bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperparameter tuning of AdaBoost algorithm for social spammer identification
Authors: R. Krithiga , E. Ilavarasan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the performance of spammer identification problem in online social networks. Hyperparameter tuning has been performed by researchers in the past to enhance the performance of classifiers. The AdaBoost algorithm belongs to a class of ensemble classifiers and is widely applied in binary classification problems. A single algorithm may not yield accurate results. However, an ensemble of classifiers built from multiple models has been successfully applied to solve many classification tasks. The search space to find an optimal set of parametric values is vast and so enumerating all possible combinations is not feasible. Hence, a hybrid modified whale optimization algorithm for spam profile detection (MWOA-SPD) model is proposed to find optimal values for these parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the hyperparameters of AdaBoost are fine-tuned to find its application to identify spammers in social networks. AdaBoost algorithm linearly combines several weak classifiers to produce a stronger one. The proposed MWOA-SPD model hybridizes the whale optimization algorithm and salp swarm algorithm.

Findings

The technique is applied to a manually constructed Twitter data set. It is compared with the existing optimization and hyperparameter tuning methods. The results indicate that the proposed method outperforms the existing techniques in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency.

Originality/value

The proposed method reduces the server load by excluding complex features retaining only the lightweight features. It aids in identifying the spammers at an earlier stage thereby offering users a propitious environment.
Towards a strategic innovation framework to support supply chain performance
Authors: Herrera Milton M. , Trujillo-Díaz Johanna
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to determine how a strategic innovation framework that integrates the concepts of innovation function, dynamic performance management (DPM) and system-dynamics (SD) modelling can measure performance in a supply chain (SC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a strategic innovation framework for an SC by considering three steps. First, a systemic intervention is presented based on the innovation functions that influence SC performance. Second, an analysis of the system's performance is proposed. Third, a model SD-based simulation is designed. The developed framework is explained by employing a case study of the Colombian pig sector SC.

Findings

The results reveal that identifying and synchronising the system's performance drivers associated with the innovation functions could improve the inventory in the SC.

Practical implications

On the one hand, managers can use the proposed framework to evaluate the innovation investments and understand their impact on operation performance (e.g. on inventories). On the other hand, policymakers may support decision-making to improve policy design (e.g. through investment in R&D).

Originality/value

Few studies discuss the impacts of innovation functions on SC performance. This paper aims to fill this theoretical gap and to contribute to the literature by suggesting a novel framework which includes innovation functions.
Proposing a performance framework for innovation measurement: an exploratory case-based research
Authors: Nappi Vanessa , Kelly Kevin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Measurement of the innovation process performance is critical for both managers and researchers. However, existing performance frameworks (PFs) neglect performance indicators (PIs) and dimensions relevant to the current innovation landscape in companies as well as lack support in the definition of action plans. Thus, this paper aims to introduce a new and updated PF for measuring innovation performance and defining improvement actions.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed PF is developed from literature and action-oriented case studies in two European manufacturing companies. First, the literature review enabled the synthesis of framework elements into a “conceptual” PF capable of illustrating the current state of knowledge in the field. Then, this PF was applied in the case studies that enriched the conceptual form with empirical insights, resulting in a new and updated PF.

Findings

The review enabled the systematisation of nine dimensions and 259 PIs that were fragmented throughout the literature. In turn, empirical insights from the case studies gave rise to an actionable procedure for providing a comprehensive diagnosis of the company's situation considering the new trends as well as defining improvement actions. Although the results from the two cases cannot be generalised, the findings encourage broader applicability.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research resides on the fact that the PF consolidates elements from the literature but combined with empirical insights in a new actionable way that supports managers in performance measurement and provides researchers with an extensive systematisation of dimensions and PIs.
Financial performance measurement of supply chains: a review
Authors: Rahiminezhad Galankashi Masoud , Mokhatab Rafiei Farimah
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study provides a systematic review on performance measurement of supply chains from a financial perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically reviews the financial performance measures of supply chains. More specifically, this research reviews a total of 100 papers published in more than 50 peer-reviewed journals. The reviewed papers are categorized into three major areas of engineering, business and management. Additionally, the papers are investigated based on country, journal frequency, applied methods, publication date and research type (application or developmental).

