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Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Sarina Abdul Halim-Lim, Adi Ainurzaman Jamaludin, A.S.M. Touhidul Islam, Samanthi Weerabahu and Anjar Priyono

Today’s businesses are looking for a circular bioeconomy (CBE) to develop a sustainable manufacturing process as industrial operations result in significant amounts of waste…

Abstract

Purpose

Today’s businesses are looking for a circular bioeconomy (CBE) to develop a sustainable manufacturing process as industrial operations result in significant amounts of waste materials and the depletion of natural sources. The industry commonly applies techniques such as lean manufacturing (LM), digital innovations (DI) and green practices (GP) for operational and quality improvement. However, publications explaining how these technologies enable the CBE transition are scarce. This study examines CBE components, common practices of each technology facilitating the CBE transition, problems of solitary technology deployment as well as coupling technologies for the CBE transition.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review was conducted to analyse previous studies in this new field. The data collection is in a quantitative manner, but the data synthesis process follows a similar method of synthesising data in the grounded theory method, which includes familiarisation with the data, open-coding and finalisation of the themes.

Findings

Critical components of CBE were identified as biobased goods, industry symbiosis, material resource efficiency, renewable energy, product lifecycle and sharing economy. GP is the most prominent in moderating the CBE transition. We identify each technology has coupled relationships (Lean-4.0, Green-Lean and Green-4.0) technologies facilitated by the circularity concept, which form the core pillars of enablers and advance the CBE paradigm.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates that combining lean principles with green technology and digital technologies can effectively decrease waste and resource usage in biobased manufacturing processes, therefore endorsing the concept of resource efficiency in circular bioeconomy models.

Practical implications

The results allow entrepreneurs to strategically incorporate different existing technologies to meet CBE fundamental objectives by initiating it with dual technologies and facilitate industry professionals and regulators to support the improvement of environmental sustainability performance in the manufacturing industry. The management will be able to focus on the common practices across the technologies, which have a dual benefit for both operational and environmental performance.

Originality/value

The paper makes the first attempt to present the synergic impact of the three quality management technologies on a new concept of sustainability, CBE.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 July 2024

Rohit Kumar Singh

This study aims to understand the role of technology adoption (TA) in improving the efficiency and environmental sustainability (ENS) of humanitarian supply chains through…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the role of technology adoption (TA) in improving the efficiency and environmental sustainability (ENS) of humanitarian supply chains through collaboration and supply chain agility. This study made an attempt to explore how technological resources can be used strategically to achieve operational efficiency and contribute to sustainable humanitarian logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from 274 respondents involved in humanitarian logistics is analyzed using the confirmatory factor analysis and the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. These respondents include logistics managers, coordinators as well as other relevant personnel from different non-governmental organizations, international aid agencies and relief operations.

Findings

The results of this study show that TA plays a critical role in improving both collaboration and supply chain agility in humanitarian operations. It is evidenced that both collaboration and agility significantly moderate the relationship between TA and supply chain outcomes, respectively, improving the effectiveness and ENS of aid delivery. In particular, technology-facilitated collaboration and agility cut down operational costs, reduce the response time and minimize the environmental impact.

Originality/value

This study extends the application of dynamic capabilities view in humanitarian operations and supply chain and elaborates on how technological capability improves humanitarian supply chain performance. This study also highlights the mediation role of agility and collaboration to achieve aid delivery efficiency and ENS.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2024

Michal Chmiel

The purpose of the study was to assess how the well-being and loneliness of public relations and communication professionals are impacted by the post-pandemic characteristics of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess how the well-being and loneliness of public relations and communication professionals are impacted by the post-pandemic characteristics of the work environment: flexible work schemes, non-territorial office arrangements and video communication technologies. It was hypothesised that the post-pandemic workplace landscape poses several new challenges to the practice of PR – an industry which invariably relies on working with other people and demands a good level of social resilience. Loneliness and well-being both depend on the experience of having good and efficient social relationships, but the pandemic has directly and indirectly led to their deterioration.

