bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital capabilities of SMEs: driving the Industry 4.0 revolution and measuring its innovative effects
Authors: Castillo-Vergara Mauricio , Duarte Valdivia Diego , Muñoz-Cisterna Víctor , Álvarez-Marín Alejandro , Geldes Cristian , Ortiz-Henriquez Rodrigo Esteban 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study developed a theoretical model to test the relationship between digital capability and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and its effect on innovation performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe proposed theoretical model was evaluated using partial least-squares structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. The data were obtained from a sample of 536 SMEs in Chile.FindingsThe proposed model presented two dimensions of digital capability: management and information and communication technologies (ICTs). Management models composed of enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management systems are essential for optimizing organizational management. Meanwhile, ICTs facilitate the smooth flow of information within an organization, leading to improved efficiency in production processes. I4.0 is encouraged by exposing SMEs to base technologies such as data analytics. These results confirm that I4.0 influences innovation performance.Practical implicationsSME managers should encourage the development of digital capabilities to transition toward I4.0, as this can make SMEs more competitive and innovative in changing and dynamic scenarios.Social implicationsI4.0 adoption and the development of digital capabilities can directly affect employment and national economic growth.Originality/valueMost studies focus on the organizational factors affecting SMEs’ I4.0 adoption. They do not, however, address the role played by current digital capability in I4.0 technology adoption and its effect on firms’ innovation performance.
Balancing technology and humans – A sociomaterialistic approach to enhance learning effectiveness in the digital era
Authors: Patnaik V Susmitha , Yallamilli VVSSS Vara Prasad 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This research paper elaborates on how to balance the social (human interaction) and material (technology) aspects of e-learning and development (e-L&D) to enhance learning effectiveness in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study was implemented in two phases – in the first phase, 30 employees from oil and gas industry were reached through three focus group discussions (company-wise). The employees were spread over three different companies within the state using the same e-learning platform successfully for more than five years. Discussions were conducted to understand their experiences while using e-learning platforms. In the second phase, pain points from the first phase were discussed with eight HR practitioners from the same industry through interviews to propose countermeasures for balancing human interaction and learning effectiveness.

Findings
The findings show that the use of e-L&D has increased learning effectiveness but reduced human interaction. This limited human interaction negatively impacts the relationship between the use of e-L&D and learning effectiveness. Countermeasures have been suggested through this article to optimize learning effectiveness in the ongoing digital scenario.

Research limitations/implications
Other factors influencing learning effectiveness were not considered for this study. Longitudinal study would strengthen the findings.

Practical implications
A humane approach in e-learning fosters more productive and happier workplaces. This study guides the organization to rightly invest time and money in e-learning resources.

Originality/value
Many publications unerringly prove how digitalization has productively transformed e-learning and development. This paper adds to the ongoing discussion by focusing on the balance between ‘human’ advantage and ‘digital’ advantage in organizations.
Understanding sense of belonging of faculty and staff in higher education
Authors: Wilson Miguel , Ghosh Sayoni , Jason Kendra 
Published: January 2025

PurposeStudies and programming on belonging in higher education tend to focus on college students’ sense of belonging, but the experiences of faculty and staff are equally important. Minoritized faculty and staff disproportionately report lower levels of sense of belonging and experience greater turnover outcomes. A sense of belonging among faculty and staff lessens their intention to quit, facilitates research collaboration and increases organizational commitment.Design/methodology/approachIn this scoping review, we analyzed 24 articles yielded from three databases (Academic Search Complete, JSTOR and Web of Science) that synthesize extant literature on faculty and staff’s sense of belonging.FindingsWe found that a sense of belonging for faculty and staff (1) is often examined without being consistently defined; (2) can be hindered by the stigmatization of minoritized identities (e.g. race, gender and class), exclusive organizational policies and the academy’s socio-political structure remain barriers to a sense of belonging and (3) can be fostered through social support, celebrating professional legitimacy and valuing diversity.Originality/valueThis study details the educational landscape of sense of belonging for faculty, and call for more attention to sense of belonging for staff, so that higher education institutions can utilize organizational policies and interventions to help foster a sense of belonging, which can lead to an increase in productivity, retention and job satisfaction.
From traditional to consumer-centric: the evolution of themes in technology-focused last mile delivery
Authors: Nandy Indranil , Padhy Ramakrushna 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Previous research on last mile delivery (LMD) has not attempted to identify thematic patterns within the literature to comprehend the prevailing research direction within this field. This study thus aims to identify significant latent topics in the technology-focused and consumer-centric LMD literature over a span of 45 years (1978–2023) and to propose topics for future research in this domain.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a text mining methodology in conjunction with bibliometric analysis to comprehensively review the literature.

