Search results

1 – 8 of 8
Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Deepa Pillai and Shubhra Mishra Deshpande

Warehouse receipt-based financing (WRF), an innovative instrument with its structure embedded in the agricultural value chain can potentially address farmers' concerns about…

Abstract

Purpose

Warehouse receipt-based financing (WRF), an innovative instrument with its structure embedded in the agricultural value chain can potentially address farmers' concerns about timely credit access and accessible remunerative markets. However, studies indicate farmers' exclusion from currently practiced WRF mechanisms across developing countries. Transaction cost and lack of assured remunerative markets post storage are the challenges thwarting farmers' participation. The study explores how these challenges can be addressed by analyzing a case study. The finding will help in coming up with a farmer-inclusive WRF mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a case study as an analysis tool. Primary data is gathered through farmers. Descriptive statistics and partial least squares (PLS) approach to structural equation modeling methodology has been adopted for empirical testing of the hypothesis of the study. The study uses SMART PLS 3.0 for analysis of data.

Findings

Single window offering of multiple value chain operations and technological intervention in physical handling substantially reduces transaction costs for farmers. Sustained farmers' participation in the case supports this finding. The presence of an assured market (PAM) is found to have a positive and significant relationship with WRF in the case of beneficiary farmers. The PAM is found to have a negative yet significant relationship with WRF in the case of nonbeneficiary farmers. Critical success factors of the entity KisanMitra stated in the case substantiates a farmer-inclusive WRF mechanism.

Research limitations/implications

The study analyzes a case study of specific geography. However, similarities enlisted across developing countries in the introduction section provide a scope of generalization of findings across developing countries. The identified factors for a farmer-inclusive WRF mechanism will enable the governments, policymakers and development institutions to ascertain and align their WRF implementation measures to inculcate and upgrade these factors to the prospective WRF agents. Future studies can explore the replication of farmer-inclusive WRF mechanisms across other geographies. The studies also explores the role of technological interventions in further reducing the transaction cost and suitable policy modifications to encourage replication of the study in other geopgraphical context.

Originality/value

The study on WRF and the methodology adopted is first of its kind to identify factors for a farmer-inclusive WRF mechanism.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2022

Yao Han, Ying Yang and Rosmah Mohamed

For the past two decades, researchers have been exploring knowledge of work engagement in the hospitality and tourism industry (HTI). This study aims to provide a comprehensive…

Abstract

Purpose

For the past two decades, researchers have been exploring knowledge of work engagement in the hospitality and tourism industry (HTI). This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of global research trends in the field through a bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 335 papers from 2005 to 2021 were searched using the Scopus database. The analysis focused on the temporal distribution, most productive journals, countries/territories, institutions, authors, international and authors' collaboration, the most cited publications and author keywords. The VOS viewer and R software were used to visualise the scientific landscapes.

Findings

The results indicated a rapidly increasing trend of studies on work engagement in the HTI. The journal with the most published articles was the International Journal of Hospitality Management. The USA ranked first in production, and Karatepe, O.M., from Turkey was the leading author. The first and most cited article was from Salanova et al. (2005). Other themes were identified, mainly related to job resources and outcomes associated with work engagement.

Practical implications

The study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the progress of work engagement in HTI studies and offers clues for further investigation in this field.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to explore work engagement in the HTI using quantitative and visualised bibliometric analysis.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 6 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2022

Deo Shao, Cleverence Kombe and Stuti Saxena

Warehouse receipt system (WRS) schemes aim to revitalize the market of cash crops, particularly those of the smallholder farmers. However, the existing government schemes for the…

Abstract

Purpose

Warehouse receipt system (WRS) schemes aim to revitalize the market of cash crops, particularly those of the smallholder farmers. However, the existing government schemes for the smallholder farmers have not been much successful on account of issues related with transparency and trust deficit, thereby limiting farmers' access to credit for their farming activities as channeled via the formal financial institutions. Conceding that blockchain is an emerging technology, this study aims to theoretically posit the potential to optimize WRS in real time to bolster farmers' trust and privacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research bases itself on the design science research (DSR) approach. Using the DSR approach backed by the literature review and evolutionary prototyping, a blockchain-based WRS has been advanced in the study.

Findings

This study provides a design of a digital WRS, which serves as a proof of concept of blockchain technology (BCT) applications in improving transparency in the WRS in the agricultural sector. The findings from this study present the possibility of leveraging blockchain smart contracts to improve the linkages between the WRS stakeholders to promote trust and transparency that would eventually unlock the potentials of WRS schemes. Furthermore, the findings inform decision-makers and practitioners to prioritize the emerging technologies in revamping the classical WRS.

Research limitations/implications

The study leaves research pointers for implementing BCT in agricultural supply chain and furthering the findings from the present study with an empirical agenda.

