bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of information systems for digital transformation in the private sector: a review of Egyptian SMEs
Authors: Metawa Noura , Elhoseny Mohamed , Mutawea Maha
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights regarding the state of the art of digital transformation for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt and propose avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A proposed framework for the digitization process in SMEs is developed by providing three layers of working steps toward full automation. The paper also provides an extensive analysis of the main requirements for improving the existing traditional information systems' performance in these enterprises. The challenges of digital transformation and the future research direction are discussed as well.

Findings

This paper provided an overview of the importance of digital transformation in real-life applications. The role of the information systems in building a digitalized information processing environment is covered as well. Also, a framework for the shifting process from the traditional approaches to the digitalized systems is proposed. Besides, the paper overviewed the future research directions related to digital transformation in SMEs, especially in Egypt. These research directions are related to technical challenges during the digital transformation process, such as cybersecurity, big data analytics and multimodality data.

Originality/value

Despite the significant governmental and institutions' steps toward full automation and digital transformation, the traditional information systems, infrastructures, and unequipped employees make the digitizing process on-the-fly an open challenge. A technology shift that is not supported by a similar cultural change threatens digital business initiatives and increases the risk of their failure. This paper aims to provide insights regarding the state of the art of digital transformation for SMEs in Egypt and propose avenues for future research.
Has the low level of economic growth spurred informal sector activities in Uganda? An empirical analysis
Authors: Esaku Stephen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the authors examine how economic growth shapes the shadow economy in the long and short run.

Design/methodology/approach

Using annual time series data from Uganda, drawn from various data sources, covering the period from 1991 to 2017, the authors apply the ARDL modeling approach to cointegration.

Findings

This paper finds that an increase in economic growth significantly reduces the size of the shadow economy, in both the long and short run, all else equal. However, the long-run relationship between the shadow economy and growth is non-linear. The results suggest that the rise of the shadow economy could partially be attributed to the slow and sluggish rate of economic growth.

Practical implications

These findings imply that addressing informality requires addressing underlying factors of underdevelopment since improvements in economic growth also translate into a reduction in the size of the shadow economy in the short and long run.

Originality/value

These findings reveal that the low level of economic growth is an issue because it spurs informal sector activities in the short run. However, as the economy improves, it becomes an incentive for individuals to operate in the informal sector. Additionally, tackling shadow activities in the short run could help improve tax revenue collection.
Food education in Finnish primary education – defining themes and learning objectives using the Delphi technique
Authors: Laitinen Aija Liisa , Tilles-Tirkkonen Tanja , Karhunen Leila , Talvia Sanna
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The importance of food education in primary schools has been globally recognised. However, more detailed definitions of its learning objectives are rarely found. The study aimed to define multisectoral themes and learning objectives for food education in primary education in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive three-round Delphi study was conducted with experts in food education in various organisations. In the first questionnaire, the participants were asked to define possible objectives for food education related to general objectives for basic education. Respondents of the first questionnaire formed a research panel (n = 22). These panellists were then invited to complete the second (n = 16) and third questionnaires (n = 12), where the objectives were further modified. Qualitative content analysis and Bloom's taxonomy were applied in the process of creating the learning objectives.

Findings

In the iterative process, 42 learning objectives for food education in primary schools were defined. Further, “Sustainability and ethics of food systems” was defined as the cross-cutting theme of food education. In addition, 13 subthemes were defined, which fell into three thematic categories: personal (e.g. feelings), practical (e.g. eating) and intangible (e.g. culture) issues.

Originality/value

The defined learning objectives for a holistic food education may be used in advancing primary school curriculum in Finland and perhaps other countries.
Hidden flows assessment in the agri-food sector: evidence from the Italian beef system
Authors: Amicarelli Vera , Fiore Mariantonietta , Bux Christian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study proposes Material Flow Analysis (MFA) methodology as a tool to measure and qualify food waste in the Italian beef supply chain in each stage of the food supply chain, from farm to fork. In particular, the authors attempt to: (1) measure resources consumption and waste generation toward companies' and policymakers' sustainable evaluations; (2) enhance consumers' education in the field of agri-food resilience and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

MFA is applied to the entire Italian sector of beef consumed as packaged fresh product in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis regards bovine, which represent roughly one-third of the national meat flow. To collect data, bottom-up and top-down mixed approach is applied. Subsequently, MFA results are used to calculate the wastage-related losses in terms of embedded natural resources (e.g. water, energy).