Findings

According to the obtained results, cost, return on assets (ROA), sales, asset turnover, return on investment (ROI), market share, inventory turnover, profit margin, revenue growth, economic value added (EVA) and cash-to-cash cycle are the most common metrics of financial performance measurement. Next, a framework is developed based on different categories of performance measurement and decision levels of the supply chain. Finally, some research directions are suggested to be further investigated by other scholars.

Originality/value

Although available studies on supply chain performance measurement are very vast and comprehensive, the majority of the studies have neglected to highlight the importance of financial measures. In other words, with the advent of nonfinancial measures, however, the majority of supply chain managers still prefer to consider financial issues in their performance assessment process.
Strategic alignment, process improvements and public value in public-private IT outsourcing in Mexico
Authors: Duhamel Francois , Gutiérrez-Martínez Isis , Picazo-Vela Sergio , Luna-Reyes Luis Felipe
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The authors propose a conceptual model that explains how interorganizational relations in public-private IT outsourcing (ITO) may enhance public value in public administrations through process improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on the development of a theoretical framework based on the integration of transaction cost theory (TCT) and the resource-based view (RBV), and empirical interview data from IT managers in state and local governments in Mexico.

Findings

First, public-private ITO does produce specific process improvements in Mexico's public administration given its specific institutional context. Second, public value depends on the alignment between the characteristics of IT project activities and the attributes of outsourcing as a mode of governance. Third, process improvements moderate this relation. Fourth, relevant process improvements are identified on an empirical basis, showing the importance of institutional conditions in the determination of public value through interorganizational relationships in the public sector.

Practical implications

The authors suggest new roles for public managers as orchestrators of interorganizational relations, and specify the orientation relevant process improvements could take in a specific institutional context.

Originality/value

Through this study, it is possible to gain both theoretical and practical understanding of process improvements in public administrations to enhance public value.
Productivity and process performance in a manual trimming cell exploiting Lean Six Sigma (LSS) DMAIC – a case study in laminated panel production
Authors: Hardy Daniel Lee , Kundu Saikat , Latif Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to investigate inefficiency and downtime factors within a panel lamination process cell at a timber component manufacturing company. Areas of concern related predominantly to the manual trimming or finishing of a range of laminated timber panels for the caravan and leisure industry. The intermittent feeding of inputs and material outputs was also investigated during this case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study was conducted over a six-month period using the Six Sigma defining, measuring, analysing, improving and controlling (DMAIC) construct. But was equally supported through a combination of tools both applied in lean manufacturing and statistical properties commonly assigned to Six Sigma projects.

Findings

This paper provides insights about the identification of the root causes for poor productivity and overall equipment effectiveness issues experienced by manual trimming/finishing operations in a laminated timber panel production cell. It also identifies solutions to overcome these issues and benefits (such as improved OEE, reduced downtime and savings in staffing costs) that were obtained due to the application of these solutions. This study contributes to understanding the interconnections of fork-lift truck movements with staff members working within manual finishing areas connected to a panel lamination cell.

Originality/value

This paper contributes new knowledge into the root causes of poor productivity and process performance within manual finishing operations in a laminated timber panel production cell at a small medium enterprise. By applying elements of Six Sigma' quality focussed analytical methods within the DMAIC structure, and simultaneously applying the waste reduction method of lean manufacturing, this paper provides useful perspective on why both these quality improvement-based ideologies are applied to overcome process issues in manufacturing.
The development of a measurement instrument focusing on team collaboration in patient transfer processes
Authors: Sten Lilly-Mari , Ingelsson Pernilla , Bäckström Ingela , Häggström Marie
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Team collaboration is essential to ensure the quality of care and patient safety when critically ill patients are transferred from an intensive care unit (ICU) to a general ward. Measuring team collaboration in the patient transfer process can help gain insights into how team collaboration is perceived and how it can be improved. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and testing of a questionnaire aiming to measure perceived team collaboration in the patient transfer process from ICU to the general ward. This study also aims to analyze the results to see how the survey could help improve team collaboration within ICU transitional care.