Originality/value

Whilst research on the BCT applications across myriad sectors abounds, research on the BCT applications to address societal needs is conspicuously limited. Furthermore, research on the practical implementation of the BCT in real-world scenarios is few and far between. The present study seeks to plug these gaps by underlining the application and utility of blockchain in WRS. The study makes a significant contribution to the theory and practice of the agrarian supply chain management, specifically the WRS, by invoking design knowledge obtained through an iterative design process besides serving as an edifice for the integration of emerging technologies, notably BCT in the agricultural sector.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2024

Kayode D. Aleshinloye, Kyle M. Woosnam and Dongoh Joo

Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model as a theoretical guide, this study employed a conceptual model involving residents’ place attachment (S) to the destination in…

Abstract

Purpose

Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model as a theoretical guide, this study employed a conceptual model involving residents’ place attachment (S) to the destination in which they live and emotional solidarity with tourists (O) as precursors to their involvement in tourism (R). The purpose of this paper is threefold: To determine (1) whether residents’ place attachment explains their emotional solidarity with tourists, (2) if emotional solidarity is an effective predictor of residents’ involvement in tourism planning and development and (3) if emotional solidarity dimensions mediate the relationship between place attachment and involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 378 permanent resident heads of households living in, or adjacent to, central Orlando, using a self-administered survey with a census-guided systematic sampling method. Data were subjected to tests of normality and common method bias, followed by a two-step confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Seven of the 11 proposed model hypotheses were supported, with moderate variances explained in each of the four outcome variables: welcoming nature (R2 = 19.3%), emotional closeness (R2 = 24.5%), sympathetic understanding (R2 = 39.4%) and involvement (R2 = 36.8%). Though both place identity and place dependence (as two dimensions of place attachment) were partial mediators, the former proved to be more pronounced.

Originality/value

This study employed non-economic measures—place attachment and emotional solidarity—in determining residents’ involvement in tourism within their community. Such an approach provides fresh insights into how such symbolic constructs can contribute to residents’ positive, actionable involvement in tourism. This research is one of the few that have incorporated emotional solidarity as a construct within the SOR model and the first to examine the indirect effects (through mediation) of emotional solidarity.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2023

Sucharita Maji, Nidhi Yadav and Pranjal Gupta

The inclusion of LGBTQ + persons (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and having other sexual orientations and gender identities) is a crucial step in improving gender…

1996

Abstract

Purpose

The inclusion of LGBTQ + persons (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and having other sexual orientations and gender identities) is a crucial step in improving gender diversity in the workplace; however, till date, it remains a significant challenge for human resource management professionals. The current study critically examines this issue of an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ + people through a systematic review of the existing research that has empirically studied their experiences at the workplace. It also examines the resistance and challenges organizations face in LGBTQ + diversity training and provides future research avenues.

Design/methodology/approach

For systematically reviewing the literature, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model has been used. A total of 101 empirical studies have been reviewed.

Findings

The result shows that LGBTQ + people encounter multiple negative workplace experiences, including proximal (hiring discrimination and housing discrimination) and distal workplace discrimination (unsafe work climate, microaggressions and harassment). These aversive experiences lead to work stress while also mandating that people manage their sexual identity and style of dressing. This stress, in turn, impacts their work–family outcomes, job satisfaction and decision-making with regard to their careers.

Originality/value

The paper provides a holistic understanding of the aversive workplace experiences encountered by sexual minorities.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 43 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2024

Nibu Babu Thomas, Lekshmi P. Kumar, Jiya James and Nibu A. George

Nanosensors have a wide range of applications because of their high sensitivity, selectivity and specificity. In the past decade, extensive and pervasive research related to…

Abstract

Purpose

Nanosensors have a wide range of applications because of their high sensitivity, selectivity and specificity. In the past decade, extensive and pervasive research related to nanosensors has led to significant progress in diverse fields, such as biomedicine, environmental monitoring and industrial process control. This led to better and more efficient detection and monitoring of physical and chemical properties at better resolution, opening new horizons in the development of novel technologies and applications for improved human health, environment protection, enhanced industrial processes, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors discuss the application of citation network analysis in the field of nanosensor research and development. Cluster analysis was carried out using papers published in the field of nanomaterial-based sensor research, and an in-depth analysis was carried out to identify significant clusters. The purpose of this study is to provide researchers to identify a pathway to the emerging areas in the field of nanosensor research. The authors have illustrated the knowledge base, knowledge domain and knowledge progression of nanosensor research using the citation analysis based on 3,636 Science Citation Index papers published during the period 2011 to 2021.

Findings

Among these papers, the bibliographic study identified 809 significant research publications, 11 clusters, 556 research sector keywords, 1,296 main authors, 139 referenced authors, 63 nations, 206 organizations and 42 journals. The authors have identified single quantum dot (QD)-based nanosensor for biological applications, carbon dot-based nanosensors, self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator-based nanosensor and genetically encoded nanosensor as the significant research hotspots that came to the fore in recent years. The future trend in nanosensor research might focus on the development of efficient and cost-effective designs for the detection of numerous environmental pollutants and biological molecules using mesostructured materials and QDs. It is also possible to optimize the detection methods using theoretical models, and generalized gradient approximation has great scope in sensor development.

