Search results

1 – 10 of over 6000
Article
Publication date: 11 July 2019

A. Zeeshan, R. Ellahi, F. Mabood and F. Hussain

The purpose of this study is to examine the simultaneous effects of Hafnium particles and partially submerged metallic particles for the flow of bi-phase coupled stress fluid over…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the simultaneous effects of Hafnium particles and partially submerged metallic particles for the flow of bi-phase coupled stress fluid over an inclined flat plane.

Design/methodology/approach

An unflinching free stream flow that stretches far from the surface of the plane with the possibility of containing some partially submerged metallic particles is considered. Innovative model has been proposed and designed using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method.

Findings

The findings show that the drag force resists the couple stress fluid, whereas the Newtonian flow is supported by increasing the velocity. For both types of flows, movement of the particle is retarded gradually against the drag force coefficient.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this model is reported for the first time.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2021

Muhammad Umar, Maqbool Hussain Sial, Syed Ahmad Ali, Muhammad Waseem Bari and Muhammad Ahmad

This paper aims to investigate the tacit knowledge-sharing framework among Pakistani academicians. The objective is to study trust and social networks as antecedents to foster…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the tacit knowledge-sharing framework among Pakistani academicians. The objective is to study trust and social networks as antecedents to foster tacit knowledge sharing with the mediating role of commitment. Furthermore, the moderating role of organizational knowledge-sharing culture is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a survey-based quantitative research design to test the proposed model. The nature of data are cross-sectional and collected with stratified random sampling among public sector higher education professionals of Pakistan. The total sample size for the present research is 247 respondents. The variance-based structural equation modeling technique by using Smart_PLS software is used for analysis.

Findings

Data analysis and results reveal that trust and social networks are significant predictors of tacit knowledge sharing among Pakistani academicians while commitment positively mediated the relationships. While the moderating role of organizational knowledge-sharing culture is also established.

Research limitations/implications

The current research explains tacit knowledge sharing among academics with fewer antecedents i.e. social network and trust with limited sample size and specific population. There is still a great deal of work to be done in this area. Hence, the study provides direction for including knowledge-oriented leadership and knowledge governance in the current framework. Moreover, the framework can be tested in different work settings for better generalization.

Practical implications

The study gives an important lead to practitioners for enhancing tacit knowledge sharing at the workplace through a robust social network of employees, building trust and boosting employees’ commitment, as well as through supportive organizational knowledge sharing culture.

Originality/value

The research comprehends the tacit knowledge sharing framework with theoretical arrangements of trust, social networks, commitment and culture in higher education workplace settings under the umbrella of social capital theory.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 53 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2020

Khalid Hussain, Fengjie Jing, Muhammad Junaid, Qamar Uz Zaman and Huayu Shi

This study aims to investigate the outcomes of customers’ co-creation experience in a realistic and routinely performed co-creation setting, a restaurant. To fulfill this purpose…

2559

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the outcomes of customers’ co-creation experience in a realistic and routinely performed co-creation setting, a restaurant. To fulfill this purpose, the current study links the branding literature to hospitality research and offers a novel framework by incorporating customers’ co-creation experience, customer brand engagement, emotional brand attachment and customer satisfaction in an integrated research model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 421 diners at Chinese hotpot restaurants via a self-administered questionnaire. The reliability and convergent and discriminant validities were established through confirmatory factor analysis, and then hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study demonstrates that customers’ co-creation experience with a restaurant brand positively impacts customer brand engagement, emotional brand attachment and customer satisfaction. In addition, current study examines these relational paths at the dimensional level by taking the co-creation experience and customer brand engagement as multidimensional constructs. The resulting in-depth investigation reveals that the hedonic, social and economic experience dimensions of co-creation experience positively influence customer satisfaction, emotional brand attachment and customer brand engagement’s buying, referring, influencing and feedback dimensions.

