Search results

11 – 20 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 18 January 2023

Chathuri Gunarathna, Rebecca Yang, Pabasara Wijeratne Mudiyanselage, Gayashan Amarasinghe, Tharushi Samarasinghalage, R.P. Nilmini Weerasinghe, Hongying Zhao, Chaoxiang Zhang, Chengyang Liu, Kaige Wang and Sujan Dev Sureshkumar Jayakumari

Project-based learning is one of the most effective methods of transferring academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations in higher education. However, its effectiveness…

Abstract

Purpose

Project-based learning is one of the most effective methods of transferring academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations in higher education. However, its effectiveness is not much investigated focusing on the students' narrative. This study aims at evaluating the students' experience and perspective on adopting project-based learning in master by research and doctoral programmes for proactive skills development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates the self-reflection of 10 postgraduate students and their supervisor who have participated in developing a software tool for solar photovoltaics (PV) integrated building envelope design, management and the related education.

Findings

Findings reveal that the students have effectively improved their knowledge on the subject via collaborating with the industry, self-learning/observation, peer learning, problem-solving and teamwork. Dividing the project into student-led tasks has improved the decision-making and leadership skills, risks identification, planning and time management skills. The overall experience has (1) built up confidence in students, (2) enhanced their creativity and critical thinking and (3) improved their proactive skills and context knowledge.

Originality/value

A clear research gap can be seen in exploring the effectiveness of project-based learning for master by research and doctoral programmes, which mainly focus on extensive research. These programmes do not necessarily focus on developing students' proactive skills, which is the main requirement if they intend to work in the construction industry. This paper addresses the above research gap by demonstrating the effectiveness of project-based learning for developing the proactive skills in a research-intensive learning environment.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 May 2020

Ramakant Rana, Qasim Murtaza and R.S. Walia

In this study, the tri-bological behaviour of the un-coated and diamond coated tungsten carbide was evaluated using the pin-on-disc test rig. The same was also tested on a lathe…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the tri-bological behaviour of the un-coated and diamond coated tungsten carbide was evaluated using the pin-on-disc test rig. The same was also tested on a lathe machine tool. This paper aims to compare the tri-bological behaviour of coated tungsten carbide pin with un-coated tungsten carbide pin it also correlates the wear obtained from the two machines used.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were performed using L8 orthogonal array and results obtained on a pin-on-disc test rig under dry sliding process were optimized through a modern optimization technique i.e. genetic algorithm (GA). The response surface methodology model (L8 orthogonal array) formed the basis for the development of the GA model, which defines the conditions of minimum wear, minimum coefficient of friction and minimum surface roughness for the sliding process of the pin-on-disc test rig.

Findings

Implementation of the heuristic approach for optimization of input parameters for the combination of tool material used for the turning process. The initial approach involves tri-bological testing considering the same combination. The set of experiments further performed, inferred that the results were similar and that the diamond coating enhances the life of the tool.

Originality/value

Successfully synthesized the diamond coating on tungsten carbide tool material. Implantation of the heuristic approach, i.e. GA to tri-bological tests to identify the optimized level of input variables. Experimentation involves the tri-bological testing whose results were confirmed through performing experiments on the lathe machine tool.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2021

Ranjith R. and S. Nalin Vimalkumar

The most difficult tasks in the design and development of products for diverse engineering applications were the selection of suitable materials. Choice of inappropriate process…

Abstract

Purpose

The most difficult tasks in the design and development of products for diverse engineering applications were the selection of suitable materials. Choice of inappropriate process variables leads to poor performance, which increases the cost of the product. The selection of the best option of available alternatives is important to improve the performance and productivity of the manufacturing enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper aims to develop Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making (HMCDM) by integrating two potential optimization techniques Elimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalité and multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis. The weight of the criteria was calculated using the critic weight method.

Findings

The efficiency and flexibility of the proposed HMCDM technique were illustrated and validated by two examples. In the first case, the best electrode material among the five available alternatives was selected for the electrical discharge machining of AZ91/B4Cp magnesium composites. In the second case, the optimum weight percentage of composites providing the best tribological properties was chosen.

Originality/value

It was noted that the HMCDM methodology was quite simple to comprehend, easy to apply and provided reliable rankings of the material alternatives. The proposed hybrid algorithm is suitable for product optimization as well as design optimization.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2007

Brian H. Rudall and C.J.H. Mann

This paper aims to review current research and developments with particular reference to smart systems and environments.

888

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review current research and developments with particular reference to smart systems and environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of, selected research and development topics.