Design/methodology/approach

Statements, factors and main areas intended to measure perceived team collaboration were developed from a theory. The questionnaire was tested in two ICUs at two hospitals located in Sweden, and the results were analyzed statistically.

Findings

The results showed that the questionnaire could be used for measuring perceived team collaboration in this process. The results from the survey gave insights that can be useful when improving team collaboration in ICU transitional care.

Research limitations/implications

The collaboration between two research subjects, Nursing Science and Quality Management, has given new perspectives in how cultural and systemic differences and opportunities can help improving team collaboration in ICU transitional care, by shifting focus from the individual to team, culture, system, process and continuous improvement.

Practical implications

The developed questionnaire can be used to measure perceived team collaboration and to identify areas for improving team collaboration in the ICU transitional care process.

Originality/value

There is a sparse amount of research about measuring team collaboration in ICU transitional care, and this study contributes to filling this research gap.
Organizational change for sustainability education: a case study of one university’s efforts to create and implement institution-wide sustainability competencies
Authors: Levesque Vanessa R. , Wake Cameron P.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how the process of creating and implementing sustainability competencies across a university illuminate dynamics of organizational change. The push to advance education for sustainable development in higher education will likely require transformation of existing policies and practices. A set of shared sustainability competencies could guide the integration of sustainability throughout an institution.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on a case study of one US university, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) that developed institutional-level sustainability competencies. The process used to create and implement sustainability competencies is outlined, and key factors that influenced the associated organizational change are identified.

Findings

Very few US universities have institutional-level sustainability competencies. At UNH, drivers of organizational change such as overcoming disciplinary boundaries, developing a common vision and working from the bottom-up enabled the creation of institutional sustainability competencies, but the same processes were not enough to drive deeper implementation of the competencies.

Originality/value

This paper not only identifies the context-specific drivers of the development of institutional sustainability competencies, but also identifies universal themes that can be applied to other institutions embarking on a similar process. Additionally, this paper serves as a foundation for future research exploring how the process of creating institutional sustainability competencies may be linked to how effective they are in shaping subsequent sustainability education.
Retirement pathways and pension inequality in China: a grounded theory study
Authors: Wang Qi , Timonen Virpi
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Existing research focuses on the pension systems and reforms in China from a macro-level and financial perspective. The expectations of mid-life Chinese people regarding their retirement and pensions have been ignored to date, and this research set out to address this lacuna.

Design/methodology/approach

The application of qualitative research methods is relatively novel in Chinese social science. As a grounded theory (GT) study, the research reported here deployed semi-structured interviews to investigate middle-aged Chinese women's and men's perceptions of their pensions and retirement. In total, 36 interviews were conducted, following the constructivist GT method.

Findings

The data point to disparities between the choices and perceptions of individuals on the one hand and the official assumptions underlying the current pension regime on the other hand. Research participants had varying interpretations of the inequality in retirement incomes in China, the main division being between enterprise workers and public-sector employees.

Originality/value

Although there are in principle rigidly fixed retirement ages for men and women in contemporary China, the phenomena of early retirement and working post-retirement are increasing. There are trade-offs between work/retirement and family needs, which influence the choices of middle-aged citizens. Retirement pathways are increasingly individualised, reflecting broader patterns of individualisation and inequality in China.
The impact of war followed by forced displacement on women and children: how Syrian mothers perceive their experiences
Authors: Al Gharaibeh Fakir , O'Sullivan Justine
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This research aimed to describe and examine the effects of war followed by forced displacement on Syrian mothers and their children in terms of Reuben Hill's Family Stress Theory and identify essential elements to consider in social work practice with this population.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Syrian mothers living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A thematic analysis at both a semantic and latent level was completed. A case study – “Noor” – was developed to offer insight into one Syrian woman's experiences and response to war-related stressors and displacement.