Findings

In 2020, it results that the Italian meat industry slaughtered more than 1.15 Mt of bovine to produce approximately 0.29 Mt of fresh meat, 0.69 Mt of by-products and over 0.015 Mt of food waste at households, while 0.15 Mt of beef meat is destined to catering services and food industry (out-of-boundaries). In terms of hidden natural resources, it emerged that, on average, more than 94bn m3 of water, approximately 101,000 TJ of energy and over 11,500 t of PET and PE trays are required to sustain the entire beef system.

Originality/value

This research is one of the few studies proposing MFA methodology as a tool to measure food waste and hidden associated flows in the agri-food sector. This analysis shows its utility in terms of natural resources (water, energy, materials) and waste quality/quantity evaluation, hidden flows accounting and development of new educational strategies toward food waste minimization and sustainability at household consumption.
Information-centric influence strategies for quality assurance in reverse logistics supply chains: external stakeholders' perspective
Authors: Wijewickrama M.K.C.S. , Chileshe Nicholas , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Ochoa J. Jorge
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: firstly, to identify the information-centric strategies of external stakeholders that influence the quality assurance (QA) in the reverse logistics supply chains (RLSC) of demolition waste (DW) and, secondly, to recognize the determinants for using each strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 professionals representing five external stakeholder groups: state and local government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), forward supply chain upstream and downstream actors. The data was analyzed based on Creswell's five-step process, and the conventional content analysis was used for coding and generating themes.

Findings

The study found seven information-centric influence strategies: regulating, monitoring, leading, incentivizing, demolition approval, forming contracts and specifications. The state government organizations were the most dominant in influencing the QA in RLSC. All external stakeholders use both aggressive and cooperative strategies. The urgent, legitimate and economic core of the issue decides the type of strategy to exert an information-centric influence over the QA in RLSC of DW.

Originality/value

To the author's best knowledge, this study is one of the first investigations performed based on a theoretical basis within the context of RLSC in the construction industry (CI). This study used empirical data to elaborate the stakeholder theory while providing new knowledge on stakeholder influence, particularly those relevant to information sharing. Thus, this study developed a theoretical base that future researchers in the study domain could use.
Crime rate, real earnings management and managerial ability
Authors: Simamora Alex Johanes
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of managerial ability (MA) on real earnings management and the effect of real earnings management by higher ability managers on future profitability, at a different level of the crime rate.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample includes 864 manufacturing firms-years listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. MA uses an efficiency score by data envelopment analysis. Real earnings management is measured by abnormal activities. The crime rate is measured by logarithm natural of the number of crimes per 100.000 citizens in the region where the firm is headquartered. Data analysis uses fixed-effect regression.

Findings

MA increases real earnings management in the region where the firm is headquartered with a higher crime rate while MA will reduce real earnings management in the region where the firm is headquartered with a lower crime rate. Also, real earnings management by higher-ability managers gives a signal of better future profitability in the region where the firm is headquartered with a lower crime rate.

Originality/value

This research contributes to filling the previous gap of managerial characteristics ability-related on real earnings management by providing regional crime rate as a determinant factor of managers’ ethical behavior. This research is the first one to considers the regional crime rate treatment to the relationship between MA and real earnings management especially in Indonesia. This research also provides new evidence of efficient real earnings management for a lower crime rate group of samples to give a signal of better future profitability.
An introduction to the topological derivative
Authors: Amstutz Samuel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper provides a self-contained introduction to the mathematical aspects of the topological derivative.

Design/methodology/approach

Full justifications are given on simple model problems following a modern approach based on the averaged adjoint state technique. Extensions are discussed in relation with the literature on the field.

Findings

Closed expressions of topological derivatives are obtained and commented.

Originality/value

Several cases are covered in a unified and didactic presentation. Some elements of proof are novel.
Inverse homogenization using the topological derivative
Authors: Ferrer Àlex , Giusti Sebastián Miguel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to solve the inverse homogenization problem, or so-called material design problem, using the topological derivative concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimal topology is obtained through a relaxed formulation of the problem by replacing the characteristic function with a continuous design variable, so-called density variable. The constitutive tensor is then parametrized with the density variable through an analytical interpolation scheme that is based on the topological derivative concept. The intermediate values that may appear in the optimal topologies are removed by penalizing the perimeter functional.

