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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: 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: 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: 22 July 2024

Asma Javed, Qian Li, Sarmad Ejaz, Abdul Basit, Shermeen Hasan, Fodor Zita Júlia and Md Billal Hossain

Due to extensive industrial activities, the manufacturing sector is deteriorating the environment through resource depletion and rising pollution levels which led to a significant…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to extensive industrial activities, the manufacturing sector is deteriorating the environment through resource depletion and rising pollution levels which led to a significant transition toward green supply chain practices (GSCP). Therefore, internal and external GSCP and green training (GT) gaining momentous attention. This study aims to explore the interconnections among the internal and external GSCP, GT, green innovation (GI), pro-environmental behavior (PEB), competitive advantage (CA), green knowledge sharing (GKS), green self-efficacy (GSE), environmental and financial performance (EP) and (FP).

Design/methodology/approach

To check the hypothesized model, researchers used cross-sectional data based on survey questionnaires which were gathered from Pakistani manufacturing firms. The theoretical framework was validated through the utilization of partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings suggest that internal and external GSCP and GT are correlated with GI, PEB, CA, EP and FP. Additionally, this study discovers that PEB and GI act as intermediaries among internal and external GSCP, GT and CA. GKS positively moderates the connection among internal and external GSCP, and GT, GI, and PEB. Similarly, GSE also serves as a moderator among between PEB and GI.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a significant contribution to the literature by studying potential mediators and moderators that improve the association among outlined constructs. Moreover, findings suggest that firms should adopt an integrated and holistic green approach to combat environmental deterioration, maintain environmental integrity and attain sustainable development.

Originality/value

There is a scarcity of studies concerning the holistic framework of interrelated constructs studied in this research and it is the pioneer research to offer insights with an innovative model and empirical evidence.

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2024

Ahmed Dabees, Andrej Lisec, Sahar Elbarky and Mahmoud Barakat

Reverse logistics (RL) activities are becoming crucial in today’s business environment because of their ability to enhance organizational capabilities to manage waste and…

Abstract

Purpose

Reverse logistics (RL) activities are becoming crucial in today’s business environment because of their ability to enhance organizational capabilities to manage waste and resources effectively and efficiently as an approach for achieving sustainability. These capabilities can eventually create sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Drawing on resource-based view (RBV), this study posits RL as a tool to develop capabilities gained from high performance (financial and nonfinancial) to enhance SCA.

Design/methodology/approach

Covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze 1,207 responses collected from manufacturing organizations operating in Egypt. Data were gathered through an online survey sent via email to manufacturing organizations operating in Egypt, particularly Cairo, Giza and Alexandria, as these governorates contain most business activities in Egypt and hence high a percentage of waste.

Findings

Results indicated that RL activities (recycling, remanufacturing, repair, recondition and disposal) can fully mediate the relationship between organizational performance (financial and nonfinancial) and SCA. However, the remanufacturing and recycling mediating roles between financial performance and SCA were not significant.

Research limitations/implications

Applying this research in a developing country (Egypt) will help extend RBV and incentivize organizations to apply RL activities, which can potentially solve several environmental issues such as decreasing waste.

Originality/value

Using the research variables in combination will help in filling the literature gap as previous research focused on RL and only organizational operational performance, where RL was used as an independent variable with no illustration of how its dimensions affect performance or its mediating role between performance and SCA.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Dina Ezz Eldin and Heba Magdy

Heritage buildings are a witness to previous civilizations and constitute important elements in transmitting cultural identity through generations. In 1938, Alexandria University…

Abstract

Purpose

Heritage buildings are a witness to previous civilizations and constitute important elements in transmitting cultural identity through generations. In 1938, Alexandria University was established; it was called the University of Farouk at the time. In 1952, the university was named “Alexandria University,” and since then, it has witnessed growth and expansion in several fields. The research aims to preserve the heritage of this academic institution. It seeks to document this wealth of buildings that tell the story of the second-earliest university in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was employed. A descriptive method was used to narrate the history of the university and the importance of its buildings. Within the quantitative approach, a questionnaire was chosen as the survey instrument for collecting the data within the research case study. The aim was to determine the awareness of students, staff and employees of the heritage importance of their faculty. Within the qualitative approach, several interviews were conducted with employees in the engineering departments of the university administrative building at Chatby and some of the selected faculties. The aim was to determine the methods used for the conservation of these buildings.

Findings

Alexandria University has a heritage value not only in its great history but also through its heritage buildings. Raising the awarness of the university's affiliates of this heritage will lead to enhance the feelings of loyalty and belongings to the university. Therefore, preserving this heritage and properly managing it is crucial.

