Search results
1 – 10 of 11Deepti Bhatt, Apurvakumar Pandya, Vibha Salaliya, Ajay Chauhan, Rutu Trivedi, Siddharth Chowdhury, Amar Shah, Prachi Shukla, Pankaj Nimavat, Chandra Shekhar Joshi and Vivekanand Pandey
Depression and anxiety are the most common comorbidities in TB patients, adversely impacting TB treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of lay…
Abstract
Purpose
Depression and anxiety are the most common comorbidities in TB patients, adversely impacting TB treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of lay counselling in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and TB treatment completion.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a pre-post interventional research design. Patients were screened for depression and anxiety. All symptomatic TB patients were followed up and offered four to six or more lay counselling sessions whenever necessary. The authors assessed changes in depression and anxiety symptoms before lay counselling intervention and after fourth lay counselling session or the completion of TB treatment, whichever occurred the last.
Findings
Approximately 6,974 TB patients were screened for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The mean age was 36.7 ± 14.7 years. Total 25.9% patients were symptomatic. About 99.8% were provided lay counselling and received at least one to two follow-up sessions, while two patients who screened with severe depression were referred to a mental health specialist. Nearly 96.9% TB patients did not report symptoms of depression or anxiety after four lay counselling sessions, and TB treatment completion rate was higher among symptomatic TB patients who completed at least four counselling sessions (92.5%).
Practical implications
Lay counselling services delivered by field coordinators offer a promising approach to address mental health comorbidities among TB patients in resource-limited settings.
Originality/value
It explores a novel approach – lay counselling delivered by field coordinators – in tackling depression and anxiety among TB patients, which is a potentially scalable solution in resource-limited settings.
Details
Keywords
Rose Antony, Vivekanand B. Khanapuri and Karuna Jain
The purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of customer expectations and study the moderating role of demographics in the context of fresh food retail.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of customer expectations and study the moderating role of demographics in the context of fresh food retail.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was designed using extant literature review followed by expert opinions. The survey was conducted among the customers in the twin cities of Maharashtra in India. The factors of customer expectations were identified using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and further confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis in SPSS and AMOS, respectively. The significance of the customer expectations on customer satisfaction was studied using structural equation modeling. Subsequently, the role of demographics was studied using two-step cluster analysis and multigroup moderation.
Findings
During EFA three factors emerged, namely, product-related features, in-store quality and store support services. Structural model evaluation found product-related features and in-store quality significantly influencing the customer satisfaction, while store support services were found as a non-significant factor in the region studied. Further, using cluster analysis customers were segregated into three groups, namely, traditional, autonomous and premium customers, where the premium customers were found to prefer the store support services on a higher scale, and similar results were obtained using multigroup moderation. Demographics, namely, gender, age, respondents’ income and marital status moderated for product-related features and in-store quality. Interestingly, respondents’ income also moderated for the store support services.
Practical implications
The findings provide directions for store managers of the fresh food category to align supply chain decisions with the unique requirements of customers considering their socio-economic characteristics.
Originality/value
On the basis of social exchange theory, the authors found that in a mutually beneficial relationship, concerning the value proposition, retailers need to address the requirement of the different income group customers for store support services.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of gravity on the heat transfer behavior of the two-phase flow of water undergoing phase change. Most of the earlier…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of gravity on the heat transfer behavior of the two-phase flow of water undergoing phase change. Most of the earlier studies of convective boiling considered systems where the gravity is neglected. In contrast, the authors investigated systems where the gravity is considered. The heat transfer characteristics of water during its evaporation in microchannel heat sink are studied for different channel inclinations.
Design/methodology/approach
Computational fluid dynamics software ANSYS Fluent is used for the computational study. The volume of fluids multiphase method available in the package is used to capture the vapor–liquid interface. Heat transfer studies are carried out for a rectangular microchannel having a characteristic dimension of 825 µm at different inclinations, which varied from −90° (vertically downward) to 90° (vertically upward). During each simulation, the vapor quality is set at the inlet. Uniform heat flux of 250 kW/m2 is applied at the bottom wall of the channel in all orientations of the channel, keeping the upper wall insulated.