Findings

The optimization process benefits from the intermediate values that provide the proposed method reaching to solutions that the topological derivative had not been able to find before. In addition, the presented theory opens the path to propose a new framework of research where the topological derivative uses classical optimization algorithms.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology allows us to use the topological derivative concept for solving the inverse homogenization problem and to fulfil the optimality conditions of the problem with the use of classical optimization algorithms. The authors solved several material design examples through a projected gradient algorithm to show the advantages of the proposed method.
Postoccupancy evaluation of historic buildings after their adaptive reuse into boutique hotels: an experience from Yazd, Iran
Authors: Dehghan Pour Farashah Mohammadhossein , Aslani Ehsan , Yadollahi Solmaz , Ghaderi Zahed
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In the early 2000s, a wave of new practices concerning the adaptive reuse (AR) of historic buildings into boutique hotels began in Yazd, Iran. This study presents the findings of a postoccupancy evaluation (POE) of adaptively reused historic buildings into boutique hotels. It aims to explore and prioritize the main factors of architecture's physical aspects in the adapted buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to carry out a POE, hotel guests' written reviews from online international and national travel platforms were analyzed. According to this preliminary analysis, a questionnaire was designed and randomly distributed among 300 hotel guests. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS software. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce a set of indicators into the main components.

Findings

The findings revealed that “preliminary physical feasibility study and evaluation of building's functional potential” is the most important component with a weight of 0.709. Then, “adaptive reuse design” and “quality of building conservation” are placed with a weight of 0.232 and 0.058, respectively. The results show the mere attention of practitioners to architectural restoration rather than adapting historic buildings into boutique hotels in Yazd. Also, the lack of a specific framework for this purpose is felt in Iran.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could evaluate the architectural aspects of historic buildings that have been converted into various functions from the main users' views.

Practical implications

This research's main contribution is to recommend guidelines for more user-friendly boutique hotels. This includes principal components and their sub-indicators that should be considered in the AR process of historic buildings by conservators, investors and hoteliers. Also, the extracted factors can be implemented for boutique hotels' improvements in operation because they determine the order of priority from the users' viewpoint.

Originality/value

This study introduces a new application of POE in the field of conservation of heritage assets and the hospitality industry; it focuses on the evaluation of the users' feedback regarding the architectural aspects of adaptively reused historic buildings into boutique hotels based on original empirical data.
Quantity surveyor's ethical responsiveness on construction projects: issues and solutions
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Nwaole Angeline Ngozika Chibuike , Dako Emmanuel Okhatie , Awo-Osagie Andrew Igiebor
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Studies showed that construction consultants' ethical negligence is a contributing factor to the time and cost over-run of projects. There is limited research on the issues that may have hindered construction consultants' ethical responsiveness during contract administration. Studies regarding influencing factors in the context of Nigeria's quantity surveyors' (QS) ethical responsiveness are rare. Thus, the study aims to investigate the perceived issues and proffers initiatives to promote QSs' ethical responsiveness on construction projects in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine the perceptions of QS regarding ethical responsiveness, a phenomenologically driven perspective via face-to-face interviews was conducted with 12 senior professionals in Lagos and Abuja that showed interest in participating in the study and were interviewed. A thematic approach was adopted to analyse the collated data.

Findings

Economic, societal and professional issues emerged as the three groups of issues that hindered QS's ethical responsiveness on construction projects in a developing country setting such as Nigeria. Findings show that for ethical responsiveness to be expressed on projects, key stakeholders should be ethically responsible. This is currently missing, especially in public construction projects. Initiatives that can promote key stakeholders' ethical responsiveness on construction projects are examined in this paper.

Practical implications

The paper embraces an important practical implication because practices associated with QS's unethical responsiveness and behavioural impacts on construction projects were identified. This will stir both the regulatory professional bodies and policymakers to enforce and implement feasible initiatives that can promote key stakeholders' collaborative ethical responsiveness on construction projects.