Findings

The findings from the analysis of the interviews and case study indicated that for Syrian families displaced by conflict the traumas of war were compounded by ongoing and multiple emotional and practical stressors, with ongoing experiences of “loss” being the significant stressor. Giving context to these findings highlights the demand and impost on the host countries, in this study, the UAE, to continue their significant humanitarian efforts to Syrian families.

Research limitations/implications

These findings will assist social workers, humanitarian organisations and their staff and others working with Syrian families, to respond more effectively.

Originality/value

There is no research in evidence in the professional literature that addresses the effects of war on displaced Syrian families in terms of Reuben Hill's Family Stress Theory.
The effective responses of a tourism and gaming city towards the devastating effects of pandemic: a case study of Macao
Authors: Im Ut Lon , Lam Ching-Chi Cindia , Ma Erdan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

COVID-19 has hard-hit the global economy when the majority of developed countries could not demonstrate effective resolutions even a year after the outbreak. This study aims to present how government or policymakers could minimize the negative impacts of major incidents (pandemic) and speed up the process of recovery. It was also intended to identify effective strategies for crisis management.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research method was applied. Qualitative research studies of interviews were used to collect primary data from the stakeholders while archival research method of textual and documental information was used for secondary data on the pandemic facts.

Findings

The impacts of the governmental and enterprise actions with a focus on effective mega-crisis management strategies were structured based on the three themes, namely, appropriate measures, timely decisions and the role of the government. These strategies can minimize the destruction to the economy (or organization) while stabilize the emotional and psychological aspects of the people during the crisis and lead the society back on track once the crisis starts to diminish.

Originality/value

The experience of Macao in successfully responding to the crisis of pandemic provides constructive references to policymakers on the set up of timely strategic plans and business management on remedy actions, particularly to regions where the pandemic is still out of control.
Exploring the influence of novelty and authenticity in wine consumption: the moderating effect of regionality and price
Authors: Barber Matthew , Sung Billy , Lee Sean , Cheah Isaac
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The consumption of wine is influenced by seemingly contradictory antecedents such as perceived authenticity and novelty. This paper aims to explore the influence novelty and authenticity have on wine consumption, in the context of the moderating variables of regionality (i.e. single and multi-region wines) and price (low and high). The research attempts to further understand wine consumption by establishing a conceptual model built on existing wine literature.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the hypotheses and research questions, a panel of 658 consumers who regularly purchased wines produced by the Australian wine industry were recruited. These participants completed a self-administered questionnaire containing stimuli to measure perceived authenticity, perceived novelty, perceived quality, attitudes and purchase intent towards a wine manipulated to have a low vs high price level, as well as single vs multi-regional label. To examine these variables, the study conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm the dimensionality of the constructs and structural equation modeling with both path and multi-group analyses to investigate the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

The findings revealed that both authenticity and novelty simultaneously influence perceived quality. Additionally, it was acknowledged that there is no significant difference in wine consumption between single and multi-regional wines; reinforcing current trends of collaboration within the wine industry. Finally, the results also showed that price does moderate wine consumption; revealing ideal prices for wine with particular regional branding strategies.

Originality/value

The current research is the first to show that authenticity and novelty simultaneously and positively influence consumer’s perceived quality of Australian wine. The findings are also the first to show that consumer evaluation of single and multi-origin wines was positive and yielded no significant difference, suggesting that branding wines with multi-origins or multi-region do not change consumers’ perception.
Developing competent public hospital managers: a qualitative study from Iran
Authors: Kakemam Edris , Janati Ali , Mohaghegh Bahram , Gholizadeh Masoumeh , Liang Zhanming
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Hospitals need highly trained and competent managers to be responsible for the strategic development, overall operation and service provision. The identification and confirmation of core management competency requirements is a fundamental first step towards developing the competent management workforce for sustainable hospital service provision. This paper reports on the finding of a recent study focusing on identifying managerial competencies required by middle and senior-level managers in the public hospitals in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research design included position description analysis and focus group discussions with middle and senior-level public hospital managers in Iran. When analysing the identified knowledge, skills and attitudes, the validated MCAP framework was used to guide the grouping of them into associating management competencies.

