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1 – 10 of 43Amarjit Gill, Stephen Fitzgerald, Smita Bhutani, Harvinder Mand and Suraj Sharma
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and employee desire for empowerment (EDFE). This study also aims to extend Gill…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and employee desire for empowerment (EDFE). This study also aims to extend Gill and Mathur's findings regarding improving employee dedication and pro‐social behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Hospitality industry employees from Canada and India were surveyed to test the relationship between TL and EDFE in countries that differ substantially in their levels of cultural power distance.
Findings
Results suggest that the improvement in the degree of EDFE is positively related to the improvement in the degree of perceived TL implementation in the hospitality industry in both countries. However, substantial differences in relative impact were observed between restaurant (high in both countries) and hotel/motel workers (low in Canada, high in India). In addition to cultural power distance, levels of TL and EDFE were significantly lower in India than in Canada, and levels of TL were significantly lower among restaurant workers than among hotel/motel workers.
Practical implications
Managers who exhibit TL behaviors are more likely to heighten their employees' desire to be empowered, regardless of cultural context.
Originality/value
The findings help to explain failures in organizational efforts to empower workers by demonstrating the critical role of TL behaviors in heightening EDFE.
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Arjun Chakravorty and Sundeep Kapila
This case uses the concept of social entrepreneurship to analyze the entrepreneurial journey of Mr Suraj Prakash and his social enterprise, the Swasth Foundation. It further…
Abstract
Theoretical basis
This case uses the concept of social entrepreneurship to analyze the entrepreneurial journey of Mr Suraj Prakash and his social enterprise, the Swasth Foundation. It further deepens our understanding of strategic decision-making by exploring the successful use of pivots.
Research methodology
The case was primarily developed through a series of interviews with the leadership team over a year. Secondary sources included literature about Swasth Foundation available on the internet and those shared by the founder.
Case overview/synopsis
In 2008, Suraj Prakash left McKinsey & Company after six and half years in the health and development sector as an engagement manager. Along with his friends, Aman Paul and Ankur Sharma, he established Swasth with the goal of building an ecosystem that delivered high-quality, affordable and accountable health services to low-income communities in India. Right from its inception, Swasth went through many fundamental shifts in terms of its business model, team composition and even the nature of its existence; however, this did not deter Suraj from pursuing his goal.
The case brings into focus the health-care system of India, especially in the context of the urban poor and the challenges they are facing, followed by the initiatives taken by Swasth Foundation and the impact it is trying to create. The remainder of the case delves into Suraj’s entrepreneurial journey and the three pivotal decisions that changed the course of his organization over 11 years. It will also provide a transpicuous view of the entrepreneurial decision-making process through the lens of pivoting. As Suraj and his team are trying to bring about the required changes through the third pivot, there remain some challenges that need to be addressed for a successful implementation.
Complexity academic level
The case is written for business management students and can be used in general management, entrepreneurship and strategy classes. The case can be used for discussions on leadership, social entrepreneurship and strategic decision-making. It is suited for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of board characteristics on firms’ investment decisions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of board characteristics on firms’ investment decisions.
Design Methodology Approach
The study used data sourced from annual reports of firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2018. Descriptive analysis was performed to provide the background statistics of the variables examined. This was followed by a regression analysis which forms the main data analysis.
Findings
The multiple regression analysis results indicated that the proportion of independent directors and financial experts on the board are negatively related to firm investment. These findings imply that independent directors and financial experts on the board can help firms reduce overinvestment and improve investment efficiency.
Originality Value
The extant literature shows that the board of directors are an effective mechanism to reduce agency problems in firm decisions and operating performance. However, there has been little research on the role of the board of directors in corporate investment policy.
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Sumit Mishra, Shashi Kant, Vinay Sharma and Rajat Agrawal
Industrial Relations and People Management.
Abstract
Subject area
Industrial Relations and People Management.
Study level/applicability
Graduate or Postgraduate level, Executive working in manufacturing sector.
