasonic pulse velocity, physical characteristics of damaged concrete, loss of compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (TS), and flexural strength (FS) of concrete are assessed. A polynomial relationship is developed between residual strength properties of concrete, and it showed a good agreement.

Findings

The test results concluded that concrete with BF showed a lower loss in CS after 925 °C (i.e. 60 min of heating) temperature exposure. In the case of TS, and FS, the concrete with SF had lesser loss in strength. After 986 °C and 1029 °C exposure, concrete with the hybrid combination (SF + BF) showed lower strength deterioration in CS, TS, and FS as compared to concrete with PF and SF + PF. The rate of reduction in strength is similar to that of GC-BF in CS, GC-SF in TS and FS.

Originality/value

Performance evaluation under fire exposure is necessary for FGC. In this study, we provided the mechanical behaviour and physical properties of SF, PF, and BF-based geopolymer concrete exposed to high temperatures, which were evaluated according to ISO standards. In addition, micro-structural behaviour and linear polynomials are observed.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2024

Zeeshan Mahmood, Zlatinka N. Blaber and Majid Khan

This paper aims to investigate the role of field-configuring events (FCEs) and situational context in the institutionalisation of sustainability reporting (SR) in Pakistan.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of field-configuring events (FCEs) and situational context in the institutionalisation of sustainability reporting (SR) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses insights from the institutional logics perspective and qualitative research design to analyse the interplay of the institutional logics, FCEs, situational context and social actors’ agency for the institutionalisation of SR among leading corporations in Pakistan. A total of 28 semi-structured interviews were carried out and were supplemented by analysis of secondary data including reports, newspaper articles and books.

Findings

The emerging field of SR in Pakistan is shaped by societal institutions, where key social actors (regulators, enablers and reporters) were involved in the institutionalisation of SR through FCEs. FCEs provided space for agency and were intentionally designed by key social actors to promote SR in Pakistan. The situational context connected the case organisations with FCEs and field-level institutional logics that shaped their decision to initiate SR. Overall, intricate interplay of institutional logics, FCEs, situational context and social actors’ agency has contributed to the institutionalisation of SR in Pakistan. Corporate managers navigated institutional logics based on situational context and initiated SR that is aligned with corporate goals and stakeholder expectations.

Practical implications

For corporate managers, this paper highlights the role of active agency in navigating and integrating institutional logics and stakeholders’ expectations in their decision-making process. For practitioners and policymakers, this paper highlights the importance of FCEs and situational context in the emergence and institutionalisation of SR in developing countries. From a societal point of view, dominance of business actors in FCEs highlights the need for non-business actors to participate in FCEs to shape logics and practice of SR for wider societal benefits.

Social implications

From a societal point of view, dominance of business actors in FCEs highlights the need for non-business actors to participate in FCEs to shape logics and practice of SR for wider societal benefits.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the role of FCEs and situational context as key social mechanisms for explaining the institutionalisation of SR.

Details

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1176-6093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Umaira Tabassum, Xing Qiang, Jaffar Abbas, Amjad Islam Amjad and Khalid Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti

Positive psychology helps us understand the knowledge required to contribute to adolescents' societal development and adjustability. Adolescence is the crucial stage to work on…

Abstract

Purpose

Positive psychology helps us understand the knowledge required to contribute to adolescents' societal development and adjustability. Adolescence is the crucial stage to work on for a balanced personality. The present study concerned adolescents' self-strength, happiness, and help-seeking behaviour. The authors aimed to explore the relationship between adolescents' self-strength and happiness and investigate the mediational effect of adolescents' help-seeking behaviour on their self-strength and happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design of the current quantitative study was correlational, and 809 adolescents from China and Pakistan participated in the present study. Data were personally collected from participants through self-developed scales.

Findings

We deployed Pearson correlation and simple mediation using SPSS software and found a linear, positive, strong (r = 0.654, n = 809, p = 0.000 < 0.01) and statistically significant correlation between adolescents' self-strength and happiness. The authors also found a significant indirect effect of help-seeking on adolescents' self-strength and happiness at (β = 0.373, t(907) = 7.01).

Research limitations/implications

Using self-reported scales to gather information was one of the study's limitations. Adolescents may have misunderstood the notion or construct narrated in words or responded biasedly despite the bilingual scales.

Practical implications

This study offers social and practical implications for educators, parents, and school administrators to address the development of adolescents' personalities using a positive psychology lens.

