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Article
Publication date: 7 July 2022

Sharfah Ahmad Qazi, Muhammad Moazzam, Waqas Ahmed and Muhammad Mustafa Raziq

Businesses are increasingly striving to become sustainable in terms of economic, environmental and social aspects. However, in the fresh food retail supply chains (SCs), achieving…

Abstract

Purpose

Businesses are increasingly striving to become sustainable in terms of economic, environmental and social aspects. However, in the fresh food retail supply chains (SCs), achieving environmental objectives can be challenging because of the unique characteristics of products such as perishability, bulkiness, short product lifecycle and the requirement for cold chain infrastructure. The retail industry is the face of a SC. Therefore, its role in achieving sustainable objectives is pivotal. This study examines the effect of green in-store operations on sustainability performance indicators of fresh food retail and examines the moderating role of organization size in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected through surveys using self-administered questionnaires from 70 retail stores with 188 completed responses. Data are analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results show a positive relationship between green in-store operation with environmental social and economic performance. Furthermore, these relationships are moderated by the organization size such that the positive green in-store operation and performance relationships are stronger in the case of environmental and social performance only and for larger retail stores. No moderation is seen for economic performance.

Originality/value

The study broadens the understanding of green SC management’s effect on sustainability performance in the retail industry. It shows how the positive implications of a green SC are contingent on organization size and have prominence for environmental and social performance.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Muhammad Waqar Arshad, Muhammad Moazzam, Muhammad Mustafa Raziq and Waqas Ahmed

This study explores value-added food products in smallholder dairy farming in developing countries by analyzing external pressures, supply chain learning, farmer innovation…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores value-added food products in smallholder dairy farming in developing countries by analyzing external pressures, supply chain learning, farmer innovation, education level, and food safety compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed a quantitative approach by surveying 418 smallholder dairy farmers in three districts of Pakistan using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data analysis involved confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that external pressure significantly affects value-added smallholder dairy farms. This relationship is mediated by supply chain learning and farmers' innovative behavior, and moderated by farmers' education level and compliance with food safety standards.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to explore the drivers of value addition at the supply chain level.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of smallholder dairy farming dynamics and provides practical implications for improving value addition by managing the interplay between antecedents and promoting best practices in the industry.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2023

Hasliza Abdul Halim, Noor Hazlina Ahmad and Ali Waqas

This study aims to explore the key factors that hinder technopreneur’s success.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the key factors that hinder technopreneur’s success.

Design/methodology/approach

The finalization of the most appropriate method to conduct any study is based on the nature of the research questions (Shaw, 1999; Morse and Richards, 2002). As this study is exploratory, a qualitative approach was used to collect the data. Morse and Richards (2002) have emphasized that the qualitative technique to collect is useful for in-depth assessment of the participant’s experiences, their understanding regarding the matter and their interpretation of their experiences.

Findings

Technopreneurs face four significant problems that have an impact on their business agility and competitiveness. These four factors are as follows: the entrepreneur’s skills and preparedness; their organization’s insufficient capabilities and talent to deal with the challenges; a lack of support mechanisms from relevant institutions; and, finally, the rapidly changing business environment in terms of technology and competition.

Originality/value

This study explores the hindrance factors through qualitative techniques faced by young technopreneurs in the context of Malaysia. This study will provide deep insight regarding the key issues facing new startups and will be helpful for policymakers.

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: 19 February 2024

Muhammad Sohail and Syed Tehseen Abbas

This study aims to analyze the Prandtl fluid flow in the presence of better mass diffusion and heat conduction models. By taking into account a linearly bidirectional stretchable…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the Prandtl fluid flow in the presence of better mass diffusion and heat conduction models. By taking into account a linearly bidirectional stretchable sheet, flow is produced. Heat generation effect, thermal radiation, variable thermal conductivity, variable diffusion coefficient and Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion models are used to evaluate thermal and concentration diffusions.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) have been made simpler using a boundary layer method. Strong nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) relate to appropriate non-dimensional similarity variables. The optimal homotopy analysis technique is used to develop solution.

Findings

Graphs analyze the impact of many relevant factors on temperature and concentration. The physical parameters, such as mass and heat transfer rates at the wall and surface drag coefficients, are also displayed and explained.

