Search results

1 – 10 of 115
Article
Publication date: 11 October 2024

Carlos Cabral-Cardoso and Reinaldo Sousa Santos

Taking the subordinates’ perspective, this paper aims to explore the supervisor-subordinate relationships and how daily interactions, personal ties and connections with the…

Abstract

Purpose

Taking the subordinates’ perspective, this paper aims to explore the supervisor-subordinate relationships and how daily interactions, personal ties and connections with the supervisors contribute more significantly, positively or negatively, to the subordinates’ well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study is based on the thematic analysis of data collected from two rounds of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 21 participants in a Portuguese utility company.

Findings

The subordinates’ perceptions of the nature and quality of their relationships with supervisors were found to have considerable effects on well-being. Positive effects were identified when subordinates feel emotionally supported and believe that supervisors truly care about them and are genuinely willing to listen to their concerns, but the most significant effects on the subordinates’ well-being are produced when the perceived authenticity of the supervisor allows the relationship to evolve into a state of relational closeness, and the subordinates connect with the person-as-real, the human being behind the mask who is playing the supervisory role. These findings reflect features of the cultural setting where the study was conducted.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence to support the argument that a better understanding of supervisor-subordinate relationships and their effects on well-being requires an integrated approach that considers the valuable contributions of different literatures and theoretical frameworks and the multiple dimensions of that relationship, including personal and non-work dimensions. This approach is particularly relevant in cultural contexts where these dimensions might play a critical role in work relations.

Proposito

Tomando la perspectiva de los subordinados, el artículo explora las relaciones supervisor-subordinado y cómo las interacciones diarias, los vínculos personales y las conexiones con los supervisores contribuyen de manera más significativa, positiva o negativamente, al bienestar de los subordinados.

Metodología

Este estudio exploratorio se basa en el análisis temático de los datos recopilados en dos rondas de entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad con veintiún participantes en una empresa de servicios públicos portuguesa.

Resultados

Se encontró que las percepciones de los subordinados sobre la naturaleza y calidad de sus relaciones con los supervisores tienen efectos considerables en el bienestar. Se identificaron efectos positivos cuando los subordinados se sienten apoyados emocionalmente por los supervisores y creen que realmente se preocupan con elles y están genuinamente dispuestos a escuchar sus preocupaciones. Los efectos más significativos en el bienestar de los subordinados se producen cuando la autenticidad percibida de los supervisores permite que la relación evolucione hacia un estado de cercanía relacional, y los subordinados se conectan con la persona real, el ser humano detrás de la máscara, que es el supervisor.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio proporciona evidencia que respalda la idea de que una mejor comprensión de las relaciones supervisor-subordinado y sus efectos en el bienestar requiere un enfoque integrado que tenga en cuenta las valiosas contribuciones de diferentes literaturas y marcos teóricos y las múltiples dimensiones de esa relación, incluidas las dimensiones personales y no laborales, para dar sentido a las relaciones supervisor-subordinado en contextos culturales donde podrían desempeñar un papel fundamental.

Objetivo

A partir da perspectiva dos subordinados, o artigo explora as relações supervisor-subordinado e como as interações diárias, os laços pessoais e as ligações com os supervisores contribuem de forma mais significativa, positiva ou negativamente, para o bem-estar dos subordinados.

Metodologia

Este estudo exploratório baseia-se na aplicação da análise temática aos dados recolhidos em duas rondas de entrevistas semiestruturadas e em profundidade a vinte e um participantes, em exercício de funções em empresa portuguesa de serviços públicos.

Resultados

Os dados recolhidos permitem concluir que as percepções dos subordinados sobre a natureza e a qualidade das suas relações com os supervisores têm efeitos consideráveis no bem-estar. Foram identificados efeitos positivos quando os subordinados sentem que os supervisores os apoiam emocionalmente e realmente se preocupam com os subordinados e estão genuinamente dispostos a ouvir as suas preocupações. Os efeitos mais significativos no bem-estar são obtidos quando dos subordinados percepcionam a autenticidade do supervisor, permitindo que o relacionamento evolua para um estado de proximidade relacional, e os subordinados se conectam com a pessoa real, o ser humano por detrás da máscara: o supervisor.

Originalidade/valor

O estudo fornece evidência que permite sustentar o argumento segundo o qual uma melhor compreensão das relações supervisor-subordinado e dos seus efeitos no bem-estar exige uma abordagem integrada que tenha em conta as contribuições valiosas de diferentes literaturas e quadros teóricos e as múltiplas dimensões da relação supervisor-subordinado, incluindo a dimensão pessoal e não profissional, particularmente relevantes em contextos culturais em que estas podem desempenhar um papel crítico.