Originality/value

This paper is amongst the few papers that attempted to uncover issues that hinder QS's ethical responsiveness on construction projects in a developing country setting via a qualitative approach. Since these issues are rampant in developing countries, findings from this paper can be used to promote QS's ethical responsiveness in other nations with similar unethical issues.
Diagnostic of degraded reinforced concrete bridges explaining the environmental condition effect and reinforcement method
Authors: Chabbi Radhia , Ferhoune Noureddine , Bouabdallah Fouzia
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This research aims to study the materials that compose older reinforced concrete bridges which are damaged and degrading to explain the mechanisms and origins of various disorders. Therefore, this work will contribute to providing answers on the capacity of nondestructive evaluation method during the diagnosis. In addition to the characterization of affected structures, it will aim to provide effective solutions for different serious pathologies.

Design/methodology/approach

In this context, two bridges located on NH16 and NH21, respectively, were studied in Annaba city (north-east Algeria), specifically in El-Hadjar municipality located in the central industrial zone of Pont-Bouchet. This study makes it possible to make conclusions from the in-depth diagnosis based on disorders exposition causes and mechanical characteristics evolution by non-destructive testing (NDT) tools. Furthermore, solutions are proposed, including conservation maintenance of these degraded structures.

Findings

All degradations can be the result of several factors: either human (poor design) or chemical (surface water, wastewater and groundwater quality (acidic or basic)). In addition to other natural causes (geological formations, flood phenomena or climate), NDT tools play a major role in the evaluating mechanical performance of degraded structures (resistance and hardness).

Research limitations/implications

The NDT techniques can be transmitted to civil engineering experts because their training is limited regarding mechanical and structural construction.

Practical implications

NDT tools are the most suitable for in-situ assessing, and the concrete constructions health state, so far from financial problems.

Social implications

Degraded bridge diagnosis by NDT testing is necessary for a thorough safety evaluation (mechanical performance, strength and deformability), to protect human lives and design durability.

Originality/value

This is an original paper which contains new information at different scales and from special fields, based on an evaluation using NDT tools on real degraded structures. It can be used to improve the knowledge of materials employed in a bridge without performing expensive direct tests or the need for destroying it.
The buffering role of emotional intelligence in conflict transformation
Authors: Ullah Rahman
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine how and when task and process conflicts relate to relationship conflict by detailing the mediating role of negative emotions and the moderating effect of emotional intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 462 employees working in different organizations in Pakistan.

Findings

The results revealed that individuals engaged in task and process conflicts are more likely to feel negative emotions toward others and consequently are more likely to engage in relationship conflict in the workplace. This mediated relationship of task and process conflicts with relationship conflict via negative emotions is lower when employees are more emotionally intelligent.

Practical implications

This study pinpointed a key mechanism, negative emotions, by which task and process conflicts lead to relationship conflict. Emotionally intelligent individuals are better at regulating their negative emotions; therefore, emotional intelligence training can be an effective tool for minimizing employees’ negative emotions during task and process conflicts, which can help reduce relationship conflict.

Originality/value

By examining the mediating role of negative emotions and the moderating effect of emotional intelligence, this study adds to the previous research by detailing how and when task and process conflicts lead to relationship conflict.
Impact of abrasion on strength, elasticity and elastic recovery properties of stretch-denim fabric
Authors: Shaw Vivek Prasad , Mukhopadhyay Arunangshu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In recent times, the usage of elastane-containing denim garments has increased, as it provides fit and comfort both at the same time. The purpose of the study is to understand the effect of abrasion on the durability of comfort related to body movement and shape retention property of the stretch-denim fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the effect of abrasion on the initial tensile properties, recovery and resilience properties of the stretch-denim fabric. Further, to analyse the effect of the composition of the elastane yarn, three different types of elastane yarns having different types of sheath (covering) fibre, structure and different levels of elastane content have been used in the weft.

Findings

The comfort related to body movement and the shape retention properties of the stretch-denim fabric got affected due to abrasive damage. The elastane yarn composition and structure played an important role in determining the extent of the change in such properties during abrasion. The fabric with a higher level of elastane content suffered a greater loss in shape-retention properties due to abrasion. The extent of mass loss in stretch-denim fabric does not always correlate to the extent of loss in the comfort and shape-retention properties.