Originality/value

Universities have to recognize that their built heritage constitutes a unique expression that can create a distinctive sense of place. University heritage is crucial in defining and interpreting the university cultural identity. The institution must identify resources that will help build a new public image and contribute to develop a successful brand. Campus appearance is an important factor that has a significant impact on student feelings of loyalty and belonging.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Bahareh Nikmehr, Bidur Kafle and Riyadh Al-Ameri

This study aimed to review various existing methods for improving the quality of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a possible substitution for natural aggregates (NAs) in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to review various existing methods for improving the quality of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a possible substitution for natural aggregates (NAs) in concrete. It is vital as the old paste attached to the RCA weakens its structure. It is due to the porous structure of the RCA with cracks, weakening the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the RCA and binding material, negatively impacting the concrete's properties. To this end, various methods for reinforcement of the RCA, cleaning the RCA's old paste and enhancing the quality of the RCA-based concrete without RCA modification are studied in terms of environmental effects, cost and technical matters. Furthermore, this research sought to identify gaps in knowledge and future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of the relevant journal papers revealed that various methods exist for improving the properties of RCAs and RCA-based concrete. A decision matrix was developed and implemented for ranking these techniques based on environmental, economic and technical criteria.

Findings

The identified methods for reinforcement of the RCA include accelerated carbonation, bio deposition, soaking in polymer emulsions, soaking in waterproofing admixture, soaking in sodium silicate, soaking in nanoparticles and coating with geopolymer slurry. Moreover, cleaning the RCA's old paste is possible using acid, water, heating, thermal and mechanical treatment, thermo-mechanical and electro-dynamic treatment. Added to these treatment techniques, using RCA in saturated surface dry (SSD) mixing approaches and adding fibres or pozzolana enhance the quality of the RCA-based concrete without RCA modification. The study ranked these techniques based on environmental, economic and technical criteria. Ultimately, adding fibres, pozzolana and coating RCA with geopolymer slurry were introduced as the best techniques based on the nominated criteria.

Practical implications

The study supported the need for better knowledge regarding the existing treatment techniques for RCA improvement. The outcomes of this research offer an understanding of each RCA enrichment technique's importance in environmental, economic and technical criteria.

Originality/value

The practicality of the RCA treatment techniques is based on economic, environmental and technical specifications for rating the existing treatment techniques.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2023

Mukaram Ali Khan, Jeetesh Kumar, Muhammad Haroon Shoukat and Kareem M. Selem

This paper aims to explore the role of perceived organizational injustice (POI) leading to workplace conflict in determining organizational performance (OP) among healthcare…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of perceived organizational injustice (POI) leading to workplace conflict in determining organizational performance (OP) among healthcare employees. This paper also examines the serial mediating effects of moral disengagement (MD) and knowledge hiding (KH).

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 244 public and private hospital employees in Pakistan provided the data set.

Findings

According to partial least squares-structural equation modeling findings, the negative association between POI and OP was serially mediated by KH and MD. The recovery process underlying the linkage between POI and OP is tested and highlighted in this paper as a first step in unraveling it.

Research limitations/implications

The findings highlight the significance of taking moral and KH models into account when attempting to understand the moral cognitive processes that employees go through when they see injustice. Organizations should guarantee the equitable distribution of incentives and resources, as distributive and procedural justices are concerned with organizations.

Originality/value

By directing actions meant to prevent MD and KH, the findings may potentially inspire new, more focused treatments to safeguard patient safety and avoid losses in the healthcare industry. One way to reduce unethical conduct and MD is to have people declare or agree to a code of ethics.

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2024

Mohammed Sani Abdullahi, Adams Adieza, Marina Arnaut, Muhammad Shaheer Nuhu, Waqas Ali and Zainab Lawal Gwadabe

The goal of this paper is to investigate the antecedent of employee performance (EP) through perceived organizational support (POS), as well as the moderating role of job…

137

Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to investigate the antecedent of employee performance (EP) through perceived organizational support (POS), as well as the moderating role of job satisfaction (JS) on the connection between POS and EP among employees of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Northwest Nigeria, using social exchange theory (SET) and organizational support theory (OST).

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a survey design, using SMEs employees in Northwest Nigeria as the research unit of analysis. Purposive sampling was used in this research, with standardized questionnaires used to obtain data from 1750 employees of the targeted SMEs within the region. This study’s hypotheses were tested using partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings of this research stated that POS has a substantial effect on EP, while JS moderates the association between POS and EP.

Practical implications

The study offers practical insights for SMEs in Northwest Nigeria, aiding in resolving employee issues and providing actionable strategies for management. Understanding the dynamics of perceived organizational support, job satisfaction and employee performance enables proactive measures to improve organizational effectiveness, fostering a positive work environment and enhancing competitive edge.

Originality/value

This study innovates existing literature by exploring how perceived organizational support affects employee performance in small and medium-sized enterprises in an emerging economy. It introduces PLS-SEM, emphasizing job satisfaction’s pivotal role as a moderator. This provides valuable guidance for SMEs to boost employee performance and formulate effective HR strategies, advancing organizational behavior and management research.

Details

Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2051-6614

Keywords

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