Junaid Aftab, Feng Wei, Nabila Abid, Fahad Aftab, Huma Sarwar and Muhammad Ishtiaq Ishaq
The information and communications technology (ICT) industry is revolutionizing the world. However, achieving net zero emissions and sustainable development goals is equally…
Abstract
Purpose
The information and communications technology (ICT) industry is revolutionizing the world. However, achieving net zero emissions and sustainable development goals is equally important. This study uses intellectual capital-based and natural resource-based theories to determine whether green information technology capital (GITC) mediates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental performance. The role of the top management teams (TMT) green commitment as a moderator between CSR and GITC is also hypothesized.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using multi-wave and multi-respondent strategies from 275 ICT firms to examine these relationships. Structural equation modeling was used for analysis.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that CSR significantly and positively impacts environmental performance, with GITC significantly mediating this relationship. Furthermore, the statistical results confirm that TMT’s green commitment significantly strengthens the connection between CSR and GITC.
Originality/value
The significance of TMT’s green commitment as a boundary condition that enhances the effectiveness of strategically aligned CSR practices provides novel theoretical insights to extend the CSR literature. Additionally, it offers practical implications for the managers of ICT firms, which are discussed in detail.
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Rohit Raj, Vimal Kumar, Arpit Singh and Pratima Verma
This study aims to investigate the relationship between patient satisfaction (PS) and the parameters in healthcare and supply chain management (HLSCM).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between patient satisfaction (PS) and the parameters in healthcare and supply chain management (HLSCM).
Design/methodology/approach
The structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method have been employed to identify correlation and possible configuration of causal factors that influence PS, including lack of resilience (LS), lack of visibility (LV), cost management (CM) and integration and interoperability (II).
Findings
The results from SEM confirmed that PS is highly correlated with lack of visibility, CM and II as critical parameters. Moreover, fsQCA findings state that the configuration of high levels of both resilience and lack of visibility, as well as high levels of II, are crucial for PS.
Research limitations/implications
The researchers also identified the configuration of factors that lead to low PS. The study’s results could assist healthcare providers in improving their supply chain operations, resulting in more effective and efficient healthcare service delivery and ultimately improving PS.
Originality/value
The fsQCA method used in the study provides a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between these factors. The inclusion of supply chain management characteristics as parameters in the evaluation of PS is a novel aspect of this research. Previous studies largely focused on more traditional factors such as physical care, waiting times and hospital amenities. By considering supply chain management factors, this study provides insights into an under-explored area of PS research, which has important implications for healthcare providers looking to improve their operations and PS.
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This study aims to focus on the resource-based faultline of a top management team (TMT) and intends to investigate the impact of TMT resource-based faultline on corporate green…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the resource-based faultline of a top management team (TMT) and intends to investigate the impact of TMT resource-based faultline on corporate green innovation, by indicating the environmental management as a mediator and slack resources as a moderator to understand the relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the empirical data of Chinese listed manufacturing companies from 2008 to 2020, this study assesses the hypotheses using an OLS model with fixed effects of time and industry.
Findings
The results indicate that TMT resource-based faultline is significantly negatively correlated with corporate green innovation. The conclusion remains valid after endogeneity tests and robustness checks. Mechanism test shows that environmental management plays a mediating role in the association between TMT resource-based faultline and corporate green innovation. Moreover, slack resources diminish the negative association between TMT resource-based faultline and corporate green innovation.
Originality/value
The study not only expands the theoretical understanding of the deeper motivation of TMT faultline on corporate green innovation, but also provides a practical reference for optimizing the human resource allocation of the TMT and accelerating green transformation development.
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Fernando Navarro-Lucena, Rafael Anaya-Sánchez and Sebastian Molinillo
The aim of this study is to understand how the dimensions of esports streaming viewers’ customer experience influence their intentions to buy brands produced by sponsors, both…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to understand how the dimensions of esports streaming viewers’ customer experience influence their intentions to buy brands produced by sponsors, both directly and through the mediating effect of their identification with players and teams.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an online survey of 396 regular esports viewers in Spain, using convenience sampling. The proposed conceptual model was evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The results showed that the four dimensions of the viewer's customer experience (cognitive, affective, sensory and social) predicted his/her social identification with players/teams. In turn, social identification positively influenced purchase intentions for the sponsoring brand. The cognitive, affective and social dimensions of the experience indirectly influenced purchase intentions for the sponsoring brand, through social identification.
Originality/value
This study improves the understanding of esports viewers’ experiences and their impact on purchase intentions toward the sponsoring brand, and the key role of the viewer’s social identification with players/teams.
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Hans Louis-Charles, Sahar Derakhshan, Amidu Kalokoh, Curtis Brown and Anthony Starke
Recent US federal executive orders have prioritized equity within the federal government, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared equity as a foundational…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent US federal executive orders have prioritized equity within the federal government, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared equity as a foundational pillar in their 2022–2026 Strategic Plan. This research study investigates the distributive equity of the most locally disseminated FEMA grant, the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG).