Practical implications

This study helps relationship and brand managers better understand customer experience in co-creation settings and paves the way for managers to devise engagement strategies.

Originality/value

The current study marks an initial attempt to delineate the outcomes of customers’ co-creation experience in a realistic co-creation setting. Furthermore, the study is first of its kind that investigates the relationship of co-creation experience and customer brand engagement at the dimensional level.

Details

Journal of Product & Brand Management, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1061-0421

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2021

Quba Ahmed, Muhammad Saleem Sumbal, Muhammad Naseer Akhtar and Hussain Tariq

Drawing upon the theoretical underpinning of knowledge worker productivity, this study aims to examine the relationship between abusive supervision and knowledge management (KM…

1080

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing upon the theoretical underpinning of knowledge worker productivity, this study aims to examine the relationship between abusive supervision and knowledge management (KM) process (creation, application and sharing of knowledge) and its impact on the knowledge worker productivity in knowledge-intensive organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypothesis were tested through PROCESS Macro in IBM SPSS v.26 on a sample of 204 employees working in banking sector of Pakistan. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the model fitness through AMOS v. 26.

Findings

The results showed that the relationship between abusive supervision and KM process (creation, application and sharing of knowledge) is negative and highly significant, i.e. greater the abusive supervision in the banking sector, the lower is the engagement in KM processes. Furthermore, there is a positive and highly significant relationship between the KM process and knowledge worker productivity. Finally, the study indicates the negative impact of abusive supervision on the knowledge worker productivity through the mediating mechanism of knowledge management processes.

Research limitations/implications

A key limitation is that the study is cross-sectional, and the findings may only be generalizable to developing countries context.

Originality/value

Previous studies have focused on supervisor–employee relationship but not in the context of knowledge worker productivity. This article fulfills this gap through understanding the impact of abusive supervision on the knowledge worker productivity in relation to KM processes (knowledge creation, sharing and application) by drawing upon the theoretical underpinning of knowledge worker productivity.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 25 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Jamal Mousa Shamieh, Ihab Hanna Sawalha, Amer Z. Salman, Emad K. Al-Karablieh, Mohammad A. Tabieh, Hussain F. Al-Qudah and Osama O. Jaara

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to estimate the water demand elasticities using a parametric linear programming (LP) model to provide an insight into the accurate and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to estimate the water demand elasticities using a parametric linear programming (LP) model to provide an insight into the accurate and flexible pricing policy of irrigation water in the Jordan Valley; and second, to highlight key risk aspects, related to water demand, which are likely to impact the community.

Design/methodology/approach

A parametric LP model was used in this research. Primary and secondary data were collected.

Findings

Results revealed that the demand elasticity is high in Spring and Summer than in Fall and Winter, meaning that during Spring and Summer farmers are willing to forgo larger amounts of water than in other months. This is because of areas planted during Spring seasons are much less than those of Autumn and Winter.

Practical implications

The Jordan Valley suffers from water scarcity risk, and consequently the area to be planted is not fully utilized, leading to lower cropping intensities. Responsible authorities in Jordan need to address these issues and propose proper solutions in order to reduce further escalation of this risk and subsequent impact on local communities. Insight into the value of water demand elasticities is essential to support and mitigate policy decision making under risk conditions, concerning investments in water supply systems; investments in the water distribution and irrigation systems; efficient allocation of water with competing sectors; setting water pricing and tariffs; setting cost recovery mechanisms, and the risks encountered under lack of mitigated policy decision making.

Originality/value

This is one of few studies that addresses in detail using a parametric LP model the issue of water scarcity, related risks and subsequent impact on society in Jordan. It is expected to help policy and decision makers better formulate future estimates and demand which subsequently reduce related risks.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2022

Khalid Hussain, Muhammad Junaid, Muzhar Javed, Moazzam Ali and Asif Iqbal

This study aims to investigate the effect of healthy food advertising (HFA) in preventing obesity (measured using the healthy eating attitude and perceived self-regulatory…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of healthy food advertising (HFA) in preventing obesity (measured using the healthy eating attitude and perceived self-regulatory success) through the meta-cognitive role of consumer wisdom (CW). The meta-cognitive role of CW to better promote healthy eating attitude and behavior is relevant and underexplored.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 310 young consumers through an online survey. Reliability and validity were established using confirmatory factor analysis, and hypotheses were analyzed through structural equation modeling using MPlus V8.3.