Design/methodology/approach

The project employed a correlational design and used an online survey system to collect responses from Gen Z professionals employed in the public relations and communications industry in the UK and the US via the Prolific platform. Demographical and workplace-related characteristics were assessed to investigate links with loneliness (measured using a three-item scale adopted from Russell et al., 1980 in Hughes, 2004) and well-being (using a short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale scale). Causal relationships between data were tested using regression analysis for continuous variables and analysis of covariance for categorical factors. Bootstrapping was used to test mediated relationships that explain loneliness, job satisfaction and the well-being of Gen Z PR professionals.

Findings

Several types of flexible working schemes, defined as the ability to work from home on any number of weeks, showed an impact on loneliness and job satisfaction but not on well-being. However, all remaining aspects of the post-pandemic office did manifest as important predictors. In the sample, 30% of Gen Z PR professionals showed signs of mild to clinical levels of depression, and the best protection from this state was the presence of a significant other. Lower levels of loneliness were related to non-territorial office arrangements and job satisfaction. The use of hot desks and open-plan arrangements led to a significantly lower level of job satisfaction than a traditional, cellular office. Both excessive online meetings and face-to-face only interactions led to marginally lower levels of loneliness and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The present research is limited in several aspects. Firstly, while the project evaluated loneliness, job satisfaction and mental well-being (with each of these elements including a component of the requirement for building effective relationships), the quality of relationships built by PR professionals was not measured. Secondly, the project focused only on post-pandemic aspects of the workplace and did not cover other important components of job satisfaction. Lastly, the measure of online meetings was declarative rather than behavioural, and greater control of the number of online meetings held would be required to show more reliable links between variables.

Practical implications

This study calls for proposing recommendations for employers to develop organisational-level measures and programmes to counteract loneliness. While traditionally intimate relationships of employees were not a direct focus of HR programmes, employers should develop elements of organisational culture that would support employees in building effective intimate relationships. Separately from this, despite immediate financial benefits, employers should avoid using open-space and hot desk policies, as they contribute negatively to job satisfaction (and indirectly to well-being). The sample of UK and US professionals was chosen for analysis because in these countries employers have more capacity to introduce changes to tangible characteristics of the workplace and work culture, which may positively impact the well-being of their employees.

Social implications

It is expected that both employers and employees will revisit their approach to post-pandemic financial and logistic challenges related to the workplace. A lower level of job satisfaction and well-being is linked to the lack of assigned office space, but the ability to work exclusively from home leads to loneliness. Employees – when offered this possibility – should work in offices they are provided. Employers must appreciate the negative link between open and hot-desking policies and job satisfaction and well-being of their employees.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the post-pandemic workplace and personal characteristics of public relations and communications professionals in the UK and US and show how they impact job satisfaction and well-being. The study shows that 30% of employed in the PR industry are at risk of depression or anxiety. The connecting factor between personal and work-related characteristics that explains this problem is loneliness.

Details

Journal of Communication Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-254X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2024

Fozia Ahmed Baloch and Nazir Ahmed Jogezai

The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its effects on education in general, has influenced the leadership landscape of school principals, which may have necessitated adaptations and…

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its effects on education in general, has influenced the leadership landscape of school principals, which may have necessitated adaptations and transitions in their leadership orientation. To better comprehend any variations in the leadership orientation of school principals in response to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines leadership orientation in both the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods.

Design/methodology/approach

In this quantitative research, the authors collected data from 297 school principals in the Balochistan province of Pakistan using the leadership orientation survey (LOS) in a quantitative research approach.

Findings

The results indicated that principals’ leadership orientation underwent an observable transition before and after the pandemic. Principals’ preferred leadership orientation notably changed from solely political before the pandemic to a combination of highly political and symbolic after the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

Using a survey, the study investigated the transition in school principals’ leadership orientation before and after the pandemic. However, the results do not explain what caused the transition in principals’ leadership orientation, which is the key limitation of this study. Future research within a qualitative approach can study the factors associated with changes in principles’ leadership frames.