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2024

Guilherme Fonseca Gonçalves, Rui Pedro Cardoso Coelho and Igor André Rodrigues Lopes

The purpose of this research is to establish a robust numerical framework for the calibration of macroscopic constitutive parameters, based on the analysis of polycrystalline RVEs…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to establish a robust numerical framework for the calibration of macroscopic constitutive parameters, based on the analysis of polycrystalline RVEs with computational homogenisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This framework is composed of four building-blocks: (1) the multi-scale model, consisting of polycrystalline RVEs, where the grains are modelled with anisotropic crystal plasticity, and computational homogenisation to link the scales, (2) a set of loading cases to generate the reference responses, (3) the von Mises elasto-plastic model to be calibrated, and (4) the optimisation algorithms to solve the inverse identification problem. Several optimisation algorithms are assessed through a reference identification problem. Thereafter, different calibration strategies are tested. The accuracy of the calibrated models is evaluated by comparing their results against an FE2 model and experimental data.

Findings

In the initial tests, the LIPO optimiser performs the best. Good results accuracy is obtained with the calibrated constitutive models. The computing time needed by the FE2 simulations is 5 orders of magnitude larger, compared to the standard macroscopic simulations, demonstrating how this framework is suitable to obtain efficient micro-mechanics-informed constitutive models.

Originality/value

This contribution proposes a numerical framework, based on FE2 and macro-scale single element simulations, where the calibration of constitutive laws is informed by multi-scale analysis. The most efficient combination of optimisation algorithm and definition of the objective function is studied, and the robustness of the proposed approach is demonstrated by validation with both numerical and experimental data.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2024

Sharen Paine and Jeff Foote

Health systems worldwide are hampered by disconnects between governance, management, and operations, which negatively impact on their ability to deliver efficient, effective, and…

Abstract

Purpose

Health systems worldwide are hampered by disconnects between governance, management, and operations, which negatively impact on their ability to deliver efficient, effective, and safe healthcare services. This paper shows how insights from the Viable System Model (VSM) can help us to conceptualise health system disconnects impacting specialist clinical services and develop solutions to address organisational fragmentation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a specialist clinical service was undertaken, where the VSM was used to guide semi-structured interviews and workshops with clinicians and managers and analysis of findings.

Findings

The VSM provides a coherent way to conceptualise the disconnects and identify their structural underpinnings. Three novel organisational pathologies emerged from the study.

Research limitations/implications

This New Zealand-based study was undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of major health system reform, introducing uncertainty into service provision that may have impacted stakeholders’ views.

Practical implications

The three novel pathologies affect how health systems define their services, their understanding of the management function, and the importance of coordination. The resulting clarity of functioning could improve service quality, staff and patient satisfaction, and the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare service delivery.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the VSM literature on organisational pathologies by providing three novel pathologies for a perspective that may be useful beyond healthcare and invites consideration of health system disconnects as a coherent field of study.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Camila Cristina Avelar de Sousa, Luccas de Jesus Pereira dos Santos, Mauricio Costa Alves da Silva and Carlos Pasqualin Cavalheiro

Meat is a crucial source of protein and other nutrients for human health. However, excessive consumption of meat products is not advisable due to their elevated sodium and animal…

Abstract

Purpose

Meat is a crucial source of protein and other nutrients for human health. However, excessive consumption of meat products is not advisable due to their elevated sodium and animal fat levels. Hence, there is a strong recommendation for reducing sodium and fat content in meat products. This study aims to delve into the current sodium, total and saturated fat content of meat products in the Brazilian market.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,600 products underwent analysis.

Findings

The highest sodium concentrations were identified in jerked beef (5.48 g/100 g), charqui (5.21 g/100 g) and salted pork meat (2.58 g/100 g). In contrast, the highest total and saturated fat levels were observed in bacon (35.33 and 12.50 g/100 g), salami (26.00 and 9.25 g/100 g) and pork coppa (22.00 and 9.75 g/100 g). Most meat products were categorized as medium in terms of sodium (77.75%), total fat (52.93%) and saturated fat (48.25%). However, many meat products exhibited high total and saturated fat levels.