Findings
The findings of this study reveal the top emerging topics in the field of LMD and include the bibliometric results.

Research limitations/implications
This study is based on highly rated Australian Business Deans Council journals found in Scopus and Google Scholar. In addition to its methodological novelty, this study contributes to two interconnected strands of literature. First, it offers a fresh categorization of different concepts in the LMD literature, emphasizing the use of technology built upon prior efforts in the field. Second, it demonstrates the evolution of focus on different dimensions of consumer-centric LMD over time.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to use an unsupervised text mining method called topic modeling in the overall consumer-focused LMD literature. It thus overcomes the limitations of previous analytical methods for conducting literature reviews focused on other time periods.
Does homeworking affect employee engagement in a German service company? A thematic analysis of employees’ perspectives of engagement whilst homeworking during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hauer Georg , Beschle Ann-Kathrin 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to explore how homeworking influences employee engagement in a German service company during the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide recommendations for organisations on how to secure employees’ engagement remotely.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a qualitative research design in a case study setup with a German service company. A refined framework links homeworking and engagement based on the data collected from interviews and surveys.

Findings
This paper identifies several factors that affect engagement whilst homeworking, such as work–life balance, family, work intensification, team environment, leadership, organisational activities and flexible working arrangements. The paper also proposes a refined framework that links homeworking and engagement and offers practical implications for organisations.

Research limitations/implications
This paper is based on a small and homogeneous sample from one service company in Germany, which limits the generalisability of the findings. Future research could use larger and more diverse samples, longitudinal designs and quantitative methods to examine the impact of homeworking on engagement.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the scarce literature on homeworking and engagement by providing new and up-to-date insights into the homeworking experience and its effect on engagement in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper also offers useful suggestions for organisations on how to adapt their practices and policies to secure engagement in a remote work environment.
Designing and application of a Comprehensive Farm Assessment Index: towards efficient and relevant policy analysis
Authors: Gill Suveera , Johal Ramanjit Kaur , Muthuprakash Siva K. M. , Sharma Maitri 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Sustainability indicators that allow integrated farm assessments have received increasing attention. However, limited evidence is available for the use of the same when assessing the agricultural sustainability of farming systems, especially in regions practising incessant monoculture. Therefore, this study aims to develop a holistic index to assess alternative farming systems based on a stock-and-flow framework.

Design/methodology/approach
A composite metric was developed by aggregating the economic, social and environmental indicators. The methodology involved estimation, normalisation, hierarchical weighting and progressive aggregation of indicators to form the Comprehensive Farm Assessment Index (CFAI). The CFAI was applied to assess the farming practices of 88 organic and 90 conventional farming plots across three agro-climatic zones over two cropping seasons in selected districts of Punjab, India.

Findings
Results showed statistical mean differences between the organic and conventional farming systems in terms of key production costs and income for wheat, rice and cotton crops. The normalised values of the selected social indicators were higher for the organic farming system. Similarly, in the environmental dimension, more biodiversity and less water contamination were found in organic farms. Except for paddy cultivation in the North–East region, the CFAI for organic farming is higher than that for conventional farming, even under the mono-cropping system with a single-crop rotation.

