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This study investigates the caste-based disparities in employment probabilities and wage earnings within India’s rapidly growing IT industry, using insights from the labour market segmentation theory. Our theoretical conceptualization attempts to pin down the inaccessibility of marginalised sections of the population to the high productivity job market.

We rely on the National Sample Survey rounds of 2011–2012 and 2020–2021 to estimate employment probabilities and wage differentials using linear and logic regression models, controlling for educational attainments and other important determinants of individual’s job market outcomes.

The results indicate a significant −1.24 odds differential, even after considering education and other control variables. Notably, this disparity has increased since 2011–2012, with lower caste graduate pass-outs facing a mere 13% probability of IT sector employment compared to their upper caste counterparts at 41%. Further, our findings expose gender and rural-urban differentials, highlighting the vulnerability faced by females and individuals from rural areas. The wage analysis shows a 24% and a 22% earning gap for SCs and OBCs, respectively, which remain statistically significant even after controlling for educational attainments and employment arrangements.

This is first micro-level study that counters Indian IT sector’s claim of “castelessness” and “pro-merit”, identifying significant presence of labour market segmentation in the sector. The caste-based labour market segmentation has far-reaching consequences as it can perpetuate income inequalities and hurt industrial efficiency, stifling economic growth in the long-run. Concerted policy responses are imperative to eliminate structural barriers, ensuring equitable access to quality education and employment opportunities for marginalized sections of the society.

Reactive dyes are believed to have great potential for nylon dyeing, but these anionic dyes tend to rush toward the nylon at the beginning of the process, resulting in uneven dyeing. Achieving uniformity gets even harder when the dyeing is performed under exposure to eco-friendly technique microwave irradiations. This study aims to achieve rapid and homogenous results by intermittent shaking and non-continuous exposure to microwave.

A set of reactive red dyes, based on the same chromophore and different substituents in the auxochrome part, was applied to the nylon fabric without any leveling agent. A series of experiments were designed to investigate the effect of different dye structures, exhaustion pH, liquor ratio, exhaustion time and fixation time to obtain an optimum recipe under the microwave dyeing technique.

Dyeing performance was characterized based on the color strength, exhaustion and fixation percentages and color fastness values. The characterization showed that better results can be achieved at a liquor ratio of 1:15 at exhaustion pH 2.7 which is also the isoelectric point of nylon, with 5.5 to 7 min of exhaustion and 6 to 8 min of fixation time for different dyes. Microwave dyed samples secured higher color strength values and provided better exhaustion and fixation than the conventional dye samples. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction results verified that there was no considerable difference in the morphological structure of nylon with microwave exposure.

An applied technique is disclosed in this work to achieve uniform dyeing on nylon 66 with reactive dyes without any leveling agent under exposure to eco-friendly rapid heating microwave irradiations.

This study explores the role of knowledge management capabilities (KMCs) in enhancing competitive advantage and organisational performance in fashion retailing. Employing the resource-based view (RBV) and knowledge-based view (KBV) perspectives, it investigates the interplay between managing knowledge effectively and fashion products’ complexity. The goal is to provide new insights into optimising KMC for greater agility and success in the fashion retail industry.

The study analysed survey data from 322 US fashion retail professionals using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

The results revealed that knowledge infrastructure capability enhanced both competitive advantage and organisational performance significantly. In contrast, knowledge process capability did not significantly affect competitive advantage, it improved organisational performance. Importantly, product complexity moderated the relationship between competitive advantage and organisational performance negatively.

This study underscores the necessity for retailers in the fashion industry to enhance their KMC to bolster competitive advantage and organisational performance, while it also acknowledges product complexity’s effect on these strategies. These insights offer actionable guidance for industry leaders to optimise knowledge management to navigate the rapidly evolving retail landscape.

This research offers novel insights into the interplay of product complexity and KMC in fashion retail and highlights the unique effects on competitive advantage and organisational performance valuable for both academia and industry.