Research limitations/implications

The future trend in nanosensor research might focus on the development of efficient and cost-effective designs for the detection of numerous environmental pollutants and biological molecules using mesostructured materials and QDs. It is also possible to optimize the detection methods using theoretical models, and generalized gradient approximation has great scope in sensor development.

Originality/value

This is a novel bibliometric analysis in the area of “nanomaterial based sensor,” which is carried out in CiteSpace software.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 4 January 2024

Stephen Wilkins, John J. Ireland, Joe Hazzam and Philip Megicks

To minimize customer churn, many service providers offer consumers the option of automatic contract renewal at the end of a contract period. Such agreements are known as rollover…

Abstract

Purpose

To minimize customer churn, many service providers offer consumers the option of automatic contract renewal at the end of a contract period. Such agreements are known as rollover service contracts (RSCs). This research quantifies the effect of RSCs and other related factors, such as incentives, on consumers' service choice decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts choice-based conjoint analysis to assess the effect of RSCs on consumers' choices and to determine whether effect size varies when selecting a cell phone network or gym/leisure club provider, which represent lower-priced utilitarian and higher-priced hedonic services.

Findings

It was found that RSCs produce negative perceptions and intended behaviors for the majority of consumers across different product types. Nevertheless, as explained by social exchange theory, many individuals may be persuaded to enter into a RSC on the basis of reciprocity if they are offered an incentive such as a price discount or free product add-on.

Originality/value

In the marketing domain, this is the first comprehensive study to quantify the role of contract type among a range of other factors in consumers' decision-making when selecting a service. The authors' results offer context-specific implications for service marketers. First, RSCs are perceived more negatively in high-priced hedonistic categories, especially among those with lower incomes. Second, price discounts are more effective than product add-ons for motivating hedonic purchases, while product add-ons work better with utilitarian services.

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2021

Alan Felstead and Darja Reuschke

This paper has three aims: Firstly, it puts the pandemic-induced surge in homeworking into context by charting trends in homeworking in the UK since the early 1980s. Secondly, it…

2717

Abstract

Purpose

This paper has three aims: Firstly, it puts the pandemic-induced surge in homeworking into context by charting trends in homeworking in the UK since the early 1980s. Secondly, it examines what effect the growth in homeworking during the pandemic has had on employees' self-reported levels of productivity. Thirdly, it assesses whether the spike in homeworking is a flash in the pan or a permanent feature of the post-pandemic world.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses cross-sectional and longitudinal data taken from three nationally representative surveys of workers: (1) the Labour Force Survey (LFS), an official government survey carried out between 1981 and 2019; (2) a special module of the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN), also an official government survey, which has been run every week since the pandemic began in March 2020; and (3) the Understanding Society Covid-19 Study, an online survey of the same people interviewed on six occasions during 2020.

Findings

The recent surge in homeworking in the UK during the pandemic has been dramatic. Before 2020, it had taken almost 40 years for homeworking to grow by three percentage points, but its prevalence grew eight-fold virtually overnight as people were instructed to work at home if they can because of the pandemic. Despite theories and predictions to the contrary, employees reported that their productivity was not adversely affected. Seven out of ten employees said that they were able to get as much done while working at home in June 2020 as they were able to do six months earlier. By September 2020, this proportion had risen to 85%. However, around one in six homeworkers reported that their productivity had fallen.

Research limitations/implications

While there are solid theoretical reasons for the paper's findings, these data do not allow us to test all of the mechanisms involved. In addition, our outcome measure relies on employees' self-reports of how their hourly productivity changed when working at home and is not based on a direct measure of changes to output per hour. However, surveys of employers also suggest that, on average, productivity has not been reduced by the pandemic-induced surge in homeworking.

Social implications

This paper argues that a higher level of homeworking is here to stay. Nine out of ten employees who worked at home during the pandemic said that they would like to continue working at home when they did not have to. Furthermore, those keenest to continue working at home were the most productive, hence providing a business case for a sustained increase in the prevalence of homeworking after the pandemic has passed. Nevertheless, the experience of homeworking varies with those with higher domestic commitments reporting significantly lower levels of productivity.

Originality/value

There is an urgent need to investigate what effect enforced, as opposed to voluntary, homeworking has had on employee productivity. In addition, in order to decide whether continued homeworking should be encouraged or discouraged, policymakers and employers need to know what effect continuing with these arrangements is likely to have on employee productivity. This paper answers these questions using robust survey data collected in the UK throughout 2020, complemented by evidence taken from a variety of employer surveys.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Access

Year

Last 12 months (8)

Content type

Article (8)
1 – 8 of 8