Findings

The results reveal that HFA has a positive influence on all dimensions of CW: responsibility, purpose, perspective, reasoning and sustainability. All dimensions but one augment a positive healthy eating attitude, but only responsibility and sustainability enhance consumers’ self-regulatory success. The findings show that HFA does not directly prevent obesity, but CW mediates the relationship between that advertising and obesity prevention. These findings show that CW establishes a mindful connection between HFA and obesity control.

Research limitations/implications

This research extends the theory of CW in the context of healthful eating and contributes significantly to the advertising, hospitality and obesity literature.

Practical implications

This study also has implications for multiple stakeholders, including consumers, restaurant operators, hospitality managers, brand managers, the government and society in general.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study marks the first attempt to investigate the role of CW in preventing obesity. It is also the first study to examine the relationships of HFA with CW and a healthful attitude toward eating.

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2023

Osagie Oseghale

The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of digital information literacy (DIL) skill and use of electronic resources by humanities graduate students at Kenneth Dike…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of digital information literacy (DIL) skill and use of electronic resources by humanities graduate students at Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the survey research design and 200 graduate students from the 12 departments that made up the Faculty of Arts in the University of Ibadan participated in the study. A self-devised structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. A pilot questionnaire was first sent to a small random sample of the respondents, with feedback used to fine-tune the final questionnaire. Respondents were requested to rate their level of proficiency in the use of digital devices, web-based tasks, information finding, evaluation and utilisation of available e-resources and challenges encountered. Ethical consideration of informed consent, institutional permission, confidentiality and anonymity of participants was strictly followed. Data collected were analysed and result presented using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentage, mean and inferential statistics such as regression analysis and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient were used to test the research question and hypothesis, respectively.

Findings

Humanities graduate students at the University of Ibadan possessed high level of DIL skills in respect of digital devices usage, web-based tasks, information finding and evaluation, but low in e-resources utilisation. This study identified inadequate knowledge of e-resources availability, irregular internet access, inadequate training on e-resources utilisation, inadequate staff assistance, lack of continuity in e-resources subscription and paucity of local contents in the e-resources as main challenges encountered by graduate students in the use of e-resources. To ensure that those who can most benefit from e-resources utilisation are not further marginalised, this study recommends that active steps should be taken to increase e-resources awareness, regular internet access, training/support, continuity of e-resources subscription and increased local content so that all may benefit from the opportunities of the information age.

Originality/value

This paper has demonstrated that DIL skills can enhance effective utilisation of e-resources if users have adequate knowledge of e-resources availability, regular internet access, adequate training and assistance on e-resources utilisation, continuity in database subscription and adequate local contents e-resources.

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2018

Aino Kianto, Muhammad Shujahat, Saddam Hussain, Faisal Nawaz and Murad Ali

The productivity of knowledge workers is crucial not only for organizational innovation and competitiveness but also for sustainable development. In the context of…

4945

Abstract

Purpose

The productivity of knowledge workers is crucial not only for organizational innovation and competitiveness but also for sustainable development. In the context of knowledge-intensive firms, implementation of knowledge management is likely to increase knowledge worker productivity. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of knowledge management on knowledge worker productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework on the effects of knowledge management processes on knowledge worker productivity is established and empirically tested with data from 336 knowledge workers at five mobile network operator companies in Pakistan.