Findings

The study identified 11 to 13 key tasks required by middle and senior-level managers and confirmed that the position descriptions used by current Iranian hospitals might not truly reflect the actual core responsibilities of the management positions. The study also confirmed seven core managerial competencies required to perform these tasks effectively. These core competencies included evidence-informed decision-making; operations, administration and resource management; knowledge of healthcare environment and the organisation; interpersonal, communication qualities and relationship management; leading people and organisation; enabling and managing change and professionalism.

Research limitations/implications

Competencies were identified based on managers' perceptions. Views and experiences of other stakeholders were not captured.

Practical implications

The seven core management competency identified in the current study provides a clear direction of competency development among senior and middle-level managers working at the Iranian public hospitals. The study also confirms that position descriptions do not reflect the actual responsibilities of current hospital managers, which are in need to urgent review.

Originality/value

This is the first study that has identified the core managerial competencies required by middle and senior-level hospital managers in Iran.
Numerical investigation on single dent in EHL point contacts
Authors: Qin Qiancheng , Wang Xue-Feng , Hu Rufu , Cheng Xiaomin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of single dent on the film thickness and pressure in elastohydrodynamically lubricated (EHL) point contacts by numerical analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations of single dent were established and then the variations of the film thickness and pressure induced by the applied load, the entrainment velocity and the ball radius were investigated. Meanwhile, the film thickness and pressure under smooth and dented surfaces were compared with each other.

Findings

The dent enhances both the maximum pressure and the second pressure peak. The minimum film thickness arises before the dent under certain conditions. In the meantime, the pressure decreases at the inside of the dent and the film thickness is just the reverse. The entrainment velocity remarkably affects the overall film thickness, whereas the rest of the input parameters mainly decides the details of the film curve. All input parameters remarkably affect the overall pressure, especially the maximum pressure.

Originality/value

This work is helpful to understanding the effect of the single dent on the lubricating properties of EHL point contacts.
Influencing factors on organizational efficiency of smart logistics ecological chain: a multi-case study in China
Authors: Liu Weihua , Wei Shuang , Liang Yanjie , Wang Di , Wang Jingkun
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study explores the influencing factors on organizational efficiency of the smart logistics ecological chain, and designs the corresponding theoretical framework to guide the practice of enterprises

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-case study method is adopted in this study. It includes four companies A, B, C and D in China as the case study objects, collects data through enterprise survey and uses the combination of open coding and spindle coding to process the data. By testing the reliability and validity, the theoretical framework is summarized.

Findings

First, organizational efficiency in smart logistics ecological chains is directly related to their service and technology innovation capability. Second, symbiotic relationships, information sharing and customer demand affect the efficiency of smart logistics multi-case ecological chains by influencing their service capacity; their technological innovation capability regulates the mechanism of influence. Third, technological innovation in smart logistics ecological chains positively impacts their service capabilities. Improving technological innovation capability can enhance logistics service capabilities.

Originality/value

According to the characteristics of smart logistics, the theoretical framework about organizational efficiency of smart logistics ecological chain is constructed, which fills the research gap and can provide interesting perspectives for the future research related to the smart logistics ecological chain. At the same time, the findings can also help enterprises to better build the smart logistics ecological chain in practice.
Does the deposit structure affect Islamic bank’s maturity transformation activities? The implications of IFSB liquidity guidelines
Authors: Ben Ayed Wassim , Lamouchi Rim Ammar , M. Alawi Suha
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors influencing the net stable funding ratio (NSFR) in the Islamic banking system. More specifically, the authors analyze the impact of the deposit structure on the liquidity ratio using the two-step generalized method of moments approach during the 2000–2014 period.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on IFSB-12 and the GN-6, the authors calculated the NSFR for 35 Islamic banks operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Findings

The findings of this study show the following: first, ratio of profit-sharing investment accounts have a positive impact on the NSFR, while ratio of non profit-sharing investment accounts increase the maturity transformation risk; second, the results highlight that asset risk, bank capital and the business cycle have a positive impact on the liquidity ratio, while the returns on assets, bank size and market concentration have a negative impact; and third, these results support the IFSB’s efforts in developing guidelines for modifying the NSFR to enhance the liquidity risk management of institutions offering Islamic financial services.