Originality/value

The reported work discusses the contribution of generalized flux models to note their impact on heat and mass transport.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2024

Jinshuai Xie, Lei Tang, Pengfei Gao, Zhengquan Zhang and Liangfeng Li

This paper aims to study the effect of different Ni content on the microstructure and properties of Sn-0.7Cu alloy. Then, the spreading area, wetting angle, interface layer…

28

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of different Ni content on the microstructure and properties of Sn-0.7Cu alloy. Then, the spreading area, wetting angle, interface layer thickness and microstructure of the soldering interface was observed and analyzed at different soldering temperatures and times.

Design/methodology/approach

Sn-0.7Cu-xNi solder alloy was prepared by a high-frequency induction melting furnace. Then Sn-0.7Cu-xNi alloy was soldered on a Cu substrate at different soldering temperatures and times.

Findings

It was found that Ni made the intermetallic compounds in the Sn-0.7Cu solder alloy gradually aggregate and coarsen, and the microstructure was refined. The phase compositions of the solder alloy are mainly composed of the ß-Sn phase and a few intermetallic compounds, Cu6Sn5 + (Cu, Ni)6Sn5. The maximum value of 12.1 HV is reached when the Ni content is 0.1 Wt.%. When the Ni content is 0.5 Wt.%, the wettability of the solder alloy increases by about 15%, the interface thickness increases by about 8.9% and the scallop-like structure is the most refined. When the soldering time is 10 min and the soldering temperature is 280 °C, the wettability of Sn-0.7Cu-0.2Ni is the best.

Originality/value

It is groundbreaking to combine the change in soldering interface with the soldering industry. The effects of different soldering temperatures and times on the Sn-0.7Cu-xNi alloy were studied. Under the same conditions, Sn-0.7Cu-0.2Ni exhibits better wettability and more stable solder joint stability.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2023

Andromeda Dwi Laksono, Chih-Ming Chen and Yee-Wen Yen

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of adding a small amount of Ti to a Cu-based alloy, specifically the commercial Hyper Titanium Copper alloy (C1990 HP)…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of adding a small amount of Ti to a Cu-based alloy, specifically the commercial Hyper Titanium Copper alloy (C1990 HP), which contains Cu-3.28 wt.% Ti, on its interfacial reaction with Sn-9.0 wt.% Zn (SnZn) solder, using the liquid/solid reaction couple technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The SnZn/C1990 HP couples were subjected to a reaction temperature of 240–270°C for a duration of 0.5–5 h. The resulting reaction couple was characterized using a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, electron probe microanalyzer and X-ray diffractometer.

Findings

It was observed that the scallop-shaped CuZn5 and planar Cu5Zn8 phases were formed in almost all SnZn/C1990 HP couples. With increased reaction duration and temperature, the Cu-rich intermetallic compound (IMC)-Cu5Zn8 phase became a dominant IMC formed at the interface. The total thickness of the IMCs was increased with the increase in the reaction duration and temperature. The IMC growth obeyed the parabolic law, and the IMC growth mechanism was diffusion controlled. The activation energy of the SnZn/C1990 HP couple was 64.71 kJ/mol.

Originality/value

This article presents an analysis of the IMC thickness in each sample using ImageJ software, followed by kinetic analysis using Origin software at various reaction temperatures of SnZn/C1990 HP in liquid/solid couples. The study also includes detailed reports on the morphology, interface composition and X-ray diffraction analysis, as well as the activation energy. The findings can serve as a valuable reference for electronic packaging companies that utilize C1990 HP substrates.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 36 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Wenjie Li, Idrees Waris and Muhammad Yaseen Bhutto

The current study examines the impact of big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) on supply chain performances of the manufacturing firms. Based on the underpinning of…

1430

Abstract

Purpose

The current study examines the impact of big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) on supply chain performances of the manufacturing firms. Based on the underpinning of resource-based view (RBV) theory, the current study will highlight the significance of BDAC on green dynamic capabilities (GDC), supply chain agility (SCA) and green competitive advantage (GCA). Furthermore, the study examines the moderating effect of supply chain innovativeness (SCI) on the relationship between GCA and firm performance (FP).

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey method was employed for the data collection from the 331 managers employed in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)-listed manufacturing firms. The hypothesized model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The study results indicate that BDAC has a positive influence on both GDC and SCA, leading to enhanced GCA. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that GCA significantly and positively impacts FP, and the relationship between them is positively moderated by SCI.