Findings

Illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary natures of studies in cybernetics, systems and management science with a view to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides the awareness of current trends in these areas of endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 36 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2023

Vandana Goswami

The present paper makes an attempt to investigate the determinants that affect FDI inflows distribution among Indian states. Together with traditional determinants, the impact of…

Abstract

Purpose

The present paper makes an attempt to investigate the determinants that affect FDI inflows distribution among Indian states. Together with traditional determinants, the impact of institutional determinants on state-level FDI inflows distribution in India has been analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses panel data for a period of 20 years (2000–2019) for 17 groups of Indian states (29 states and 7 UTs). The empirical evidence is based on the panel data method and the findings support Dunning's OLI theory. As the data for some indicators for the institutional environment is not available at the state level, hence we used component analysis to arrive at the single component for the institutional factor. The study takes into account corruption, legal system, industrial disputes, man-days lost, labour availability, political risk, protection of IPR and agglomeration as potential macroeconomic and institutional determinants.

Findings

Results show that FDI inflows into Indian states is driven mainly by institutional environment. From our analysis, the author infers that the institutional variables such as legal system, IPR, corruption, political instability play an important role in determining the distribution of FDI inflows at the state level in India. Together with that GFCF and agglomeration are also important determinants of state-wise FDI inflows.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the study is that it doesn't include moderated impact of economic and institutional determinants of FDI inflows in Indian states, which can be an avenue for future research. Future research can also carried out taking district-level data to further examine the determinants at district level in India.

Originality/value

The contribution of the present paper is three-fold, first, the author constructs a measure of different institutional variables, after normalization of data for the period 2000–2019, and the author choose the highest explaining factor with the highest variance explained then we constructed the indices for select variable, which further has been used in the panel data analysis technique. The author has found that macroeconomic variables, as well as institutional variables, are significant to attract FDI at the state level in India. The paper shows that corruption, political risk, IPR and legal system are the major institutional determinants of FDI inflows in India at the state level. States with higher domestic investment attract more FDI inflows, moreover, agglomeration is a very important determinant as the investors are more confident in investing at the same location, the reason behind this may be that the investors want to avoid the registration procedure for new land, administrative formalities or they feel more secure at the same place and keen to invest at the same place again.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2006

S.A. Oke, O.E. Charles‐Owaba, A.O. Johnson and O.O. Omogoroye

This paper aims at developing a methodology capable of controlling accidents and failures in oil and gas production activities.

1327

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at developing a methodology capable of controlling accidents and failures in oil and gas production activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Fuzzy analysis that is based on fuzzy linguistics, rule matrix, rule structures, and system operating rules is utilised. Fuzzy methodology is applied to develop a safety control model for the prevention of accidents and failures in oil and gas production activity offshore platforms.

Findings

The model is demonstrated with a case study, thereby suggesting the feasibility of the applied approach in practical cases.

Practical implications

Primarily, the study aims to guarantee safety. Also uncertainties and imprecision that commonly characterize safety measurement systems are tracked. The time‐consuming activity in measurement and the requirement of lots of specific information about the process is avoided.

Originality/value

The results from the study provide valuable baseline information for future research investigating how safety of oil platforms is affected by some factors.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 24 November 2023

Prashant Chaudhary

The expected learning outcomes are to understand the complexities involved in the integration of two carriers with different business strategies and approaches, the merger of two…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

The expected learning outcomes are to understand the complexities involved in the integration of two carriers with different business strategies and approaches, the merger of two brands with distinct personas and identities and the confluence of two different cultures; figure out the strategic options in front of the Tata Group and how it can deal with various macro- and micro-level business challenges, defy the financial hiccups and manoeuvre the operational complexities to accomplish mission Vihaan.AI; and develop a pragmatic approach to macro and micro business environmental scanning for making strategic business decisions.

Case overview/synopsis

In November 2022, Tata Group, the salt to software conglomerate, announced the merger of Air India (AI) and Vistara. This would lead to the formation of the full-service airline under the brand name “Air India”. The obvious reason behind this was the higher recognition, salience and recall of the brand AI as compared with Vistara in the global market. The Tata Group envisaged the brand AI to be a significant international aviation player with the heritage, persona and ethos of the brand Vistara in the renewed manifestation of AI. To realise these goals, Tata Group laid down an ambitious plan called “Vihaan.AI”, which was aimed at capturing a domestic market share of 30% by 2027.