Originality/value

This study represents the first comprehensive examination of the sodium, total fat and saturated fat content listed on the labels of many meat products in Brazil.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Manoj Kumar Verma and Mayank Yuvaraj

In recent years, instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp have gained substantial popularity in both academic and practical domains. However, despite this growth, there is a lack…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp have gained substantial popularity in both academic and practical domains. However, despite this growth, there is a lack of a comprehensive overview of the literature in this field. The primary purpose of this study is to bridge this gap by analyzing a substantial dataset of 12,947 articles retrieved from the Dimensions.ai, database spanning from 2011 to March 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the authors' objective, the authors employ bibliometric analysis techniques. The authors delve into various bibliometric networks, including citation networks, co-citation networks, collaboration networks, keywords and bibliographic couplings. These methods allow for the uncovering of the social and conceptual structures within the academic discourse surrounding WhatsApp.

Findings

The authors' analysis reveals several significant findings. Firstly, the authors observe a remarkable and continuous growth in the number of academic studies dedicated to WhatsApp over time. Notably, two prevalent themes emerge: the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the role of WhatsApp in the realm of social media. Furthermore, the authors' study highlights diverse applications of WhatsApp, including its utilization in education and learning, as a communication tool, in medical education, cyberpsychology, security, psychology and behavioral learning.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the field by offering a comprehensive overview of the scholarly research landscape related to WhatsApp. The findings not only illuminate the burgeoning interest in WhatsApp among researchers but also provide insights into the diverse domains where WhatsApp is making an impact. The analysis of bibliometric networks offers a unique perspective on the social and conceptual structures within this field, shedding light on emerging trends and influential research. This study thus serves as a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners and policymakers seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of WhatsApp research. The study will also be useful for researchers interested in conducting bibliometric analysis using Dimensions.ai, a free database.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Lu (Monroe) Meng, Jiuqi Chen, Mengya Yang and Yijie Wang

This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of customer inoculation strategies in the context of AI service failures in the hospitality and tourism industries. Furthermore, it…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of customer inoculation strategies in the context of AI service failures in the hospitality and tourism industries. Furthermore, it examines how these strategies can enhance customer complaint behavior and satisfaction with service recovery, thereby improving the overall service experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Four distinct studies were conducted: Study 1 investigated the influence of customer inoculation on complaint behavior post-AI service failure. Study 2 assessed the impact of service remedies on customer satisfaction. Study 3 explored the implications of initial purchase and usage intentions. Finally, Study 4 validated the findings using a large-scale online survey.

Findings

The results indicated that customer inoculation significantly increases customer complaint behavior and satisfaction with service remedies following AI service failures. They also showed that this relationship is mediated by psychological distance. Furthermore, customer inoculation positively affects initial purchase and usage intentions, demonstrating effectiveness at various customer engagement stages.

Practical implications

This study enriches the literature on AI hospitality service failure and recovery by introducing the novel concept of customer inoculation. Additionally, it significantly contributes to the inoculation theory literature, which covers diverse fields. Practically, this study proposes an efficient and low-cost strategy for marketers.

Originality/value

This study introduces the concept of customer inoculation in the context of AI service failures, a novel approach in the hospitality and tourism literature. It provides empirical evidence of the efficacy of the strategy, bridging a crucial gap in understanding customer behavior in the face of technological disruptions.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 October 2024

Edward C.S. Ku

Airports are an essential part of the airline value chains. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are widely used at airports; the study aims to explore how the virtual…

Abstract

Purpose

Airports are an essential part of the airline value chains. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are widely used at airports; the study aims to explore how the virtual integration competence and the perceived warmth of AI in airports increase customer service competencies and satisfy their passengers.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the perspectives of digital competencies and hybrid intelligence, a continued usage intention model was analyzed using the partial least squares approach; this study used purposed sampling to collect data from those airports; participants who adopted the AI service in airports in Beijing, Taipei and Singapore who have the potential to use AI service usage experience more than three times and 384 completed questionnaires were analyzed.

Findings

AI innovations serve human tasks at airports and analytics applications as change drivers and can replace legacy procedures. The research findings help point out the perceived warmth of AI and the virtual integration competence of airports utilizing the intimacy of AI services.