Design/methodology/approach
The Commonwealth of Virginia was selected for our research study due to its exposure to natural hazards, recent disaster losses, variance among local emergency management programs, and high-profile political disputes against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. EMPG data from 2020 to 2023 were analyzed for correlations with social vulnerability (SoVI®), community resilience (BRIC), previous disaster losses (SHELDUS), and the National Risk Index (NRI). A difference of means test was conducted on the jurisdictions that opted out of participation in the EMPG.
Findings
Virginia’s current EMPG funding is allocated disproportionately to wealthier local jurisdictions with lower social vulnerability, higher community resilience, and lower previous disaster losses. Jurisdictions that opted-out or received the minimum amounts had a disproportionately higher amount of total disaster losses.
Originality/value
This study provides a novel approach to evaluating the equity of public funding dedicated to local disaster preparedness. The findings are instructive to federal lawmakers, state governments and global initiatives in climate resilience with a similar allocation process focused solely on population sizes. The framework of this research study is easily replicable, and the metrics are publicly available for future researchers.
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Saurabh Gupta, Nidhi Mathur and Priyanka
The primary objective of this study is to identify and examine the effects of the various determinants of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT3) model on…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of this study is to identify and examine the effects of the various determinants of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT3) model on multiplayer online mobile games (MPOMGs) adoption and actual play behaviour of young gamers.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used an online survey method to collect data from a sample of 685 Indian youth. The participants were selected using a convenience sampling procedure. Structural equation modelling technique was used to evaluate the sufficiency and structural relationship between the various dimensions of the UTAUT3 model in the context of MPOMG.
Findings
The findings of the study indicate that the dimensions of “Price Value” and “Facilitating Condition” did not show a significant relationship with the play intention of MPOMG among youth. However, the newly introduced dimension, “Personal Innovativeness,” was found to have a significant impact on predicting the play intention of MPOMG.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to young Indian gamers. Therefore, future study is needed to analyse across cultures and regions. Moreover, this study contributes to the existing scholarly literature on the implementation of a newly established technological framework, namely, UTAUT3, in the context of MPOMG research. Hence, this study offers a fresh viewpoint for comprehending the youth’s inclination towards MPOMG. Additionally, various determinants the affects the MPOMG adoption and play behaviour is highly relevant for industry managers and game developers to create MPOMG, that are more likely to attract and retain users, leading to increased levels of engagement and success.
Originality/value
UTAUT3 is a novel framework to determine the technology adoption in a different context. UTAUT3 model is still unexplored and adopted in MPOMG play intention research. Therefore, this study provides a novel perspective to understand the youth’s intention to play the MPOMG in the newly developed technology adoption model perspective.
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This study aims to explore the relationship between energy management practices – specifically energy consumption targets, energy efficiency improvement measures and energy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the relationship between energy management practices – specifically energy consumption targets, energy efficiency improvement measures and energy consumption monitoring – and firm performance in the developing economies of Egypt and Tunisia. It seeks to determine how these practices impact total sales performance, providing insights for regional firms and policymakers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses data from the World Bank’s 2020 Enterprise Survey, focusing on firms in Egypt and Tunisia. This study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze the impact of energy management practices on total sales performance.
Findings
The findings reveal that, while energy consumption targets do not directly affect total sales performance in Tunisia, they significantly enhance energy efficiency improvement measures and energy consumption monitoring, indirectly influencing total sales performance. This finding highlights the critical role of comprehensive energy management strategies in improving firm performance.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to firms in Egypt and Tunisia, with cross-sectional data that do not capture the dynamic interactions of the variables over time. Future research should consider longitudinal data and expand this study to other developing economies. Using single-item measures for each variable suggests that more nuanced, multi-item measures could offer more profound insights.
Practical implications
For firms in Egypt and Tunisia, adopting comprehensive energy management practices, such as setting energy consumption targets, implementing energy efficiency measures and monitoring energy consumption, can lead to better sales performance by reducing energy costs, which can be reinvested in core business activities. Policymakers should support these practices through incentives and policies that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by offering empirical evidence of the indirect impact of energy consumption targets on firm performance in developing economies. This underscores the importance of integrated energy management strategies to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mainly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), providing valuable insights for both policymakers and practitioners.
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Kshitiz Kumar, Sameer Anand and Saurav Datta
This study aims to fabricate IN718 parts through laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) at varied scanning speeds. In the as built condition, studies on location-specific microstructure…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to fabricate IN718 parts through laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) at varied scanning speeds. In the as built condition, studies on location-specific microstructure evolution followed by characterization of mechanical properties such as tensile properties (ultimate tensile strength and % elongation) and microhardness are carried out. The obtained mechanical properties are correlated with part porosity/relative density. The as built specimens are then post-heat treated (homogenization treatment followed by double-stage aging). The microstructure and microhardness of the as built specimens are compared to that of the post-heat treated as well as conventional wrought counterparts.