Originality/value

Most of the earlier studies have investigated the effect of abrasion on the durability aspect of the stretch-denim fabric. In a practical scenario, the stretch-denim garments are rarely discarded due to tearing or change in appearance but mainly due to bagging, i.e. distortion in shape after usage. Thus, the study on the combined effect of the abrasion and cyclic loading on the comfort and shape-retention properties will help to predict the performance of the apparel during usage.
Identifying gaps in early warning mechanisms and evacuation procedures for tsunamis in Sri Lanka, with a special focus on the use of social media
Authors: Jayasekara Ravindu Udayantha , Jayathilaka Gaindu Saranga , Siriwardana Chandana , Amaratunga Dilanthi , Haigh Richard , Bandara Chaminda , Dissanayake Ranjith
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The current National Early Warning System for Sri Lanka (NEWS: SL) was established after the devastations of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004. Although early warning (EW) systems and evacuation procedures are in place, several areas which need improvements have been emphasized in recent studies carried out in the country. Therefore, this paper aims to outline the gaps in existing EW and EP related to tsunami and other coastal hazards with a special focus on the use of social media for disaster communication based on age groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has drawn on a review of past studies carried out by the same research team to identify the scope of the study. In addition to that, a conceptual framework was developed for the use of social media in the event of a disaster. Based on this conceptual framework, an online questionnaire was administered to identify the current status of the use of social media in Sri Lanka during a disaster situation. In total, 408 responses were collected and analyzed using the binary logistic regression method to evaluate the variation of different predictors associated with the use of social media for disaster communication.

Findings

Findings of the study revealed that the use of social media for disaster communication depends on the previous experience of users and their age. The gender of users does not affect the use of social media for disaster communication. Therefore, the accuracy and timeliness of disaster information distributed via social media should be improved further to enhance the use of social media for disaster communication. Moreover, the findings have highlighted unaddressed issues in areas such as governance; communication of technical agencies; evacuation and shelters; and response of the community.

Originality/value

This paper has identified key areas that need attention in the process of enhancing the use of social media for disaster communication. More use of technological platforms such as social media for receiving disaster-related information can address issues such as bottlenecks in communication, poor awareness and lack of last-mile dissemination. Furthermore, this paper has proposed recommendations for addressing the identified gaps in the overall EW mechanisms and EP pertaining to tsunamis and other coastal hazards to enhance the coastal disaster resilience in Sri Lanka.
Do energy and firm characteristics matter for sustainable development practices? An empirical evidence
Authors: Kaawaase Twaha Kigongo , Kaawaase Twaha Kigongo , Bananuka Juma , Tumwebaze Zainabu , Musimenta Doreen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether energy governance mechanisms, energy consumption, energy poverty and firm characteristics do matter for sustainable development practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a cross-sectional survey of production managers, engineers and chief finance officers of firms under the Uganda Manufacturers Association. The data analysis was mainly done using the partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The regression analysis results indicate that ownership structure, capital structure, energy governance mechanisms, energy poverty and energy consumption do matter for improved sustainable development practices. Firm age does not significantly matter for sustainable development practices.

Originality/value

This study provides initial evidence on what matters for improvement in sustainable development practices using evidence from developing African countries such as Uganda whose major focus is the attraction of foreign investors. Such countries focus on improvement in economic growth at the expense of social and environmental concerns.
Reconsidering the criteria of the healthy house's interior design during crises: COVID-19 pandemic as an example
Authors: Shamaileh Anas Atef
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic brought various and radical changes at the worldwide level. Globally, severe preventive measures were imposed to respond to the crisis such as lockdowns which forced the people to quarantine themselves inside their houses for longer periods. This issue stressed the crucial role of healthy houses in providing the various needs of residents during crises.

Design/methodology/approach

This study methodology adopted both inductive approach and a Study Application Model to define the Healthy House Criteria and fulfill the study objectives. Under the inductive approach a holistic literature review was undertaken while the Study Application Model implied defining the conception of the overall Criteria of the Healthy House's interior design under the COVID-19.

Findings

The finding of the study showed some areas needed to improve current healthy house's criteria in terms of its interior design that may be used to cope with potential crises such as the COVID-19. Based on the revealed findings, the researcher suggested a conceptual framework for healthy house's criteria and further research areas.