Originality/value

AI innovations provide a service change to replace human tasks and intelligence and analytics applications at airports. AI services are a powerful tool for airports to serve their passengers efficiently; airports will collaborate with airlines to offer AI services to passengers.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Shahriar Abubakri, Pritpal S. Mangat, Konstantinos Grigoriadis and Vincenzo Starinieri

Microwave curing (MC) can facilitate rapid concrete repair in cold climates without using conventional accelerated curing technologies which are environmentally unsustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

Microwave curing (MC) can facilitate rapid concrete repair in cold climates without using conventional accelerated curing technologies which are environmentally unsustainable. Accelerated curing of concrete under MC can contribute to the decarbonisation of the environment and provide economies in construction in several ways such as reducing construction time, energy efficiency, lower cement content, lower carbonation risk and reducing emissions from equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates moisture loss and pore properties of six cement-based proprietary concrete repair materials subjected to MC. The impact of MC on these properties is critically important for its successful implementation in practice and current literature lacks this information. Specimens were microwave cured for 40–45 min to surface temperatures between 39.9 and 44.1 °C. The fast-setting repair material was microwave cured for 15 min to 40.7 °C. MC causes a higher water loss which shows the importance of preventing drying during MC and the following 24 h.

Findings

Portland cement-based normal density repair mortars, including materials incorporating pfa and polymer latex, benefit from the thermal effect of MC on hydration, resulting in up to 24% reduction in porosity relative to normal curing. Low density and flowing repair materials suffer an increase in porosity up to 16% due to MC. The moisture loss at the end of MC and after 24h is related to the mix water content and porosity, respectively.

Originality/value

The research on the application of MC for rapid repair of concrete is original. The research was funded by the European commission following a very rigorous and competitive review process which ensured its originality. Original data on the parameters of porosity and moisture loss under MC are provided for different generic cementitious repair materials which have not been studied before. Application of MC to concrete construction especially in cold climates will provide environmental, economic and energy benefits.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2024

Mike Christenson

This project examines digital modeling strategies for existing buildings. In this context, it aims to question assumptions about the need for geometric accuracy and the efficacy…

Abstract

Purpose

This project examines digital modeling strategies for existing buildings. In this context, it aims to question assumptions about the need for geometric accuracy and the efficacy of predefined ontologies. As a counterpoint to prevailing digital modeling strategies, this project proposes a digital modeling approach using a project-specific, emergent ontology.

Design/methodology/approach

Nishiki Market, in Kyoto, Japan, is studied as a test case. The emergent-ontology modeling process is introduced with an initial minimal set of operations including basic fold and trim operations applicable to surfaces. As the model develops iteratively, new situations are encountered for which existing rules are insufficient. In response, the model maker’s subjective judgment is invoked to introduce new operations, and ontological rules are allowed to expand.

Findings

The emergent-ontology approach, when executed on the Nishiki Market test case, enables representation of specific architectural qualities, highlighting semantic distinctions between digitally modeled elements of real-world features. The modeling approach generated project-specific knowledge, informing disciplinary understanding. Ontological emergence enabled semantic relationships to be disclosed and newly constructed.

Originality/value

The project proposes a novel methodology using an emergent ontology for digitally modeling existing buildings. Instead of remaining within the limitations a predefined ontology, the model maker’s subjective decisions shape the model’s ongoing development. This interpretive approach allows project-specific knowledge generation while challenging prevailing assumptions about accuracy and consistency in digital models of existing buildings.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2023

Kawaljit Singh Randhawa

The purpose of this study is to prepare a state-of-the-art review on advanced ceramic materials including their fabrication techniques, characteristics, applications and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to prepare a state-of-the-art review on advanced ceramic materials including their fabrication techniques, characteristics, applications and wettability.

Design/methodology/approach

This review paper presents the various types of advanced ceramic materials according to their compounding elements, fabrication techniques of advanced ceramic powders as well as their consolidation, their characteristics, applications and wetting properties. Hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of advanced ceramic materials are described in the paper with their state-of-the-art application areas. Optical properties of fine ceramics with their intrinsic characteristics are also presented within. Special focus is given to the brief description of application-based manipulation of wetting properties of advanced ceramics in the paper.

Findings

The study of wetting/hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of ceramic materials is important by which it can be further modified to achieve the required applications. It also makes some sense that the material should be tested for its wetting properties when it is going to be used in some important applications like biomedical and dental. Also, these advanced ceramics are now often used in the fabrication of filters and membranes to purify liquid/water so the study of wetting characteristics of these materials becomes essential. The optical properties of advanced ceramics are equally making them suitable for many state-of-the-art applications. Dental, medical, imaging and electronics are the few sectors that use advanced ceramics for their optical properties.

Originality/value

This review paper includes various advanced ceramic materials according to their compounding elements, different fabrication techniques of powders and their consolidation, their characteristics, various application area and hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

1 – 10 of 115