Findings
As compared to horizontal configuration, a significant increase in the values of heat transfer coefficient during the fluid flow in inclined microchannels is noticed. It is observed that the Nusselt number for the vertically upward (+90°) and horizontal (0°) configuration are similar and that for the 45° upward configuration exceeds other configurations. It is also observed that the heat transfer performance becomes lower in downward configurations; nearly 40-50 per cent drop in average Nusselt number is observed for a mass flux of 250 kg m-2 s-1 with respect to 45° inclined microchannel. This behavior can be attributed to the gravitational effect on the two-phase flow because of which the vapor phase being less dense moves away from the heated wall, whereas the primary phase being heavier moves towards the heated wall of the channel. Also, the conductivity of the liquid being higher than the vapor phase, as well as the aperture of the liquid being small during this process, its velocity increases resulting in the augmentation of heat transfer.
Originality/value
User-defined-functions for the mass and energy source terms have been written in C code and hooked in ANSYS Fluent to incorporate the phase change mechanism during the evaporation of water.
Details
Keywords
Anubhuti Saxena, Naval Garg, B.K. Punia and Asha Prasad
The primary objective of the present study is to explore the relationship between workplace spirituality and work stress among offshore and onshore employees of the Indian oil and…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of the present study is to explore the relationship between workplace spirituality and work stress among offshore and onshore employees of the Indian oil and gas industry. The present study also tends to study the difference in the stress level of offshore and onshore employees of the Oil and Gas Industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The size of the sample for the present study was 202 respondents. It includes 128 onshore employees and 74 offshore employees of oil and gas companies. Respondents were mainly managers and supervisors working in various departments of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Cairn India, Reliance India Ltd (RIL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Indian Oil and Gas Ltd (IOCL). Since the different level of stress is experienced by employees at different stages of the organizational structure, thus study selected population comprising of managers and supervisors since they are believed to face similar work stressors. A variety of statistical tools like mean, t-test, correlation and multi-regression is used for the analysis of collected data.
Findings
Results show that all six dimensions of workplace spirituality are significantly negatively correlated with stress for onshore employees. However, the sense of community and gratitude are found insignificantly associated with stress for offshore employees. Stressful offshore conditions and excessive specialization might not allow offshore employees to cherish the community at the workplace and also the virtue of gratefulness. The offshore employees might have a certain level of gratitude and community system, but it is not sufficient for the employees to perceive a lower level of work relates to stress. The result gives the impression that the normal working conditions (onshore workplace) provide adequate opportunity to workplace spirituality to transcend its impact on work stress.
Originality/value
This is one of the pioneer studies that examined the role of workplace spirituality and stress in stress management of offshore and onshore employees of Indian Oil and gas companies.
Details
Keywords
Sushma Verma, Samik Shome and Aakruti Patel
The study aims to empirically evaluate the effect of internal factors of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on their financing choices. It also examines the financing practices…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to empirically evaluate the effect of internal factors of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on their financing choices. It also examines the financing practices of listed SMEs in India and finds out whether the financing patterns of listed SMEs follow the established theories of corporate finance.
Design/methodology/approach
For this study, 113 SMEs listed on National Stock Exchange Emerge Platform are considered for the period from 2014 to 2018. Panel data regression is applied. The control group has been identified by using the propensity score matching approach. Qualitative information has been collected from the bank officials and the promoters of listed SMEs.
Findings
The study reveals that for meeting financial requirements, listed SMEs initially create current liabilities followed by usage of total reserves. Thereafter, they look for short- and long-term borrowings for further funding options. No significant change is observed in the financing pattern of listed SMEs as compared to their non-listed matched firms. The study suggests that no single theory, including pecking order theory or trade-off theory, could explain the behaviour of SMEs financing completely.