Research limitations/implications

The most prominent limitation of this research is the availability of data.

Practical implications

These results will be useful for authorities and policy makers seeking to clarify the implications of adopting the liquidity requirement for banking behavior.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge in this area by improving our understanding of liquidity risk management during liquidity stress periods. It analyzes the modified NSFR that was adopted by the IFSB. Besides, this study fills a gap in the literature. Previous studies have used the conventional ratios to determinate the main factors of the maturity transformation risk in a full-fledged Islamic bank based on an early version of NSFR. Finally, most studies focus on the NSFR as proposed by the Basel Committee, whereas the authors investigate the case of the dual-banking system in the emerging economies of seven Arab countries in the MENA region.
Index for measuring convergence between objectives and practice of Islamic banking
Authors: Siddique Zahid
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Islamic banking was developed to serve two objectives: to replace interest-based loan system with profit and loss sharing investment modes and to promote equity in resource allocation. The first objective is called procedural whereas the second one is termed consequential. Scholars have been debating about the success of Islamic banking in achieving these objectives. This paper aims to develop an index for measuring the extent of convergence between theory and practice of Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

For measuring the procedural and consequential convergence between objectives and practice of Islamic banking, the paper derives a set of indicators from the celebrated theory of Islamic banking and then develops the methodology of ranking all banks in terms of those indicators.

Findings

The paper provides ranking of Islamic banks in Pakistan in the light of this index. The results indicate that none of the Islamic banks in Pakistan has been doing good enough to achieve the convergence, instead they are moving in the opposite direction over time.

Practical implications

Using the methodology developed in this paper, universal ranking of Islamic banks may be issued every year.

Originality/value

Scholars have proposed some indices for measuring the performance of Islamic banking. There are two basic problems with these proposed measures: they do not directly compare the performance of Islamic banking against its stated objectives and they naively use an additive form of index without explaining the reason for this choice, i.e. as to what are the desirable characteristics which their preferred mathematical form of index serves. The index proposed in this paper attempts to overcome these shortcomings.
Fear of missing out (FoMO) among social media users: a systematic literature review, synthesis and framework for future research
Authors: Tandon Anushree , Dhir Amandeep , Almugren Intesar , AlNemer Ghada Naif , Mäntymäki Matti
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Research examining the “fear of missing out” (FoMO) is increasingly prominent, with a growing number of studies exploring this phenomenon. Despite the increased academic interest, no attempts have been made to synthesize extant knowledge on FoMO. There is limited holistic understanding of its conceptualization and operationalization. To address this gap, an exhaustive systematic literature review (SLR) on FoMO is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic review protocols and content analysis was used to analyze and synthesize insights from 58 empirical studies obtained from four academic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and PsycINFO.

Findings

Significant diversity in prior research on FoMO was encapsulated in four themes. There are significant limitations in conceptualization of FoMO, along with narrow focus on geographic, methodological and contextual foci of prior studies. The authors propose a comprehensive framework and extensive gap-specific research directions to aid future research.

Research limitations/implications

The SLR is limited in its consideration of empirical studies published in academic journal articles obtained from four databases.

Social implications

The authors imply the critical need to ascertain motives for individuals' excessive engagement with social media and the subsequent impact on well-being indicators (e.g. sleep quality) and functional impairments (e.g. addiction).

Originality/value

This study magnifies and expands the intellectual boundaries of FoMO and suggests the adoption of a multidisciplinary perspective for further investigation. The use of novel theoretical lenses can further ascertain FoMO's effect on different cultures and social media users.
Predicting young customers’ intention to repurchase green plastic products: incorporating trust model into purchase intention model
Authors: Suhartanto Dwi , Kartikasari Ani , Hapsari Raditha , Budianto Bambang Setio , Najib Mukhamad , Astor Yackob
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess young customers’ repurchasing intentions toward green plastic products by incorporating green trust model into green purchase intention model. It also evaluates the role of gender moderation in the green repurchase intention formation model.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 314 young consumers of green plastic products in Bandung, Indonesia were determined for this study. This study used variance-based partial least squares (PLS) to evaluate the proposed model and examine the hypothesized relationship, by means of SmartPLS 3. The construct validity and reliability were evaluated by testing the measurement model, while the proposed hypotheses were examined by testing the structural model.