Findings

The results indicate that knowledge creation and knowledge utilization impact knowledge worker productivity positively and statistically significantly. However, knowledge sharing does not have statistically significant impact on knowledge worker productivity. Demographic factors (gender, managerial position and formal education level) do not moderate the relationship between knowledge management and knowledge worker productivity statistically significantly.

Research limitations/implications

The key limitations are the cross-sectional nature of the data and the geographic limitation to telecom companies in Pakistan.

Practical implications

Irrespective of gender, education and managerial position, implementation of knowledge management can increase knowledge worker productivity. Therefore, knowledge management practices should be implemented to enhance the knowledge worker productivity via fostering the knowledge worker’s engagement in and propensity to knowledge management processes.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine the likely influence of knowledge management on the productivity of knowledge workers conclusively while controlling for three individual demographic factors. This study also addresses the effectiveness of knowledge management in the little-explored cultural context of Pakistan.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2020

Hussaan Ahmad and Nasir Hayat

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the historical gas allocation pattern for seeking appropriate arrangement and utilization of potentially insufficient natural gas supply…

120

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the historical gas allocation pattern for seeking appropriate arrangement and utilization of potentially insufficient natural gas supply available in Pakistan up to 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents Markov chain-based modeling of historical gas allocation data followed by its validation through error evaluation. Structural prediction using classical Chapman–Kolmogorov method and varying-order polynomial regression in the historical transition matrices are presented.

Findings

Markov chain model reproduces the terminal state vector with 99.8 per cent accuracy, thus demonstrating its validity for capturing the history. Lower order polynomial regression results in better structural prediction compared with higher order ones in terms of closeness with Markov approach-based prediction.

Research limitations/implications

The data belongs to a certain geographic region with specific gas demand and supply profile. The proposition may be tested further by researchers to check the validity for other comparable structural predictions/analyses.

Practical implications

This study can facilitate policy-making in the field of natural gas allocation and management in Pakistan specifically and other comparable countries generally.

Originality/value

Two major literature gaps filled through this study are: first, Markov chain model becomes stationary when projected using Chapman–Kolmogorov relation in terms of a fixed, average transition matrix resulting in an equilibrium state after a finite number of future steps. Second, most of the previous studies analyze various gas consumption sectors individually, thus lacking integrated gas allocation policy.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 July 2022

Youakim Badr

In this research, the authors demonstrate the advantage of reinforcement learning (RL) based intrusion detection systems (IDS) to solve very complex problems (e.g. selecting input…

1276

Abstract

Purpose

In this research, the authors demonstrate the advantage of reinforcement learning (RL) based intrusion detection systems (IDS) to solve very complex problems (e.g. selecting input features, considering scarce resources and constrains) that cannot be solved by classical machine learning. The authors include a comparative study to build intrusion detection based on statistical machine learning and representational learning, using knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) Cup99 and Installation Support Center of Expertise (ISCX) 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology applies a data analytics approach, consisting of data exploration and machine learning model training and evaluation. To build a network-based intrusion detection system, the authors apply dueling double deep Q-networks architecture enabled with costly features, k-nearest neighbors (K-NN), support-vector machines (SVM) and convolution neural networks (CNN).

Findings

Machine learning-based intrusion detection are trained on historical datasets which lead to model drift and lack of generalization whereas RL is trained with data collected through interactions. RL is bound to learn from its interactions with a stochastic environment in the absence of a training dataset whereas supervised learning simply learns from collected data and require less computational resources.

Research limitations/implications

All machine learning models have achieved high accuracy values and performance. One potential reason is that both datasets are simulated, and not realistic. It was not clear whether a validation was ever performed to show that data were collected from real network traffics.

Practical implications

The study provides guidelines to implement IDS with classical supervised learning, deep learning and RL.

Originality/value

The research applied the dueling double deep Q-networks architecture enabled with costly features to build network-based intrusion detection from network traffics. This research presents a comparative study of reinforcement-based instruction detection with counterparts built with statistical and representational machine learning.

1 – 10 of over 6000