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Article
Publication date: 21 March 2024

Abul Bashar, Ahsan Akhtar Hasin, Md. Nazmus Sakib and Nabila Binta Bashar

In the highly competitive business landscape, manufacturing firms need to adopt an effective manufacturing strategy to attain a successful world-class manufacturing status. Over…

Abstract

Purpose

In the highly competitive business landscape, manufacturing firms need to adopt an effective manufacturing strategy to attain a successful world-class manufacturing status. Over the past few decades, the lean manufacturing (LM) approach has gained recognition as one of the foremost strategies for enhancing performance. However, the implementation of LM poses significant challenges due to several barriers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the primary barriers to lean implementation within the apparel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used an exploratory study approach, using a three-part structured questionnaire to assess the level of agreement on different lean barriers. The measurement of these barriers was conducted using a five-point Likert scale. Empirical data were collected from 177 apparel companies located in Bangladesh.

Findings

The findings of the research highlight that the primary obstacles to implementing LI include a lack of understanding of the lean manufacturing system (LMS), the manufacturing process, the company culture and resistance from employees.

Research limitations/implications

This paper could potentially limit the generalizability of this research, as it exclusively examines a single manufacturing sector – the apparel industry.

Practical implications

This paper will help practitioners in finding solutions to resolve discrepancies between current manufacturing practices and the LMS.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to examine the extent of lean adoption within the apparel industry of Bangladesh.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 November 2023

Rifath Mahmud Uday, Sheak Salman, Md. Rezaul Karim, Md. Sifat Ar Salan, Muzahidul Islam and Mustak Shahriar

The objective of this study is to investigate the barriers hindering the integration of lean manufacturing (LM) practices within the furniture industry of Bangladesh. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the barriers hindering the integration of lean manufacturing (LM) practices within the furniture industry of Bangladesh. The traditional operational paradigms in this sector have posed substantial challenges to the effective implementation of LM. In this study, the barriers of implementing LM in the furniture business are examined, aiming to provide a systematic understanding of the barriers that must be addressed for a successful transition.

Findings

The research reveals that “Fragmented Industry Structure,” “Resistance to Lean Practices” and “Inadequate Plant Layout and Maintenance”, emerged as the foremost barriers to LM implementation in the furniture industry. Additionally, “Insufficient Expert Management,” “Limited Technical Resources” and “Lack of Capital Investment” play significant roles.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights into the furniture industry, enabling the development of strategies for effective LM implementation. One notable challenge in lean implementation is the tendency to revert to established practices when confronted with barriers. Therefore, this transition necessitates informed guidance and leadership. In addition to addressing these internal challenges, the scope of lean implementation should be broadened.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the initial efforts to systematically identify and assess the barriers to LM implementation within the furniture industry of Bangladesh, contributing to the emerging body of knowledge in this area.

Details

International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2690-6090

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2023

Zakaria Savon and Abdellah Yousfi

This study aims to review to what extent Islamic banks carry conventional monetary policy impulses. Hence, the authors focus to review on the presence or absence of an Islamic…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to review to what extent Islamic banks carry conventional monetary policy impulses. Hence, the authors focus to review on the presence or absence of an Islamic financing channel.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach to the literature review was adopted. The search criterion is confined to empirical studies that examined the transmission of interest-based monetary policy through Islamic banks’ financing, particularly empirical studies that check the existence of an Islamic bank financing channel of conventional monetary policy. By adopting a systematic approach, over 40 empirical papers published in Scopus and Google Scholar were selected for review and analysis to suggest prospects for future analysis in this field.

Findings

The existence of Islamic banks may raise concerns for local central banks, particularly in terms of implementing monetary policies that rely on interest rates. Indeed, the specific nature of the business model of Islamic banks based on the sharing of losses and profits as an alternative to interest rate–based remuneration suggests a priori the non-transmission of monetary policy through these free-interest banks. Despite this, the actual asset structure of Islamic banks may facilitate the transmission of monetary impulses to the economy. Currently, there are limited and inconclusive empirical studies on how Islamic bank financing contributes to the transmission of monetary policy. Additional research is required to fully comprehend the response of Islamic banks to fluctuations in monetary policy interest rates, as well as the factors that impact their reactions.