Design/methodology/approach
Required numbers of tensile coupons (flat orientation; 0° w.r.t. the build platform) are fabricated through L-PBF at two different scanning velocities (s = 700 mm/s and s = 1,000 mm/s) keeping constant laser power, layer thickness, hatch distance and scan pattern. Tensile properties are determined through uniaxial tensile testing while microstructural features are observed through optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Hardness measurements are carried out at Vickers micro-indentation hardness tester. The post-heat treatment schedule is designed with homogenization treatment (1186°C, 40 min + air quenching) followed by double-stage aging – 1st stage aging (720°C, 8 h + furnace cool) and 2nd stage aging (625°C, 8 h + air quenching).
Findings
It is experienced that scan speed exhibits a direct relationship with part porosity and an inverse relationship with part tensile strength. With increase in scan speed, microhardness declines due to increased part porosity. The as built microstructure is decorated with very fine columnar/cellular dendrites. Along the building plane, majority of the grains exhibit directional solidification and hence columnar dendrites are mostly aligned along the building direction. On the other hand, microstructure consists of mostly Equiaxed cells when viewed on a plane perpendicular to the build direction. The fine dendritic features of the as built microstructure disappear after post-heat treatment. The post-heat-treated microstructure is found to be almost similar to the wrought alloy. The post-heat treated specimens exhibit higher microhardness than the as built IN718 due to precipitation strengthening taking place during aging treatments.
Originality/value
L-PBF is an efficient additive manufacturing route appropriate to fabricate small-to-medium sized parts with extreme degree of design complicacy. IN718 is a widely used aerospace superalloy known as “difficult-to-machine.” When compared to conventional machining, additive fabrication of IN718 is beneficial and it improves buy-to-fly ratio. However, the L-PBF process is greatly influenced by a huge parametric set which is different to control. Moreover, the process experiences heat accumulation effect and exhibits directional dependency on microstructure as well as mechanical properties. The post-heat treatment is thus attempted to homogenize the as built microstructure and to ensure isotropic properties. Hence, precise control of L-PBF parameters and determining an optimal heat treatment schedule are indeed required. The present research provides an insight to aforesaid issues. The outcome of the work is helpful for academic practitioners and it has strong industrial relevance.
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Sudev Dutta, Sudhanshu Dogra and Sumit Sharma
The demand of species monitoring for the benefit of various sectors such as industrial, medicinal and ecological has surged rapidly in the recent past. Therefore, the purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
The demand of species monitoring for the benefit of various sectors such as industrial, medicinal and ecological has surged rapidly in the recent past. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to articulate the major developments in synthesizing conductive inks for the structurization of miniaturized as well as disposable or reusable electrochemical equipments.
Design/methodology/approach
This section is not applicable to a review paper.
Findings
Numerous times the need for the use point becomes significant for achieving accurate as well as swift quantification. As an alternate, the wearable and effectual reuseable electrochemical sensors are being practiced. The technique of fabricating devices using conductive inks encompasses novelty, as it provides flexibility in designing the electrodes. The increase in the popularity of inks development is governed by its features of simplicity, reduced cost and waste generation, high production and eco-friendly engineering procedures. Further, the electrochemistry aspects of conductive inks highlighting the importance of their compounds and binders has also been discussed emphasizing on the conductive materials.
Originality/value
This paper is an original review work. This paper will be helpful for manufacturers/researchers from smart wearable textile sector in envisaging innovative developing techniques of sensors as well as biosensors through conductive inks.
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Jairo Dote-Pardo, José Miguel Contreras-Henríquez and Maria Teresa Espinosa Jaramillo
This paper analyzes the dynamics of agency costs in family firms through a systematic literature review, focusing on the interplay of governance mechanisms, institutional contexts…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper analyzes the dynamics of agency costs in family firms through a systematic literature review, focusing on the interplay of governance mechanisms, institutional contexts and socioemotional wealth.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review of 91 articles published between 2010 and 2024 was made. The data was sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases using a search strategy emphasizing agency theory, family enterprises and emerging economies. Quantitative analysis identified key themes, influential authors and emerging trends, while qualitative synthesis provided deeper insights into governance practices and agency dynamics.
Findings
The study highlights the dual nature of family ownership as both a stabilizing force and a source of agency conflicts. While concentrated ownership aligns family and firm interests, it can lead to principal–principal conflicts, such as earnings management and minority shareholder expropriation, particularly in weak institutional contexts. Governance mechanisms, including board independence, external directors and professional management, are critical for mitigating agency costs but are often constrained by socioemotional wealth considerations.
Originality/value
The findings underscore the pivotal role of institutional environments in shaping governance practices and the performance of family firms. The study offers actionable insights for family business leaders, policymakers and practitioners.