Practical implications

The overall findings of the study have implications for scholars, policymakers and educational leaders to reexamine and gain a deeper understanding of the leadership roles of principals in the post-pandemic age. This is because principals now operate in a distinct context characterized by new difficulties and opportunities compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Originality/value

This is an original study that examined the transition of school principals’ leadership orientation before and after the pandemic. The body of literature related to the transition between pre- and post-pandemic is limited both in Pakistan and the rest of the world. This study illuminates the literature in this regard.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Ricardo Pereira, Ingrid Weingärtner Reis, Vânia Ulbricht and Neri dos Santos

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between academic writing and generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between academic writing and generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is characterized as exploratory and descriptive, with a qualitative approach. Two approaches were used: the first, a narrative review of the literature with a systematic search from which a data collection stage was carried out using asynchronous interviews by means of an online questionnaire.

Findings

The results indicate that generative AI should be seen as a complementary tool for creative and critical academic writing. The data collected also highlighted issues related to academic dishonesty and the new type of plagiarism – plagiarism made possible by technologies – as well as issues of authorship and legitimacy of work carried out with AI and the loss of reflective and critical thinking and creativity.

Research limitations/implications

The considerable increase in resources using AI in all dimensions of human life.

Practical implications

The impact that the use of generative AIs can have on the creation of knowledge and the dissemination of scientific research.

Social implications

The impact that the use of generative AIs can have on the creation of knowledge and on the dissemination of scientific research.

Originality/value

The need for academia to anticipate the use of AI in academic writing and to incorporate its benefits into this process, especially considering researchers in training.

Objetivo

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la relación entre la escritura académica y la inteligencia artificial generativa.

Proyecto/metodología/enfoque

Este artículo se caracteriza por ser exploratorio y descriptivo, con un enfoque cualitativo. Se utilizaron dos enfoques: el primero, una revisión narrativa de la literatura con una búsqueda sistemática, a partir de la cual se llevó a cabo una etapa de recogida de datos mediante entrevistas asincrónicas a través de un cuestionario online.

Resultados

Los resultados indican que la IA generativa debe considerarse una herramienta complementaria para la escritura académica creativa y crítica. Los datos recogidos también pusieron de manifiesto cuestiones relacionadas con la deshonestidad académica y el nuevo tipo de plagio, el plagio posibilitado por las tecnologías, así como cuestiones de autoría y legitimidad del trabajo realizado con Inteligencia Artificial, la pérdida de pensamiento reflexivo y crítico y la creatividad.

Originalidade

La necesidad de que el mundo académico se anticipe al uso de la IA en la escritura académica e incorpore sus ventajas a este proceso, considerando principalmente a los investigadores en formación.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

El considerable aumento de los recursos que utilizan la IA en todas las dimensiones de la vida humana.

Implicaciones prácticas

El impacto que puede tener el uso de las IA generativas en la creación de conocimiento y la difusión de la investigación científica.

Implicaciones sociales

El impacto que puede tener el uso de las IA generativas en la creación de conocimiento y la difusión de la investigación científica.

Objetivo

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a relação entre a redação acadêmica e a inteligência artificial generativa.

Projeto/metodologia/abordagem

Este artigo é caracterizado como exploratório e descritivo, com uma abordagem qualitativa. Foram usadas duas abordagens: a primeira, uma revisão narrativa da literatura com uma busca sistemática, a partir da qual foi realizada uma etapa de coleta de dados usando entrevistas assíncronas por meio de um questionário on-line.

Resultados

Os resultados indicam que a IA generativa deve ser vista como uma ferramenta complementar para a redação acadêmica criativa e crítica. Os dados coletados também destacaram questões relacionadas à desonestidade acadêmica e ao novo tipo de plágio - o plágio possibilitado pelas tecnologias, bem como questões de autoria e legitimidade do trabalho realizado com a Inteligência Artificial, a perda do pensamento reflexivo e crítico e da criatividade.