Research limitations/implications
The financing pattern of SMEs can be of great interest to various stakeholders such as government and lenders. As no significant boost is observed in debt financing post listing, this aspect needs to be evaluated by the stakeholders.
Originality/value
This study is significantly different from the existing studies, as it attempts to evaluate the impact of listing on overall financing pattern of SMEs in India. This is also one of the very few studies that uses both quantitative and qualitative information to examine the same.
Details
Keywords
Anusuya Yadav, Deepika Pandita and Seema Singh
This paper aims to study the interlink between work-life integration, job contentment and employee engagement. The notion of how far work-life balance (WLB) policies have a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the interlink between work-life integration, job contentment and employee engagement. The notion of how far work-life balance (WLB) policies have a throwback on employee engagement has been presented with shreds of evidence of previous studies carried out in the timeline of 2005–2021 in India. The purpose is to bring forward comprehensive studies together, which are available on piecemeal form in the fragmentary form, to draw a firm conclusion about work-life integration policies and their parallelism with job engagement and organizational effectiveness. Furthermore, this study intends to develop a theoretical framework using Dubin’s methodology on organizational effectiveness in relation to work-life integration, job contentment and employee engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on systematic literature review of papers reviewed from across databases of Scopus, Emerald, EBSCO and Google Scholar. The keywords used for the search were WLB, work-life integration, job satisfaction, job contentment and organizational effectiveness and also a combination of these words was used to pull down the relevant papers. A systematic literature review was undertaken on the topics of work-life integration, employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. These articles were then read and scanned with the overview on abstract and further these articles were selected on the basis of relevance to the current study. Those articles which showed interconnectedness between the identified variables of organizational effectiveness in relation to work-life integration, job contentment and employee engagement as antecedents were reviewed and a theoretical framework model is put forth using first part of Dubin’s methodology (1978) for theory building. The posited Model named A4 on organizational effectiveness using deductive approach is built on constructs, interaction, logic and propositions (Whetten, 1989).The theory will be functional in nature. With the given wealth of evidence, the injecting effect of work-life integration on employee engagement and pouring impact on organizational effectiveness becomes more transparent and clear. The authors have proposed a model for better organizational effectiveness through work-life integration policies.
Findings
One of the essential ingredients for better employee engagement is work-life integration policies, and organizational effectiveness becomes the by-product of the same. Innovative and friendly WLB policies assist employees to be more productive, dedicated and committed, resulting in better employee engagement which in the long run benefits the company in terms of effectiveness. WLB policies help to flatter down the burgeoning impact of complex work life on employee productivity and engagement. This paper concludes on the healing effects of WLB policies on employee engagement and organizational effectiveness and also proposes a model at the end. The posited model presents the antecedents for achieving organizational effectiveness.
Research limitations/implications
Because the study is conceptual in nature with the proposed model, more empirical-based studies by experts with relevant stakeholders will add more rationalization to the current study.
Originality/value
Organizational effectiveness is the key to survival in today’s complex and competitive world. The authors investigated how organizational effectiveness can be achieved with WLB policies, which can have a linear impact on employee engagement, and ultimately organizations can bear the flowerings of positive output. This linkage and coupling between WLB policies, job contentment, employee engagement and organizational effectiveness deserve attention which the authors have attempted to explore. The outcome and results of the study will contribute to the existing literature in a more meaningful manner and will assist human resource development and policymakers to achieve organizational goals with driving employees. Managers will gain insight into the identified theoretical framework model for its implementation in organization. Future researchers with empirical studies can test the proposed theory to determine its success at organizational level.