Findings

The assessment of the proposed model using PLS reveals that the incorporation of green trust model increases the prediction strength of green repurchase intentions model on green plastic products. Further, this study shows that, in general, gender did not moderate the formation of green repurchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Besides broadening the green repurchase intention theory, this finding offers a direction for green plastic businesses to improve their capability and their marketing strategies. This study offers an important contribution in understanding young consumers’ intentions to buy green plastic products, although it has several drawbacks. In the future, to increase its generalization, this study can be replicated on young consumers in other developing and developed countries, and this model can also be tested in other segments.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no published studies that have tested the repurchase intention model for green plastic products, and none of the past studies have incorporated these models to explain repurchase intention toward green plastic products. Furthermore, the inclusion of gender roles in green repurchase intentions for green plastic products is important to be explored.
Supervisors as recipients and implementers of organizational change: evidence from an Indian chain hospital
Authors: Mashhady Arash
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Supervisors play an important role in the implementation of organizational policies and practices. This study aims to examine the role of supervisors as both recipients and main implementers of organizational change by investigating how supervisors’ relationship with organization would affect their attitude toward change (ATC) and how employees–supervisor relationship, as perceived by employees, would influence their reaction to change.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of participation, perceived organizational support (POS) and mutual expectation clarity (MEC) on supervisors’ ATC was examined, along with the influence of leader–member exchange, perception of supervisor’s expressed ATC and also supervisors’ organizational status on employees’ ATC. Two studies were conducted in a chain hospital in India.

Findings

The findings suggest that supervisors’ ATC improved by higher participation, POS and MEC. Also, while employees’ change attitude was predicted by how they perceived their supervisors’ status, expressed reaction toward change and perception of employee–supervisor relationship, for employees who either perceived highly negative change attitude of their supervisors or believed that their supervisors had low organizational status, the employee–supervisor relationship had almost no effect on improving employees’ attitude.

Originality/value

Considering that supervisors often tend to engage in professional relationships with their subordinate employees, little is investigated on how, through the lens of relationships, supervisors may affect employees’ ATC. This paper attempts to make a difference by conducting two connected studies in a chain hospital to examine how supervisors – as recipients and implementers of organizational policies and practices – could influence employees’ ATC. The findings suggest managerial implications that could inform practitioners toward improvement of employee buy-ins for change programs.
Mental health problems, family functioning and social support among children survivors of Colombia’s armed conflict
Authors: Sánchez-Villegas Milgen , Reyes-Ruiz Lizeth , Taylor Laura K. , Pérez-Ruíz Natalia Andrea , Carmona-Alvarado Farid Alejandro
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Colombia presents with one of the largest armed conflicts in the world. Children exposed directly or indirectly to armed conflicts live the emotional footprints left by war. This paper aims to identify mental health problems among children survivors of Colombia’s armed conflict and associated factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study with (n = 80) children aged 7 to 11 years (M = 9.8 years; SD = 1.4) was conducted using the Child Behavior Checklist, Family APGAR and MOS social support survey adaptation to children. Linear regression analyses were also performed with emotional and behavioral problems as the outcomes and related factors as the predictors.

Findings

Clinical levels of emotional and behavioral problems were found in 56.3% of children. Internalizing problems (63.7%) were more common than externalizing problems (51.2%). Older children had greater emotional problems at the trend level, and those with higher functioning families had lower emotional problems. Children with higher perceived social support had lower behavior problems at the trend level.