Originalidade

A necessidade de a academia antecipar o uso da IA na redação acadêmica e incorporar seus benefícios nesse processo, considerando principalmente pesquisadores em formação.

Limitações/implicações da pesquisa

O aumento considerável de recursos usando IA em todas as dimensões da vida humana.

Implicações práticas

O impacto que o uso de IAs generativas pode ter sobre a criação de conhecimento e a disseminação de pesquisas científicas.

Implicações sociais

O impacto que o uso de IAs geradoras pode ter na criação de conhecimento e na disseminação de pesquisas científicas.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 August 2024

Sean Kruger and Adriana A. Steyn

Several disciplines and thousands of studies have used, developed and supported technology adoption theories to guide industry and support innovation. However, within the past…

Abstract

Purpose

Several disciplines and thousands of studies have used, developed and supported technology adoption theories to guide industry and support innovation. However, within the past decade, a paradigm shift referred to as the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has resulted in new considerations affecting how models are used to guide emerging technology integration into business strategy. The purpose of this study is to determine which technology adoption model, or models are primarily used when assessing smart technologies in the 4IR construct. It is not to investigate the rigour of existing models or their theoretical underpinnings, as this has been proven.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this, a systematic literature review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis methodology is used. From 3,007 publications, 125 papers between 2015 and 2021 were deemed relevant for thematic analysis.

Findings

From the literature, five perspectives were extracted. As with other information and communication technology studies, the analysis confirms that the technology acceptance model remains the predominantly used model. However, 105 of the 125 models extended their theoretical underpinnings, indicating a lack of maturity. Furthermore, the countries of study and authors’ expertise are predominantly clustered in the European and Asian regions, despite the study noting expansion into 16 different subject areas, far beyond the smaller manufacturing scope of Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

This study contributes theoretically by providing a baseline to develop a generalisable 4IR model grounded on existing acceptance trends identified. Practically, these insights demonstrate the current trends for strategists and policymakers to understand technology adoption within the 4IR to direct efforts that support innovation development, an increasingly crucial factor for survival in the digital age. Future research can investigate the additional constructs that were impactful while considering the level of research they were applied to.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Samia Nawaz Yousafzai, Hooria Shahbaz, Armughan Ali, Amreen Qamar, Inzamam Mashood Nasir, Sara Tehsin and Robertas Damaševičius

The objective is to develop a more effective model that simplifies and accelerates the news classification process using advanced text mining and deep learning (DL) techniques. A…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective is to develop a more effective model that simplifies and accelerates the news classification process using advanced text mining and deep learning (DL) techniques. A distributed framework utilizing Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) was developed to classify news headlines. This approach leverages various text mining and DL techniques on a distributed infrastructure, aiming to offer an alternative to traditional news classification methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on the classification of distinct types of news by analyzing tweets from various news channels. It addresses the limitations of using benchmark datasets for news classification, which often result in models that are impractical for real-world applications.

Findings

The framework’s effectiveness was evaluated on a newly proposed dataset and two additional benchmark datasets from the Kaggle repository, assessing the performance of each text mining and classification method across these datasets. The results of this study demonstrate that the proposed strategy significantly outperforms other approaches in terms of accuracy and execution time. This indicates that the distributed framework, coupled with the use of BERT for text analysis, provides a robust solution for analyzing large volumes of data efficiently. The findings also highlight the value of the newly released corpus for further research in news classification and emotion classification, suggesting its potential to facilitate advancements in these areas.