Originality/value
The CFAI has ubiquitous applications and can be used to assess alternate sustainable approaches and practices across crops and regions. It provides a perspective on the social viability and ecological sustainability of agriculture, which would enable contextual and effective policy analysis and implementation.
The new era of outdoor events post-pandemic: how psychological factors drive participants' social distancing intentions
Authors: Jung Inyoung , Li Jiachen , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Han Heesup 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe outdoor event market was devastated during the COVID-19 pandemic because of social distancing measures. Therefore, this study aimed to explore stereotyped tendencies and behavioral intentions associated with the prosocial and sustainable practices of outdoor event participants to assess shifts in industry paradigms.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to relatively examine sequential and combined effects of cognitive (knowledge of COVID-19, awareness of consequences, ascribed responsibility and perceived threat of COVID-19), affective (positive and negative anticipated emotions) and normative drivers (social and moral norms) on intention to practice social distancing requirements. The impact of cultural differences was further explored by comparing attendees from China and USA.FindingsThe SEM results showed that most cognitive drivers significantly affected affective drivers and normative drivers, leading to the intention to practice social distancing requirements. In addition, China and the USA showed significant differences on six paths including the path from moral norm to intention to practice social distancing requirements. Further, fsQCA results revealed the important combination of the factors that affects social distancing intention.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides meaningful theoretical and practical implications for outdoor events scholars and managers. The research suggests a changing direction in event studies and shares ideas on how to manage and make outdoor events a new success after the pandemic.Originality/valueThis is the first study to adopt a mixed method of SEM and fsQCA attempt to explore the driving forces of outdoor participants’ pro-social behavior from cognitive, affective and normative perspectives.
Supply chain integration in project manufacturing environments: the case of the offshore wind energy construction sector
Authors: Martinez-Neri Ivan F. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Most academic studies of supply chain integration (SCI) have taken large-scale manufacturing environments as their source of empirical data. This paper aims to find the applicability of the dimensions of SCI in the context of project manufacturing environments.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a single-case-study approach to examine the network relationship among the constructor of an offshore wind farm, the provider of the main subsystems and two other companies providing subsystems and services in the project used as the empirical setting.

Findings
The findings suggest that although some of the dimensions of SCI in large-scale manufacturing environments might have similar applications in projects, some others might be unique to the context of large construction endeavors, e.g. relationship management, information integration and information sharing. An explanation of the possible causes for these differences is provided.

Research limitations/implications
The findings cannot be generalized to the overall context of project manufacturing environments, as only one industry, the construction sector, was studied.

Practical implications
Contrary to suggestions to relax the formal aspect of the partnership with the aim of improving the collaborative relationships, keeping the formality by means of contracts and nondisclosure agreements seems to be necessary for projects that have a considerable amount of resources and intellectual capital at stake.

Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is one of the first case studies specifically designed to explore the applicability of the dimensions of SCI in project manufacturing environments. It aims to fill the gap of research carried out in these manufacturing environments, which represent a significant share of the world’s economic output.
Investigation on the nonlinear behaviors of floating ring bearings based on nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficient models
Authors: Zhao Zequn , Li Peng , Li Xin , Chen Yang , Zhang Hao 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to address the gaps in existing research on the nonlinear characteristics of floating ring bearings, particularly by focusing on second-order nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficients. Traditional analytical models have limitations in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. This research aims to develop a more efficient and accurate method for analyzing these nonlinear characteristics, which are crucial for optimizing the design and performance of turbocharger floating ring bearings. The study also seeks to explore how variations in clearance ratio and load influence these coefficients.

Design/methodology/approach
This study develops a novel approach for analyzing the nonlinear characteristics of floating ring bearings by utilizing second-order nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficients. The proposed method replaces traditional analytical solution models with a nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficient model, enhancing both computational efficiency and accuracy. The model is validated through extensive simulations that account for varying clearance ratios and load conditions. The results are compared with those obtained from conventional methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach in accurately capturing the nonlinear behavior of turbocharger floating ring bearings.