Complexity academic level

This case study can be taught as part of undergraduate- and postgraduate-level management programmes.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Rohit Raj, Vimal Kumar, Priyanka Verma and Suriya Klangrit

Though academic study on the subject is still in its early stages, there is growing interest in using blockchain technology for transforming the supply chain. The academic…

Abstract

Purpose

Though academic study on the subject is still in its early stages, there is growing interest in using blockchain technology for transforming the supply chain. The academic literature is divided and yet only includes studies evaluating how the supply chain has changed organizations. To comprehend the new phenomena, this study aims to investigate the factors of blockchain technology in driving supply chain transformation. To be more precise, the authors developed from the literature the most prevalent criteria for determining if supply chain transformations are ready to be scaled up.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a combination of two multi-criteria decision making methods evaluation based on distance from average solution and complex proportional assessment) methodology in this research: planning, investigating, executing out, establishing a rating of the criteria and evaluating it.

Findings

The study shows that the “organizational driver” and the “technology driver” are the factors most important to the transformation of the supply chain, whereas the “financial driver” and the “regulatory driver” are less important. This study also makes some managerial recommendations to address the factors impeding the supply chain’s transformation. Each factor’s significance was explored, and a proposed study agenda was also presented.

Research limitations/implications

Although the main forces behind the transformation of the supply chain have been recognized, further research into statistical correlation is required to confirm how the various elements interact.

Practical implications

This research aids decision-makers in comprehending the key forces behind supply chain transformation. Managers and decision-makers might better predict and allocate the necessary resources to start the road toward digitization and make well-informed choices once these aspects have been investigated and understood.

Originality/value

In light of the pandemic’s effects on the world and the increase in businesses embracing the digital economy, the supply chain transformation is more important than ever. Beyond blockchain deployment and the pilot studies on digital transformation, there is a gap. The topics and factors this study uncovered will operate as a framework and recommendations for more theoretical investigation and practical applications.

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: 18 January 2011

Peter Enderwick, Rosalie L. Tung and Henry F.L. Chung

This paper aims to examine the myriad linkages between cross‐border migration and international business activity through a conceptual framework of international arbitrage.

3469

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the myriad linkages between cross‐border migration and international business activity through a conceptual framework of international arbitrage.

Design/methodology/approach

While labour is internationally the least integrated of the various markets (capital, product, labour) the increasing co‐movement of both tasks and workers has created opportunities for the arbitrage and exploitation of differences between national labour markets. Because national labour markets typically display the two characteristics of separation and price discrepancy it is possible to utilise the principle of arbitrage and within this framework examine cost, intellectual, knowledge and employment arbitrage.

Findings

The discussion suggests that international business offers valuable insights into migration processes and effects which have been dominated by the research approaches of other disciplines. It is found that migrants can help reduce transaction costs for bilateral trade, contribute to nostalgic trade, encourage outsourcing and foreign direct investment through referrals and performance signalling, assist country of origin development through remittances and return migration and provide valuable knowledge to their employers in the country of residence.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a conceptual one which offers no new empirical results but does provide a context for the interpretation of the more specialised studies that appear in this special issue. There is a need for research on this topic to be firmly grounded in the contemporary context of an increasingly integrated global economy. It also suggests a number of specific areas where further work would be useful.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the paper is in developing a comprehensive conceptual framework – that of labour market arbitrage – which enables a clearer understanding of the complex impacts of international migration on international business activity. It also distinguishes between direct and indirect effects.

Details

Journal of Asia Business Studies, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1558-7894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2023

N.S.B Akhil, Vimal Kumar, Rohit Raj, Tanmoy De and Phanitha Kalyani Gangaraju

Even the greatest developed countries have capitulated to the destructions imposed on the global supply systems, as the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed. The purpose of this study…

Abstract

Purpose

Even the greatest developed countries have capitulated to the destructions imposed on the global supply systems, as the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed. The purpose of this study is to explore human resource sourcing strategies for managing supply chain performance during the COVID-19 outbreak. There are six human resource sourcing strategies such as outsourcing, near sourcing, integration, the requirement of suppliers, joint ventures and virtual enterprise that are considered to measure supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on collecting data from the potential respondents of Indian manufacturing companies, the elevation of human resource sourcing strategies to supply chain performance is measured considering the multiple regression analysis techniques.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that four of the six hypotheses have a significant and positive relationship with supply chain performance during the COVID-19 outbreak while two hypotheses are partially supported that lent good support to this study.

Research limitations/implications

In this critical situation, this study will enable managers and practitioners to support the business in giving customers the best services on time.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is to identify the key human resource sourcing strategies by using multiple regression analysis methods, considering the case of Indian manufacturing companies to measure their supply chain performance during the COVID-19 outbreak era.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

11 – 20 of over 1000