Originality/value

This research introduces an innovative distributed framework for news classification that addresses the shortcomings of models trained on benchmark datasets. By utilizing cutting-edge techniques and a novel dataset, the study offers significant improvements in accuracy and processing speed. The release of the corpus represents a valuable contribution to the field, enabling further exploration into news and emotion classification. This work sets a new standard for the analysis of news data, offering practical implications for the development of more effective and efficient news classification systems.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

Xuan Wang, Tao Huang, Wenping Zhang, Qingfeng Zeng and Xin Sun

This study aims to investigate the role of information normalization in online healthcare consultation, a typical complex human-to-human communication requiring both effectiveness…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of information normalization in online healthcare consultation, a typical complex human-to-human communication requiring both effectiveness and efficiency. The globalization and digitization trend calls for high-quality information, and normalization is considered an effective method for improving information quality. Meanwhile, some researchers argued that excessive normalization (standardized answers) may be perceived as impersonal, repetitive, and cold. Thus, it is not appreciated for human-to-human communication, for instance, when patients are anxious about their health condition (e.g. with high-risk disease) in online healthcare consultation. Therefore, the role of information normalization in human communication is worthy to be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from one of the largest online healthcare consultation platforms (Dxy.com). This study expanded the existing information quality model by introducing information normalization as a new dimension. Information normalization was assessed using medical templates, extracted through natural language processing methods such as Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). Patient decision-making behaviors, namely, consultant selection and satisfaction, were chosen to evaluate communication performance.

Findings

The results confirmed the positive impact of information normalization on communication performance. Additionally, a negative moderating effect of disease risk on the relationship between information normalization and patient decision-making was identified. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that information normalization can be enhanced through experiential learning.

Originality/value

These findings highlighted the significance of information normalization in online healthcare communication and extended the existing information quality model. It also facilitated patient decision-making on online healthcare platforms by providing a comprehensive information quality measurement. In addition, the moderating effects indicated the contradiction between informational support and emotional support, enriching the social support theory.

Details

Internet Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Hirou Karimi and Guita Farivarsadri

This paper aims to examine the barriers to adopting collaboration in architectural design studios from the instructors' perspectives and explore strategies to overcome barriers.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the barriers to adopting collaboration in architectural design studios from the instructors' perspectives and explore strategies to overcome barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 coordinators in architecture and interior architecture design studios to gather insights into their experiences and perspectives on collaboration. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and patterns in the data.

Findings

The study reveals that collaboration is highly valued by instructors for its potential to enhance creativity, problem-solving abilities, and preparation skills among students. However, the study identified several barriers, such as student conflicts, coordination challenges, cultural differences, and technological constraints.

Practical implications

The instructors recommended specific strategies to promote collaboration in architectural design studios. These strategies include involving students in collaborative projects, providing training in collaboration skills, striking a balance between online and in-person activities, and developing supportive policies and skills. Implementing these strategies can help design programmemes that prepare students for professional success and future careers.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the importance of integrating collaboration skills in architectural education. By exploring barriers and suggesting strategies, it provides valuable insights for educators and encourages further research into the implementation of these strategies. Design programmes can benefit from adopting a multifaceted approach to foster collaboration among students, thereby enhancing their learning experience and future prospects.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Tsung-Sheng Chang and Wei-Chieh Liu

Digital games have not only surged in popularity but also have sparked a renaissance, catapulting virtual adventures into the realm of cultural phenomena. It has spilled over as…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital games have not only surged in popularity but also have sparked a renaissance, catapulting virtual adventures into the realm of cultural phenomena. It has spilled over as countless individuals find themselves drawn to the tangible pieces of the worlds they love, mulling over the procurement of game merchandise and memorabilia. These items are more than mere collectibles; they are emblems of unwavering enthusiasm for game culture. This study employs the consumer culture theory (CCT) to investigate game players’ propensity to purchase merchandise products.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, social media and online forums were used to collect samples from Taiwan, obtaining 311 valid responses. Partial least squares (PLS) was employed to analyze the research model.

Findings

The findings underscore the significance of loyalty as a critical factor affecting individuals’ ethnocentrism and cosmopolitanism attitudes, which also significantly impact the likelihood of players purchasing game merchandise products.

Originality/value

Based on CCT, this study explores game players’ willingness to purchase game merchandise. In Asia, transforming digital game content into peripheral products is a marketing strategy. This study holds practical and academic implications, contributing to the advancement of research in this field.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

1 – 10 of 128