Originality/value

This literature review is incredibly important as it thoroughly examines a critical issue from both academic and practical perspectives. Analyzing how monetary policy actions can be transmitted through Islamic bank financing is an important task that can provide insights for future research. A straightforward response to this inquiry could assist central banks in formulating effective monetary policy.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 July 2023

Francisco David Guillén-Gámez, Ernesto Colomo-Magaña, Julio Ruiz-Palmero and Łukasz Tomczyk

To know the digital competence of rural teachers to carry out the tutoring process with members of the educational community through digital resources (teacher-student…

Abstract

Purpose

To know the digital competence of rural teachers to carry out the tutoring process with members of the educational community through digital resources (teacher-student, teacher-families and teacher-teaching team). As specific objectives, gender, teaching specialties, interaction between gender*teaching speciality, and significant predictors were analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was quantitative, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive and inferential design.

Findings

The results showed an explorer-expert teacher, where the generalist teachers had a superior competence compared to the rest of the specialties. Gender and teaching speciality were significant predictors in the communication that the teacher has with all the agents involved, while the interaction of both predictors was only significant between the teacher-teaching team and teacher-families.

Research limitations/implications

Another issue worth considering relates to the development of the classification tree for the use of digital resources in tutorial action. Due to lack of space, the proposal has focused on gender and particular subjects, but it would be interesting to focus on the dimensions of the instrument with regard to tutorial action with the different agents (students, teaching staff and families).

Originality/value

After reviewing the literature, the authors can conclude that very little quantitative research is focused on the level of self-perception of digital competence of teachers in rural schools. Furthermore, the teaching speciality of teachers has up until now hardly been taken into account as a variable that can determine the levels of digital competence. Not many studies have analysed the use of digital resources to communicate with the different members of the educational community.

Details

Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-7604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2023

Salman Ahmed Shaikh

This study aims to examine the dynamics of the market development of Islamic banking in Pakistan. This study investigates how shocks to the economy in the form of changes in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the dynamics of the market development of Islamic banking in Pakistan. This study investigates how shocks to the economy in the form of changes in benchmark rate and exchange rate and internal factors such as efficiency, profitability and asset quality affect the development of Islamic banking. The study also evaluates the impact of Islamic banking on the real economy in the macro perspective and society at large in terms of inclusiveness, competitiveness and fairness.

Design/methodology/approach

Autoregressive distributed lagged model method is used for analysing the short-run and long-run determinants of market development of Islamic banking and the economic impact of Islamic banking on the real economy.

Findings

Profitability and exchange rate have a positive effect on market development of Islamic banking while higher inefficiency and interbank rate have a negative effect. On the other hand, financing intensity and profitability in Islamic banking positively affect the large-scale manufacturing sector.

Practical implications

Stable profits, high asset quality, efficiency and rising import demand with low policy rate environment complement Islamic banking growth. Moreover, the economic assessment shows that Islamic banks have been able to achieve the financial inclusion of those who want to avoid Riba, but they need concerted efforts to improve competitiveness and distinction with regard to distributional impact.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in Pakistan to evaluate determinants of market development of Islamic banking taking 16-year quarterly data and assessing the economic effects of Islamic banking on inclusiveness, competitiveness and fairness.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Nuno Miguel de Matos Torre and Andrei Bonamigo

Maintenance represents an indispensable role in the productive sector of the steel industry. The increasing use of operating with a high level of precision makes hydraulic systems…

Abstract

Purpose

Maintenance represents an indispensable role in the productive sector of the steel industry. The increasing use of operating with a high level of precision makes hydraulic systems one of the issues that require a high level of attention. This study aims to explore an empirical investigation for decreasing the occurrences of corrective maintenance of hydraulic systems in the context of Lean 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The maintenance model is developed based on action-research methodology through an empirical investigation, with nine stages. This approach aims to build a scenario to analyze and interpret the occurrences, seeking to implement and evaluate the actions to be performed. The undertaken initiatives demonstrate that this approach can be applied to optimize the maintenance of an organization.

Findings

The main contribution of this paper is to demonstrate that the applied method allows the overviewing results, with a qualitative approach concerning the maintenance actions and management processes to be considered, allowing a holistic understanding and contributing to the current literature. The results also indicated that Lean 4.0 has direct and mediating effects on maintenance performance.