Originality/value

This study developed a novel theoretical perspective based on RBV theory and provided empirical evidence that manufacturing firms' performances are significantly influenced by BDAC, GDC and SCA. The study results provide valuable practical implications top management regarding the effectiveness of BDAC and SCA in the supply chain. The findings further highlight the significance of SCI strengthening relationship between GCA and FP.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2024

Waqas Mehmood, Arshian Sharif and Attia Aman-Ullah

The purpose of the present study is to test the effect of financial development and environmental degradation on the control of corruption.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to test the effect of financial development and environmental degradation on the control of corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a dynamic approach known as system GMM to analyze annual data from 90 developed and developing countries over 24 years, from 1996 to 2020.

Findings

The present study shows a significantly negative relationship between financial development and control of corruption and a significantly positive relationship between environmental degradation and control of corruption. The result suggests that improvement in financial development may reduce control of corruption; however, reduction in environmental degradation may reduce control of corruption. The results are consistent across both developed and developing countries.

Practical implications

The study’s findings have significant implications for financial institutions, governmental policy departments and environmental regulatory agencies. The policy outcomes are closely linked to the economic prosperity of countries. In general, developing countries can implement strategies to promote financial development and environmental regulations, even though they may temporarily tolerate corrupt activities. Conversely, developed nations may have differing implications from developing countries.

Originality/value

This study is different from the past literature as none of the studies have been conducted previously focusing on developed and developing countries’ financial development, environmental degradation and control of corruption.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2024

Muhammad Waqas, Sadaf Rafiq, Chen Ya and Jiang Wu

In recent years, the use of mobile devices for academic persistence has grown to be an indispensable element of students’ learning, highlighting the broad acceptance and…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, the use of mobile devices for academic persistence has grown to be an indispensable element of students’ learning, highlighting the broad acceptance and adaptability of mobile technology in learning environments. The current study examines how college students in rural areas use mobile devices and how self-efficacious they are when seeking online information. Additionally, the study investigated the connection between mobile devices usage (MDU), mobile devices self-efficacy (MDSE) and online information seeking behavior (OISB) on the basis of demographic differences.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was used by deploying a five-point Likert scale for measurement, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v.26 was used for data analysis. A variety of statistical methodologies, including t-tests, ANOVA and correlation coefficients, were conducted to inspect and assess MDU, MDSE and OISB across gender and age groups. Data from 331 students at the public sector college in a rural region was gathered using a questionnaire. A total of 315 legitimate replies were received.

Findings

The study's conclusions showed that the respondents used their mobile devices for educational purposes less frequently. Nonetheless, the respondents' degrees of MDSE and OISB appear to be high. Furthermore, a strong link was demonstrated among the MDU, MDSE and OISB. On the contrary, there was a negative correlation link between MDU and both MDSE & OISB, while a positive correlation between MDSE and OISB was found. The results also showed substantial variance in all research components based on age and gender, indicating that male and younger respondents performed more efficiently than female and adult respondents.

Originality/value

These results indicate that information literacy guidelines and a variety of educational initiatives should be put together by the government, educational policymakers, librarians and educators, with a focus on how to use mobile devices for learning and information seeking. This will make it possible for students to more efficiently find the information using their portable devices.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Muhammad Waqas, Dingyong He, Zhen Tan, Peng Yang, Mu Gao and Xingye Guo

The selective laser melting (SLM) technique, as a typical additive manufacturing process, is widely used for the fabrication of metallic biomedical components. In terms of…

Abstract

Purpose

The selective laser melting (SLM) technique, as a typical additive manufacturing process, is widely used for the fabrication of metallic biomedical components. In terms of biodegradability, zinc and its alloys represent an emerging generation of metallic materials for biomedical implants. The purpose of this paper is to obtain the Zn and Zn10Mg alloys with high mechanical properties using the SLM technology. The relationship between the processing parameters and the porosity of pure Zn and Zn10Mg alloy samples was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples were fabricated using SLM technology working in an inert gas closed chamber. Preliminary experiments were conducted to analyze the laser power and gas flow on evaporation, single track form and porosity. To evaluate the influence of factors on relative density, the response surface methodology was applied.

Findings

The satisfactory results of the proposed method were achieved, in which the relative density of the components reached up to 99.63%, and compression strength reached 214 ± 13 MPa under optimal processing conditions.

Originality/value

Zinc is categorized by its low melting and boiling point, which leads to the high porosity of the components. It is difficult to prepare the Zn alloy samples with high relative density using SLM technology. This work successfully achieved dense Zn and Zn10Mg samples and investigated their microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

1 – 10 of 117