Details
Keywords
Shalini Sahni, Sushma Verma and Rahul Pratap Singh Kaurav
The widespread uptake of digital technology tools for online teaching and learning reached its peak during the nationwide lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The widespread uptake of digital technology tools for online teaching and learning reached its peak during the nationwide lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. It transformed the higher education institutions (HEIs) marketplace both in developed and developing countries. However, in this process of digital transformation, several HEIs, specifically from developing countries, faced major challenges. That threatened to affect their sustainability and performance. In this vein, this study conducts a bibliometric review to map the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest strategies for HEIs to cope with post-pandemic situations in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
This comprehensive review encompasses 343 papers published between 2020 and 2023, employing a systematic approach that combines bibliometrics and content analysis to thoroughly evaluate the articles.
Findings
The investigation revealed a lack of published work addressing the specific challenges faced by the faculty members affecting their well-being. The study underscores the importance of e-learning technology adoption for higher education sustainability by compelling both students and teachers to rely heavily on social media platforms to maintain social presence and facilitate remote learning. The reduced interpersonal interaction during the pandemic has had negative consequences for academic engagement and professional advancement for both educators and students.
Practical implications
This has implications for policymakers and the management of HEIs, as it may prove useful in reenvisioning and redesigning future curricula. The paper concludes by developing a sustainable learning framework using a blended approach. Additionally, we also provide directions for future research to scholars.
Originality/value
This study has implications for policymakers and HEI management to rethink the delivery of future courses with a focus on education and institute sustainability. Finally, the research also proposes a hybrid learning framework for sustainability and forms a robust foundation for scholars in future research.
Details
Keywords
Laxmi Pandit Vishwakarma, Rajesh Kr Singh, Ruchi Mishra and Mani Venkatesh
The study aims to synthesize existing knowledge and proposes a research framework for building a resilient supply chain (SC) through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to synthesize existing knowledge and proposes a research framework for building a resilient supply chain (SC) through artificial intelligence (AI) technology. It also identifies existing literature gaps and paves the way for a future research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review has been carried out to identify the peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Then, the selected articles published between 2012 and 2023 are analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis methods to unearth research gaps and offer new research directions.
Findings
Descriptive and thematic analysis reveals the overall development of literature on the role of AI for supply chain resilience (SCR). Based on the findings of the thematic analysis, the motivation, application, capability and outcome (MACO) framework has been developed and propositions have been proposed. Several future research directions have also been suggested in terms of theory, context and methodology (TCM).
Practical implications
The study provides a fresh perspective on the integration of AI technology within the realm of SCR. The developed MACO framework serves as a practical tool for supply chain management (SCM) professionals, offering a nuanced understanding of AI's applications across various functional areas to streamline operations, minimize waste and optimize resource utilization, thereby helping them in strategic planning.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on the role of AI for building SCR by uncovering gaps, offering research directions and developing propositions for future research directions.
Details
Keywords
Sara Alonso-Muñoz, Fernando E. García-Muiña, María-Sonia Medina-Salgado and Rocío González-Sánchez
This study aims to offer a research overview of circular food waste management, covering key themes and trends. It analyses state-of-the-art research in this field and proposes an…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to offer a research overview of circular food waste management, covering key themes and trends. It analyses state-of-the-art research in this field and proposes an agenda to guide future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study outlines bibliometric analysis from a sample of 349 articles with VOSviewer and SciMat software to identify research trend topics.
Findings
The findings reveal a substantial amount of interest in this field. The main research topics relate to the recovery processes and valorisation of food waste and its conversion into renewable and cleaner materials or energy sources, towards circularity. However, these processes require consideration of social aspects that facilitate their implementation, which are currently under-researched.
Practical implications
Companies can target their circular food waste management by considering three key aspects. Firstly, the establishment of closer and more sustainable relationships with various stakeholders; Secondly, a regulatory framework and the support of institutions are both required for the correct implementation of circularity. Finally, what is not measured does not exist. It is therefore necessary to establish indicators to measure both the level of development of circularity in waste management and the fulfilment of the established objective.
Originality/value
This bibliometric analysis looks at the application of circularity principles in food waste management from a holistic perspective, considering different areas of knowledge.
Details