Case overview
This case highlights the industrial relation issues in a public sector undertaking, a government-owned company in India. The case depicted the issues taken place in the company in the year 2015-2016. The primary data were collected by a working professional, who dealt with and was involved in the scenarios discussed in the case. Other modes such as in-depth interviews were also taken as per requirements. This case also highlights the importance of roles of unions and association in these organizations. Factors which are important to maintain industrial harmony were analyzed and their perspective with respect to production loss were addressed.
Expected learning outcomes
Every employee must be dealt with in a dignified manner with rationale. Hierarchy is required to be in place but doesn’t need to be authoritative. Be communicative and transparent while taking action. There should be no compromise on indiscipline at workplace and decision to be taken accordingly. Manage conflict by involving all the concerned authorities from outset. The analysis of the case shows that if the rationale was followed while managing the people it will lead to industrial harmony. Role of trade unions and association will prove beneficial as they will become a part of creating a solution in the matter of discords, ensuring growth for the company and its employees. It is important to mention here that the case was developed on the basis of the first-hand experience of the author.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Subject code
CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
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Saurabh Dewangan, Suraj Kumar Mohapatra and Abhishek Sharma
Titanium (Ti) alloys are in high demand in manufacturing industries all over the world. The property like high strength to weight ratio makes Ti alloys highly recommended for…
Abstract
Purpose
Titanium (Ti) alloys are in high demand in manufacturing industries all over the world. The property like high strength to weight ratio makes Ti alloys highly recommended for aerospace industries. Ti alloys possess good weldability, and therefore, they were extensively investigated with regard to strength and metallurgical properties of welded joint. This study aims to deal with the analysis of strength and microstructural changes in Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) alloy after tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding.
Design/methodology/approach
Two pair of Ti alloy plates were welded in two different voltages, i.e. 24 and 28 V, with keeping the current constant, i.e. 80 A It was a random selection of current and voltage values to check the performance of welded material. Both the welded plates were undergone through some mechanical property analysis like impact test, tensile test and hardness test. In addition, the microstructure of the welded joints was also analyzed.
Findings
It was found that hardness and tensile properties gets improved with an increment in voltage, but this effect was reverse for impact toughness. A good corroboration between microstructure and mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, hardness and toughness, was reported in this work. Heat distribution in both the welded plates was simulated through ANSYS software to check the temperature contour in the plates.
Originality/value
A good corroboration between microstructure and mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, hardness and toughness, was reported in this study.
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Deepak Mehra, Manas Mohan Mahapatra and Suraj Prakash Harsha
The purpose of this study is to increase the wear resistance of Mg alloy by adding hard ceramic particles to it. The inclusion of hard ceramic particles further strengthen the Mg…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to increase the wear resistance of Mg alloy by adding hard ceramic particles to it. The inclusion of hard ceramic particles further strengthen the Mg alloy, resulting in higher wear resistance. Mg alloys containing Zn, rare earth and Zr exhibit high specific strength and excellent creep resistance, making them suitable for aerospace components such as aircraft gearboxes and generator housings.
Design/methodology/approach
In the present study, composites have been produced in situ by using RZ5 mg alloy as matrix and TiC as reinforcement by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique. The abrasive wear behavior of RZ5 Mg alloy matrix reinforced with TiC particulates has also been examined. The pin-on-disc apparatus has been used for the tests. The abrasive paper is used as a counter body, and the results are obtained by changing sliding distance and applied load.
Findings
A notable enhancement in the wear resistance and mechanical properties of tested composite has been observed as compared to the RZ5 Mg alloy as a matrix. There is a uniform increment in the change in weight loss of RZ5-TiC composite with increasing sliding distance and applied load, but it decreases with increasing TiC content. The coefficient of friction (µ) also decreases uniformly with an increase in the reinforcement of TiC, but it decreases with an increase in applied load and sliding distance. The investigation of the worn composite, which determines dominant wear mechanisms as abrasion and plowing grooves on tested samples, has been done using field emission scanning electron microscopy.