Findings
The study finds that the proposed nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficient model significantly enhances computational efficiency while accurately representing the nonlinear characteristics of floating ring bearings. The model not only reduces computation time but also provides a more precise analysis compared to traditional methods. Moreover, the research reveals that the clearance ratio and load conditions of the floating ring bearings have a substantial impact on the nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficients. These findings suggest that the proposed model and method could be highly beneficial for advancing the design and research of floating ring bearings in turbochargers.

Originality/value
With this statement, the authors hereby certify that the manuscript “Investigation on the nonlinear behaviors of floating ring bearings based on nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficient models” submitted to the journal Industrial Lubrication and Tribology is the results of their own effort and ability. They hereby confirm that this manuscript is their original work and has not been published nor has it been submitted simultaneously elsewhere. They further confirm that they have checked the manuscript and have agreed to the submission.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2024-0324/
Optimizing a multimodal hub and spoke network for vaccine distribution using regional vulnerability index during healthcare emergencies
Authors: Kar Biswajit , Jenamani Mamata 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
A vaccination strategy to cover the susceptible population is key to containing the spread of any virus during a healthcare emergency. This study quantifies the susceptibility of a region based on initial infection rates to prioritize optimal vaccine distribution strategies. The authors propose a metric, the regional vulnerability index (RVI), that identifies the degree of susceptibility/vulnerability of a region to virus infections for strategically locating hubs for vaccine storage and distribution.

Design/methodology/approach
A two-phase methodology is used to address this problem. Phase 1 uses a modified Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model, ModSIR, to estimate the RVI. Phase 2 leverages this index to model a P-Center problem, prioritizing vulnerable regions through a Mixed Integer Quadratically Constrained Programming model, along with three variations that incorporate the RVI.

Findings
Results indicate a weighting scheme based on the population-to-RVI ratio fosters fair distribution and equitable coverage of vulnerable regions. Comparisons with the public distribution strategy outlined by the Government of India reveal similar zonal segregations. Additionally, the network generated by our model outperforms the actual distribution network, corroborated by network metrics such as degree centrality, weighted degree centrality and closeness centrality.

Originality/value
This research presents a novel approach to prioritizing vaccine distribution during pandemics by applying epidemiological predictions to an integer-programming framework, optimizing COVID-19 vaccine allocation based on historical infection data. The study highlights the importance of strategic planning in public health response to effectively manage resources in emergencies.
Value reciprocity mechanism in hotels: testing customer participation behaviour and value co-creation as mediators and previous experience as a moderator
Authors: Sadighha Jinous , Pinto Patrícia , Guerreiro Manuela , Campos Ana Cláudia 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study investigates the reciprocity mechanism in value co-creation and clarifies how service providers may effectively trigger customer participation behaviour and boost value co-creation to enhance customer citizenship behaviour, which brings extra benefits for service providers.Design/methodology/approachBy combining equity theory, social exchange theory and co-creation theory, this research proposes a model for the reciprocity mechanism in value co-creation incorporating customer co-creation perception (CCCP) conducting hotel dialogue, access, risk assessment and transparency (DART) activities; customer participation behaviour (CPB – information seeking, information sharing, responsible behaviour and personal interaction); customer citizenship behaviour (CCB – feedback, advocacy, helping and tolerance) and value co-creation in hotels. It also applies script theory to explore how customers’ previous experiences with the hotel may impact the value reciprocity mechanism. The collected data from tourists are analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results confirm that CCCP drives CPB, value co-creation and CCB. CPB also enhances value co-creation, consequently boosting CCB. Moreover, CPB and value co-creation are the reciprocity mechanisms that mediate CCCP to CCB. Findings also reveal that CPB has a greater impact on value co-creation for first-time customers. In contrast, CCCP has a higher effect on value co-creation for repeat customers.Practical implicationsThe proposed model is a managerial tool that assists practitioners in effectively driving customer participation behaviour and improving value co-creation for first-time customers and repeat customers.Originality/valueThis study uncovers the significance of the hospitality service provider’s DART actions in forming customer perceptions and leading customer behaviour towards value co-creation.