Research limitations/implications

This study includes a sample facing multiple risks and uses a holistic approach to consider family and social resources that may support children who are survivors of the armed conflict in Colombia. These results provide a foundation for future promotion and prevention programs related to children’s mental health problems to support peacebuilding within the framework of the Colombian post-conflict process.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to collect empirical data on the mental health of children survivors of Colombia’s armed conflict focused in the Atlantic Department.
Patterns of violent attacks targeting journalists in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ujene Ikem Godspower , Ojedokun Usman
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Despite the fact that Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy is over two decades, violence targeting journalists still remains a recurring issue. On this basis, this paper aims to examine patterns of violent attacks targeting journalists in Lagos, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. Social disorganisation theory was deployed as theoretical framework. Data were principally elicited through the in-depth interview method. Multistage sampling techniques were used for the selection of 25 journalists across six media organisations in Lagos.

Findings

The results showed that assault on journalists is a common phenomenon in the city, with more cases usually recorded during period of general elections. Three major factors were identified by respondents as underlying violent attacks on journalists. Also, security personnel and political thugs were mentioned as the major perpetrators of violent attacks on journalists.

Originality/value

This research not only provides a unique and significant insight into the issue bordering on violent attacks that are being directed at media practitioners in Nigeria it equally puts forward some useful and far-reaching recommendations that can be adopted to effectively address the problem.
Dynamics of agricultural growth and diversification in Eastern India
Authors: Pandey Ghanshyam , Kumari Seema
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In low-income economies agriculture plays an important role in promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. Agricultural growth achieved through diversification toward the higher value crops enhance income and mitigate risk. The present study focuses on one of the eastern Indian states namely “Jharkhand”; where agriculture is the mainstay for the 80% of its rural population. The state per-capita income is below the national average; however, it has registered an impressive growth, especially in the agriculture sector in the last one decade. In this study, the authors attempt to identify the components in sources of agricultural growth; the authors also estimate the determinants of overall agricultural growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the secondary data from 2000–2001 to 2015–2016. This paper first decomposes the agricultural growth into area, price, yields (technological improvement) and diversification effects through the method of growth accounting approach. Secondly, the study employs the new classical growth model through the ordinary least square (OLS) to examine the determinants of overall agricultural growth.

Findings

The author's findings indicate that there has been a shift in cropping patterns from the cultivation of cereals to non-cereals in the state during the study period. Among the major crops, the area under pulses cultivation has increased by 19% from 2000–t2002 to 2014–2016. The increase in area under cultivation and the diversification in favor of higher-value crops have been the major reasons for the accelerating overall agricultural growth in the state along with improvements in technology. The study reveals that increased use of fertilizer per hectare, capital formation and road density are the main determinants of high agricultural growth in the state.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on secondary data and based on one state. A primary study to complement this could have been better. The limited data available for some of important variables related to mechanizations are also a limitation of the present study.

Originality/value

Several studies have analyzed the diversification and agricultural growth in India. With our best knowledge this kind of study has not been done so far for the state of Jharkhand in eastern India.
Factors impacting the quality of fresh produce in transportation and their mitigation strategies: empirical evidence from a developing economy
Authors: Negi Saurav , Trivedi Shantanu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study explores the factors that impact the quality of fresh produce in the transportation phase of the supply chain and the mitigation framework for improving the quality to curb the losses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aimed for an exploratory analysis using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Using a questionnaire with responses from 172 transporters from the Uttar Pradesh region, India, primary data were gathered through a survey. Factors were identified using factor analysis and mitigation strategies were suggested for the factors through semi-structured interviews with six experts in transportation, agribusiness and food supply chain.

Findings

Four factors that impact the quality were identified based on the factor analysis, namely operational issues, poor preservation, lack of ease of in-transit and poor infrastructure. The operational issue was found to be the main factor influencing the quality of fresh produce. The study also proposed the mitigation framework for the factors based on the interview results.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is confined to the fresh produce supply chain transportation process, particularly fruits with an emphasis on the Uttar Pradesh region, India.

Originality/value

There is a lack of literature on implying mitigation strategies for factors affecting fresh produce quality in the transport process in India. Thus, this study attempts to fulfill this gap and has added to the food supply chain literature that could help scholars and practitioners in improving the food supply chain in developing economies.