Originality/value

The current research may provide applicable framework for both interior designers and households in terms of how to design and implement a healthy house, which is valid to accommodate residents during potential crises such as the COVID-19.
Scale to estimate the aspect-oriented sentiment polarity under anaphors influence (SPAI)
Authors: Sonawane Sudarshan S. , Kolhe Satish R.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to handle the anaphors through anaphora resolution in aspect-oriented sentiment analysis. Sentiment analysis is one of the predictive analytics of social media. In particular, the social media platform Twitter is an open platform to post the opinion by subscribers on contextual issues, events, products, individuals and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The sentiment polarity assessment is not deterministic to conclude the opinion of the target audience unless the polarity is assessed under diversified aspects. Hence, the aspect-oriented sentiment polarity assessment is a crucial objective of the opinion assessment over social media. However, the aspect-oriented sentiment polarity assessment often influences by the curse of anaphora resolution.

Findings

Focusing on these limitations, a scale to estimate the aspects oriented sentiment polarity under anaphors influence has been portrayed in this article. To assess the aspect-based sentiment polarity of the tweets, the anaphors of the tweets have been considered to assess the weightage of the tweets toward the sentiment polarity.

Originality/value

The experimental study presents the performance of the proposed model by comparing it with the contemporary models, which are estimating the sentiment polarity tweets under anaphors impact.
Routing and collection load decisions in a green logistics system for delivering lunch boxes
Authors: Jana Rabin K. , Sharma Dinesh K. , Mitra Subrata Kumar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer improvement in routing and collection load decisions for a green logistics system that delivers lunch boxes.

Design/methodology/approach

A mathematical model is introduced into the literature for the 130 years old logistics systems whose delivery accuracy is better than the Six Sigma standard without using sophisticated tools. A simulated annealing (SA) approach is then used to find the routing and collection load decisions for the lunch box career.

Findings

The findings establish that we can improve the world-class lunch box delivery (LBD) system. The suggested improvement in terms of reduction in distance travel is nearly 6%. This could be a huge relief for thousands of lunch box careers. The uniformity in collection load decisions suggested by the proposed approach can be more effective for the elderly lunch box carriers.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides a mathematical framework to study an important logistics system that is running with a supreme level of service accuracy. Collecting primary data was challenging as there is no scope for recording and maintaining data in the present logistics system. The replicability of the system for some other city in the world is a challenging question to answer.

Practical implications

Better routing and collection load decisions can help many lunch box careers save time and bring homogeneity in workload into the system.

Social implications

An efficient routing decision can help provide smoother traffic movements, and uniformity in collection load can help avoid unwanted injuries to about 5,000 lunch box careers.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the proposed mathematical model and finding the routing and collection load decisions using a nature-inspired probabilistic search technique. The LBD system of Mumbai was never studied mathematically. The study is the first of its kind.
Identification of asset life cycle stage: case study in heavy-duty truck fleet
Authors: Rivera Baena Oscar Daniel , Clavijo Mesa Maria Valentina , Patino Rodriguez Carmen Elena , Guevara Carazas Fernando Jesus
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the stage of the life cycle where the trucks of a waste collection fleet from a Colombian city are located through a reliability approach. The reliability analysis and the evaluation of curve of operational costs allow to know the moment in which it is necessary to make decisions regarding an asset, its maintenance or possible replacement.

Design/methodology/approach

For a dataset presented as maintenance work orders, the time to failures (TTFs) for each vehicle in the fleet were calculated. Then, a probability density function for those TTFs was fitted to locate each vehicle in a region of the bathtub curve and to calculate the reliability of the whole fleet. A general functional analysis was also developed to understand the function of the vehicles.

Findings

It was possible to determine that the largest proportion of the fleet was in the final stage of the life cycle, in this sense, the entire fleet represent critical assets which in most of cases could be worth replacement or overhaul.