Originality/value

The findings are of significant importance for teachers working in the elementary schools. They may work on adolescents' self-strength, happiness, and help-seeking to develop balanced personalities.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 29 January 2024

April Lia Dina Mariyana, Ariq Idris Annaufal and Ratna Roostika

The contemporary business environment has been revolutionized by artificial intelligence (AI), which has undoubtedly impacted the operational and competitive strategies of small…

Abstract

The contemporary business environment has been revolutionized by artificial intelligence (AI), which has undoubtedly impacted the operational and competitive strategies of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In this write-up, we delve into AI’s influence on SMEs by delving into the advantages, obstacles, and prospects associated with adopting AI technology. Based on an exhaustive analysis of current literature, this essay contends that SMEs can optimize their functions, enhance decision-making processes, and deliver superior customer experiences with the adoption of AI. However, SMEs face several challenges in embracing AI technology, including the high cost of implementation, lack of technical expertise, and concerns about data confidentiality and security. This chapter also illuminates prospective opportunities that SMEs can leverage through AI, such as establishing a foothold in new markets and competing effectively with larger enterprises. Overall, this chapter concludes that SMEs must carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of adopting AI, and develop a strategic plan for implementation that aligns with their business goals and resources.

Details

Digital Technology and Changing Roles in Managerial and Financial Accounting: Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Application
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-973-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 January 2024

Shivam Joshi, Anita Sengar and Atri Nautiyal

The digital direct-to-consumer (D2C) approach has seen widespread adoption across many industries, but its application to regional food products has been slower. This study aims…

Abstract

Purpose

The digital direct-to-consumer (D2C) approach has seen widespread adoption across many industries, but its application to regional food products has been slower. This study aims to identify and rank the most significant challenges to the widespread use of digital D2C for regional food products.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-criteria decision-making method called a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) was used to determine the order in which these obstacles were evaluated. Thirty-five barriers were identified and categorized into six categories named technological, operational, sociocultural, financial, market and institutional and regulatory barriers.

Findings

Market barriers ranked as the top barrier, and the technological barrier ranked the least significant amongst the main barrier categories for the adoption of digital D2C model for the regional food products. Lack of consumer awareness ranked number one globally, and lack of government subsidies ranked the least amongst the thirty-five identified barriers. Operational barriers came out to be second most significant barrier followed by institutional and regulatory barrier, sociocultural barrier, financial barrier and technological barrier.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research were derived through a numerical examination of data gathered from the Indian setting. It follows that the technological, sociocultural, financial, market, operational and institutional constraints, among others, outlined here are all unique to India. Because of the unique nature of the Indian setting, the results of this study can only be used there and not elsewhere. It is possible that future research will broaden the aims of this one and refine its methodology. Digital D2C adoption for regional food products may be prioritized and ranked using quantitative and qualitative data sources like ANP and TOPSIS. It is possible that similar studies may be conducted in nations which have a different set of operational, technological, sociocultural market and financial and regulatory barriers. Conceptual framework can be formed by integrating TAM and TPB to understand the buying behavior of regional food products via digital D2C.

Originality/value

This research is the first to identify challenges to the widespread use of the digital D2C model for regional food products. Policymakers and other interested parties can use this information to better understand the difficulties of expanding the distribution of regional food products beyond their immediate regions.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2023

Rupjyoti Saha

This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance (CG) voluntary disclosure (VD) and firm valuation (FV). Moreover, the study also investigates whether VD…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance (CG) voluntary disclosure (VD) and firm valuation (FV). Moreover, the study also investigates whether VD mediates the impact of CG on FV or not.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a panel data set of top 100 listed firms on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) over the period of 2014–2018 and develops CG index and VD index (VDI) in order to capture both the constructs respectively. The author adopts suitable panel data model to examine the relationship between CG, VD and FV as well as indirect impact of CG on FV through mediation of VD. Further, the author uses instrumental variables regression model for robustness check.

Findings

The author's findings reveal significant positive impact of CG on FV. Likewise, VD also exhibits significant positive impact on FV. Notably, the interaction of CG and VD complements each other in making positive contribution towards FV. In addition, the author observes that VD partially mediates the impact of CG on FV. Specifically, the outcome suggests that CG apart from having direct impact on FV also influences the same through the mediation of VD. Moreover, as the direction of indirect impact coincide with direct impact, such indirect impact has complementary relationship with the direct impact, implying that when CG makes direct contribution towards improving FV, CG's contribution toward FV through mediation of VD also increases.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first endeavor in the extant literature that examines the interaction performance impact of CG and VD. Further, the author also provides primary evidence on the mediating impact of VD in the relationship between CG and FV.

Details

Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-1168

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2024

Sunil Kumar C.V.

Discount grocery stores (DGSs) are attractive food supply chain (FSC) channels because many cost-conscious Indians use them for monthly needs. Despite capacity, DGSs must address…

Abstract

Purpose

Discount grocery stores (DGSs) are attractive food supply chain (FSC) channels because many cost-conscious Indians use them for monthly needs. Despite capacity, DGSs must address customer concerns about store crowd densities and improve their COVID-19 preparedness. The purpose of this study is to learn how retail operations strategies can improve customer experience and how stores can benefit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study looked at a case study where retail operations are run more efficiently, and the customer experience is enhanced by standardizing and customizing customer transactions. The potential benefits that customers and retailers might anticipate are then statistically verified. Next, the potential benefits were examined to determine which ones from customers’ and retailers’ views should be prioritized to increase satisfaction.