Originality/value
The current manuscript provides a detailed abrasive wear analysis of RZ5-TiC composite by using different wear parameters. Specifically, extensive experimental data have been provided for RZ5-TiC composite. The effects of parameters such as applied load, sliding distance and Wt.% of TiC on the weight loss and coefficient of friction of the composites have been analyzed and discussed thoroughly.
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The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between board attributes and national culture on firms’ investment decisions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between board attributes and national culture on firms’ investment decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used data from listed firms from seven Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Descriptive analysis was performed to provide the background statistics of the variables examined. This was followed by regression analysis, which constitutes the main data analysis.
Findings
The multiple regression analysis results indicate a negative relationship between uncertainty avoidance (UAI) and corporate investment decisions. The study also found that there is a negative relationship between the interaction between UAI and the number of independent board members and corporate investment decisions.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few to measure the influence of governance variables and national culture on corporate investment decisions in Sub-Sahara Africa.
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Deepak Mehra, Manas Mohan Mahapatra and Suraj Prakash Harsha
The advancement in modern manufacturing technology generated the need to develop new materials for better wear resistance. The purpose of this paper is to use the Taguchi…
Abstract
Purpose
The advancement in modern manufacturing technology generated the need to develop new materials for better wear resistance. The purpose of this paper is to use the Taguchi optimization approach to examine which wear parameter significantly affects weight loss and coefficient of friction for RZ5-TiC composite. It is a simple and efficient method to find performance of wear parameter using minimum experimental runs.
Design/methodology/approach
RZ5-TiC composites were prepared using RZ5 as matrix, reinforced with TiC through self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the influence of wear parameters like applied load (AL), sliding distance (SD) and Wt.% of TiC (WTC) on responses like weight loss and coefficient of friction of RZ5/TiCp composites. The pin-on-disc apparatus used to conduct abrasive wear test. The wear process parameters are optimized for minimum wear based on L27 Taguchi orthogonal design. The Taguchi technique using design of experiments (DOE) is used to obtain the data. The ANOVA and an orthogonal array are used to examine the influence of wear parameters on responses. The purpose is to examine parametric significances which affect responses.
Findings
It observed that wear parameters have the significant influence on responses of RZ5/TiCp composites. The interaction of sliding distance/Wt.% of TiC is observed and found significant influence on both responses. The optimum level of the significant wear parameters is achieved based on the maximum S/N ratio for RZ5/TiCp composites. The optimal interaction for weight loss and coefficient of friction is AL1-SD1-WTC3 and AL3-SD1-WTC3, respectively. Finally, the confirmation test is conducted and the results are obtained within the confidence interval.
Originality/value
The current manuscript provides an optimization of wear parameters using Taguchi approach. The extensive experimental data are used for this purpose and effects of wear parameters on responses are analyzed from the presented results. The results obtained are useful in improving the wear resistance of the RZ5-TiC composite.
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Anuj Sharma, A.K. Dey and Prerna Karwa
International marketing/export marketing.
Abstract
Subject area
International marketing/export marketing.
Study level/applicability
This case is appropriate for discussion in courses such as international marketing and export marketing of post graduate studies in management. The case can also be used for management development programmes concerning practising managers.
Case overview
The case is based on export marketing strategy with special focus on developing strong buyer (customer) relationships and the associated challenges of a trading company, The Handicrafts and Handlooms Exports Corporation of India Ltd (HHEC). The corporation primarily engages in export of handlooms and handicraft products from India. Since 2005-06 the corporation has been incurring losses and it was only in 2010-11 that the corporation has registered a positive net profit.
Expected learning outcomes
To understand the appropriate strategies for buyer retention; to understand appropriate promotion strategies of non-essential items like handicraft, handloom and carpets; and to help students in making decisions for export marketing like understanding product characteristic, development of samples, procurement of products, vendor management, and pricing decisions.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes.
Details