Originality/value

In this study, an address is exposed for the identification of critical equipment by reliability and statistical analysis. This analysis is also integrated with the maintenance management process. This is a broadly interested topic since it allows to support the maintenance and operational decision-making process, indicating the focus of resource allocation all over the entire asset life cycle.
The impact of Islamic banking model and Islamic financial development on bank performance: evidence from dual banking economies
Authors: Ahsan Tanveer , Qureshi Muhammad Azeem
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop an Islamic Banking Index representing the Islamic banking model and to investigate its impact on the performance of Islamic and conventional banks. This study also analyzes the impact of Islamic financial development on bank performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected the data from 23 countries for the period from 2010 to 2018 and developed a composite Islamic Banking Index. The authors applied the generalized method of moments on 3,542 bank-year observations for both Islamic and conventional banks to analyze the impact of the Islamic Banking Index on bank performance. The results of the study are robust to time-fixed effects, country-level time-varying factors and endogeneity issues.

Findings

The authors found that Islamic Banking Index positively contributes to the return on assets (ROAit) of Islamic banks only. This impact becomes highly significant in countries with comparatively higher Islamic financial development. This finding suggests that the Islamic financial development in a country provides a supportive operating environment to Islamic banks and increases their performance. The authors also found that Islamic Banking Index positively contributes to the return on equity (ROEit) of both types of banks.

Practical implications

The authors argue that moving away from interest-based products and focusing more on diversified portfolios can boost the performance of both types of banks without increasing their risk levels.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that develops a composite Islamic Banking Index based on differentiating factors of the Islamic banking model and investigates the impact of Islamic Banking Index and Islamic financial development on bank performance.
Development and analysis of a bio-inspired wire-driven variable stiffness double spring based tapered multi-section flexible robot
Authors: Sahoo Alok Ranjan , Chakraborty Pavan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a tendon actuated variable stiffness double spring based continuously tapered multi-section flexible robot and study its capability to achieve the desired bending and compression for inspection in cluttered environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Spring-based continuum manipulators get compressed while actuated for bending. This property can be used for the advantage in cluttered environments if one is able to control both bending and compression. Here, this paper uses a mechanics based model to achieve the desired bending and compression. Moreover, this study tries to incorporate the tapered design to help in independent actuation of the distal sections with minimal effects on proximal sections. This study is also trying to incorporate the double spring based design to minimize the number of spacers in the robot body.

Findings

The model was able to produce desired curvature at the tip section with less than 4.62% error. The positioning error of the manipulator is nearly 3.5% which is at par with the state-of-the-art manipulators for search and rescue operations. It was also found that the use of double spring can effectively reduce the number of spacers required. It can be helpful in smooth robot to outer world interaction without any kink. From the experiments, it has been found that the error of the kinematic model decreases as one moves from high radius of curvature to low radius of curvature. Error is maximum when the radius of curvature is infinity.

Practical implications

The proposed manipulator can be used for search operations in cluttered environments such as collapsed buildings and maintenance of heavy machineries in industries.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in the design and the proposed kinematics for a spring-based continuously tapered multi-section manipulator.
The impact of cooperative participation on income: the case of vegetable production in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Giang Thi Huong , Nanseki Teruaki , Chomei Yosuke , Nguyen Ly Thi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The demand for clean vegetables has rapidly increased, many farmers gradually turn to vegetable cultivation to increase income; therefore, agricultural cooperative mobilized farmers group to facilitate them access to technical training and enhance compliance with the Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP) standards. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impacts of the participation on farmer’s income as well as the major factors that affect the participation in cooperatives by the vegetable farmers in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used primary data collected from vegetable farmers in Vietnam. This study utilized propensity score matching to avoid initial selection bias. The differences between participants and nonparticipants will be adjusted by matching each membership individual to a nonmember based on similar observable characteristics by summarizing the conditional probability of a member given pretreatment characteristics.

Findings

This study demonstrates that participation in cooperatives is significantly affected by ethnicity, age of household head, labor involving vegetable production and extension service access. The results of this study also confirm that agricultural cooperatives have positive effects on member farmers to enhance income and that participants – on average – have a higher income than nonparticipants.