Findings

The case situation analysis in the study demonstrates how DGSs can improve their retail operations to reduce customer wait times and provide greater convenience. The study also provides practitioners with potential benefits to pursue from the perspectives of retailers, customers and both retailers and customers.

Research limitations/implications

This study requires many past transactions and can be considered an extension of the current study, so it does not capture floor space and capacity improvements.

Practical implications

This research can help FSC retailers compete with upstream supply chain partners and customers in omnichannel retailing. By improving DGS retailer capacity and customer experience, this study can benefit all FSC stakeholders.

Originality/value

Although there are numerous potential benefits that practitioners can pursue, the current study suggests that practitioners focus on those that can improve retailer and customer satisfaction.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2024

Shrushti Maheshwari, Zafar Alam and Sarthak S. Singh

The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the large deformation compression characteristics of fused deposition modelling (FDM)-printed poly lactic acid (PLA)…

70

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the large deformation compression characteristics of fused deposition modelling (FDM)-printed poly lactic acid (PLA), considering the combined effect of infill density and strain rate, and to develop a constitutive viscoplastic model that can incorporate the infill density to predict the experimental result.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental approach focuses on strain rate-dependent (2.1 × 10−4, 2.1 × 10−3, and 2.1 × 10−2 s−1) compression testing for varied infill densities. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of compressed materials is used to investigate deformation processes. A hyperelastic-viscoplastic constitutive model is constructed that can predict mechanical deformations at different strain rates and infill densities.

Findings

The yield stress of PLA increased with increase in strain rate and infill density. However, higher degree of strain-softening response was witnessed for the strain rate corresponding to 2.1 × 10−2 s−1. While filament splitting and twisting were identified as the damage mechanisms at higher strain rates, matrix crazing was observed as the primary deformation mechanism for higher infill density (95%). The developed constitutive model captured yield stress and post-yield softening behaviour of FDM build PLA samples with a high R2 value of 0.99.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the need to analyse and predict the mechanical response of FDM print polymers (PLA) undergoing extensive strain-compressive loading through a hyperelastic-viscoplastic constitutive model. This study links combined effects of the printing parameter (infill density) with the experimental parameter (strain rate).

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2023

Hong Qin, Alsius David, Ahasan Harun, Md Rasel Al Mamun, Daniel Peak and Victor Prybutok

The application of mobile augmented reality (MAR) for enhancing user experiences and consumer patronizing intention has been the focus of recent MAR literature. Few studies…

491

Abstract

Purpose

The application of mobile augmented reality (MAR) for enhancing user experiences and consumer patronizing intention has been the focus of recent MAR literature. Few studies examine the differences between apps. This study fills the research gap by examining how consumers assess their experiences with different MAR applications and how their decision-making process is performed, particularly in the setting of smartphones.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based online survey was administered to collect data on consumers' perceptions of two different MAR apps: utilitarian and hedonic apps. Reliability and validity of the measurement scales, non-response bias and comment method bias were assessed. With the support of measurement model, partial least square (PLS) was employed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

This study reveals that the technological attributes of augmented reality (AR) apps have significant effects on consumer perceptions of their utilitarian and hedonic benefits, including interactivity, visual quality, service quality, technicality and aesthetics. Moreover, this study shows that consumers of hedonic apps place more importance on their enjoyment with the MAR app; consumers of utilitarian apps focus more on the accrued functional values. The findings provide practical insights for retailers in AR marketing and application development in the MAR environment.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive viewpoint for analyzing ongoing use and purchase intentions simultaneously in a unified theoretical framework. In addition, it compares different types of MAR apps: hedonic and utilitarian. Furthermore, it is one of the first few studies attempting to provide a comprehensive understanding of the predictive role of MAR technologies by incorporating privacy concerns into the research model based on user and gratification framework.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 124 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2023

Muhammed Sajid, K.A. Zakkariya and Myriam Ertz

The zero-waste lifestyle (ZWL) is considered a reasonable step towards controlling waste generation and minimizing the consequences of human activities on the environment. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The zero-waste lifestyle (ZWL) is considered a reasonable step towards controlling waste generation and minimizing the consequences of human activities on the environment. The main aim of this study is to examine the behavioral antecedents of ZWL.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on the theoretical underpinnings of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the norm activation model (NAM) to develop a conceptual framework to understand the antecedents to ZWL. A cross-sectional survey among 349 randomly-selected consumers provided data analyzed with the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology.

Findings

The results demonstrate that personal norms, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control positively influenced the intention to adopt ZWL. Additionally, the study showed that the awareness of consequences influenced personal norms, attitudes and subjective norms. However, the study identified an intention–behavior gap in adopting ZWL.

Originality/value

This study serves as a pioneering exploration of the behavioral factors that impact the adoption of ZWL. Additionally, the paper endeavors to elucidate the underlying reasons behind the intention–behavior gap within this particular context. Consequently, the study offers substantial theoretical and practical implications aimed at promoting and fostering greater adoption of ZWL practices.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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