Originality/value

This research intends to propose an evaluation framework with an interdimensional linkage between action research methodology and Lean 4.0, to explore an empirical investigation and contributing to understanding the actions to reduce the occurrences of hydraulic systems corrective maintenance in a production line in the steel industry.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Sara Rolando, Gaia Cuomo, Airi-Alina Allaste, Venus Athena Vangsgaard Fabricius, Torsten Kolind and Merlin Läänemets

This paper aims to investigate the cultural meanings of excessive drinking in three different countries with different levels of alcohol use chosen as case studies of wider…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the cultural meanings of excessive drinking in three different countries with different levels of alcohol use chosen as case studies of wider geographies representing Northern (Denmark), Southern (Italy) and Eastern (Estonia) Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected according to the Reception Analytical Group Interview method, using video clips as stimuli to enhance comparability. Eight online focus groups were organized in each country for a total number of 128 participants. Symbolic boundaries defining what drinking patterns are socially acceptable were then analysed to look at cross-national variations.

Findings

Results show how different conceptualizations of excessive drinking persist, although a convergence process among drinking patterns is also observed, which suggests that differences mainly depend on meanings and values attributed to intoxication. These are both rooted in the traditional drinking cultures and affected by ongoing social and economic change processes.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability, even at country level, as there are differences also within the same drinking culture; however, addressing these differences was beyond the scope of the present study, which aimed to contribute to understanding persisting differences in European drinking culture despite different drivers seem to act for globalization of drinking habits.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of tailored and effective prevention messages, considering rooted attitudes and cultural values attached to drinking and drunkenness in different European geographies, which are also related to conceptualizations of risks and pleasure.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to understand persisting differences in alcohol-related behaviours and outcome in different European countries emerging from quantitative data.

Details

Drugs, Habits and Social Policy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2023

Mahvia Gull, Zartashia Kynat Javaid, Kamran Khan and Husnain Ali Chaudhry

Stigma is a major impediment to human rights in health care that causes discrimination, isolation and the exclusion of individuals from essential health-care services. It fosters…

Abstract

Purpose

Stigma is a major impediment to human rights in health care that causes discrimination, isolation and the exclusion of individuals from essential health-care services. It fosters fear, leading to negative stereotyping of individuals based on their social, cultural or health status and undermines their dignity and respect, consequently violating their right to health. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the moderating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between stigma (enacted, anticipated and internalized), mental health and the quality of life of substance users.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on a cross-sectional design and included 200 male patients with an age range of 18–65 years from 23 rehabilitation centers in four cities in Pakistan. The purposive sampling technique was used, and the sample size ranged from 4 to 23 participants for each site. Four scales were used to measure stigma, general mental health, quality of life and psychological flexibility in substance users.

Findings

The data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS, which showed that stigma (enacted, anticipated and internalized) had a detrimental effect on substance users’ mental health and quality of life. Additionally, psychological flexibility acts as an efficient moderator between them.

Originality/value

This research unveils the moderating role of psychological flexibility in mitigating stigma’s adverse effects on individuals with substance use disorders. Future investigations should prioritize interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility to ameliorate the repercussions of stigma, ultimately enhancing the well-being and quality of life of substance users.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Dean J. Connolly, Gail Gilchrist, Jason Ferris, Cheneal Puljević, Larissa Maier, Monica J. Barratt, Adam Winstock and Emma L. Davies

Using data from 36,981 respondents to the Global Drug Survey (GDS) COVID-19 Special Edition, this study aims to compare changes, following the first “lockdown,” in alcohol…

Abstract

Purpose

Using data from 36,981 respondents to the Global Drug Survey (GDS) COVID-19 Special Edition, this study aims to compare changes, following the first “lockdown,” in alcohol consumption between lesbian, gay, bisexual and other sexual minority (LGB+) and heterosexual respondents with and without lifetime mental health and neurodevelopmental (MHND) conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Characteristics and drinking behavior of respondents to GDS who disclosed their sexual orientation and past 30-day alcohol use were described and compared. LGB+ participants with and without MHND conditions were compared, and logistic regression models identified correlates of increased drinking among LGB+ people. The impact of changed drinking on the lives of LGB+ participants with and without MHND conditions was assessed.

Findings

LGB+ participants who reported that they were “not coping well at all” with the pandemic had twofold greater odds of reporting increased binge drinking. LGB+ participants with MHND conditions were significantly more likely than those without to report increased drinking frequency (18.7% vs 12.4%), quantity (13.8% vs 8.8%) and that changed drinking had impacted their lives.

Originality/value

This study, which has a uniquely large and international sample, explores aspects of alcohol use not considered in other COVID-19 alcohol use research with LGB+ people; and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore alcohol use among LGB+ people with MHND conditions.

Details

Drugs, Habits and Social Policy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6739

Keywords

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