Research limitations/implications

The method cannot rule out the possibility of selection bias due to unobserved differences between participants and even an appropriate comparison group.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an improved understanding about impacts of cooperatives on farmers’ income in developing and emerging economies. Moreover, research also upgrades knowledge regarding the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in Vietnam, as well as guides policymakers in supporting the cooperatives in expanding the market and other necessary changes.
Perception of students and their households regarding the community role in urban heritage conservation in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhefnawi Mohammed A. M. , Lawal Dano Umar , Istanbouli Mohamad Jalal
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the perceptions of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University's students and their household members about cultural heritage conservation in selected cities of Saudi Arabia. Cultural heritage conservation is increasingly important for sustainable tourism management, especially in Saudi Arabia that sets out to promote international tourism. However, a lack of awareness of heritage values among the local community could hinder the conservation efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire (n = 168) was employed for data collection and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The finding of the t-test analysis indicates significant statistical relationship between occupation and community involvement (P (T ≤ t) one-tail = 0.0047 and two-tail = 0.0093, p < 0.05), and between educational level and community involvement (P (T ≤ t) one-tail = 0.0047 and two-tail = 0.0093, p < 0.05). The findings reveal that although almost more than half (54.2%) of the participants were students, 56.0% and 54.9% did not believe in participating and considering heritage conservation a national duty, respectively, while 57.1% of the public employees, 57.6% of the private employees, and 66.7% of the housewives indicate that they can personally participate in cultural heritage conservation and believed it to be a national duty.

Originality/value

The study concludes that cultural heritage courses should be offered as a core courses for college students in order to instill the importance of cultural heritage conservation in their minds.
Industrial heritage: towards a sustainable adaptive reuse of wheat milling heritage buildings in Jordan
Authors: Jamhawi Monther , Mubaideen Shatha , Mahamid Basem
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for the adaptive re-use of wheat milling buildings setting in modern urban contexts in Jordan. This paper also aims to highlight the industrial heritage with a focus on wheat milling buildings, which date back to the beginning of the 20th century, as they document and represent significant aspects of the socio-cultural history of Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to this statement will be through a theoretical investigation into the notion of industrial heritage, a historical overview of wheat milling in Jordan, as well as a case study analysis to support the theoretical framework following a value-based approach for the case of Baboor Al-Qisar. Baboor Al-Qisar is a wheat milling structure that the Department of Antiquities (DoA) is willing to adaptively reuse as an industrial museum that tells the local narrative of wheat milling and points out the non-physical values associated with the building’s original use.

Findings

The paper introduces a framework for wheat milling buildings incorporation within the modern urban context as industrial heritage museums or socio-cultural facilities. The findings offer a reflection on approaching similar case studies as a tool for their conservation, management and promotion to create new tourist destinations as a form of sustainable urban regeneration.

Originality/value

This research bridges the gap between practice and theory in terms of adaptive reuse strategies within the Jordanian local context. No similar studies have been done on wheat milling structures from the 20th century in the country with local community engagement as an integral part that is carried out within the functionality and future use of the site.
The influence of responsible leadership on protective behavior: organizational perspective of COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Bhatti Omar Khalid , Ozturk Ali Osman
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Emergence of COVID-19 has posed a big challenge around the world demanding responsible behavior at all levels for effective mitigation of its adverse effects on humanity. Despite deadly nature of the pandemic, people yet tend to violate the lockdowns, social distancing, and related protective measures. This study presents a critical view and identifies underlying causes of the deviant behavior of masses. It highlights specific areas where responsible leadership can make a difference in fighting the pandemic from organizational perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data collected through in depth interviews from three different countries - Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia. The data was collected thrice with time lags and integrated view has been presented in this study.

Findings

The study finds that perceptual dissonance, cost of protective behavior, reactive attraction and perceived triviality of protective measures are some of the main causes of deviant behavior.

Research limitations/implications

Although the data have been collected from three countries, yet smaller sample size remains a limitation of the study. Similarly, the longitudinal data was collected once in each wave of COVID-19 and its increased frequency could make findings more reliable.

Practical implications

The findings provide an “analysis template” for responsible leaders to analyze any crisis situation in future. In the light of findings, leaders can locate causes of deviant behavior and the way they can influence behavior of employees in a crisis.

Social implications

The study is highly valuable in analysis of social dimension of COVID-19 crisis at organizational level. It clearly highlights the significance of social and financial support by responsible leaders for influencing the protective intentions of employees in an emergency situation.

Originality/value

The organizational perspective and the responsibilities of leaders for fighting the pandemic has not been adequately explored. This study has investigated the likely causes of deviant behavior of employees in adoption of protective measures. It also highlights the areas where responsible leaders can make a difference in inducing protective behaviors.