The purpose of this study is to highlight the threats related to the utilization of synthetic fibers. Volatile organic compounds, particulates and acid gases are released during the production of polyester and other synthetic textiles. Polyester is problematic solid waste material as it takes centuries to break down and hence causes microplastic pollution. Biodegradable synthetic solutions for the replacement of polyester are a sustainable business marketing these days. The naNia fiber is the breakthrough product and it is claimed a biodegradable, compostable and toxin-free polymer.

In this research, fabric constructed of naNia fiber was dyed with the extract of naturally occurring Lawsonia inermis (henna) plant leaves. The henna dye was extracted in water and ethanol using different methods, and the better extract was selected by the evaluation of ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and phytochemical analysis. Henna with ethanol extract showed more desirable results hence it was selected to dye naNia fabric. To improve dyeability, premordanting, simultaneous mordanting and postmordanting were done using chitosan, fresh lemon extract and tannic acid, respectively. The dyed fabric samples were subjected to color strength analysis and multiple colorfastness tests.

The colorfastness test has shown good to excellent results. Scanning electron microscope analysis had also shown the attachment of dye molecules to the filaments. This study revealed that henna dye is appropriate to color naNia fiber even without the aid of a mordant.

For the first time, toxicant-free, biodegradable polyester (naNia) is successfully dyed with sustainable and naturally available dyes and mordants.

The purpose of this study is to examine how capital structure mediates the effects of corporate governance (CG) compliance on firm performance (FP) in the context of a developing market experiencing significant reforms to its governance landscape.

An index was built to measure firm-level compliance with Pakistan’s code of CG. Several robustness checks were performed, including alternate proxies of dependent and independent variables, using additional control variables and considering the Global Financial Crisis period. To address dynamic effects and endogeneity, several identification strategies were used: a leading dependent variable, fixed effects model, generalised method of moments model and propensity score matching.

CG compliance leads to higher FP. However, higher leverage partially and negatively mediates this association. The results of this study are robust against alternate proxies of dependent and independent variables and possible endogeneity issues.

This study constructs a summative measure of CG compliance that captures not only firm-level compliance to the prescribed codes but also the benefits of incremental improvements and reforms in the governance of the Pakistan market. This study offers insights into an emerging market, contributing further empirical evidence to support greater market transparency through mechanisms such as CG compliance and the monitoring effects of debt. However, this study cautions that greater compliance raises costs, especially when associated with higher leverage, and can undermine FP.

This research aims to explore the effects of varying polycarbonate concentrations on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resin–polycarbonate blends. It investigates solution blending, casting methodologies and surface morphology to understand microstructural changes. The study identifies optimal polycarbonate ratios (7.5–10%) for enhancing tensile strength, impact resistance and thermal stability.

The study used solution blending to create epoxy resin-polycarbonate blends (2.5–15%), followed by film casting. Thermo-mechanical properties were tested via tensile strength, impact resistance and TGA. Surface morphology was examined to assess microstructural changes across blend ratios.

The research revealed that epoxy resin-polycarbonate blends exhibit enhanced mechanical and thermal properties at specific polycarbonate concentrations. Optimal performance was observed at 7.5 and 10% polycarbonate, showing significant improvements in tensile strength, impact resistance and thermal stability as confirmed by TGA. Surface morphology analysis highlighted microstructural changes corresponding to different blend ratios, underscoring the critical role of polycarbonate proportions in achieving superior material characteristics.

The research found that incorporating polycarbonate into epoxy resin significantly enhances mechanical and thermal properties, with the best results observed at 7.5 and 10% polycarbonate concentrations. These blends demonstrated improved tensile strength, impact resistance and thermal stability. Surface morphology analysis revealed notable microstructural changes, highlighting the importance of precise polycarbonate ratios in optimizing the performance of the blends.

This study aims to empirically examine the role of privacy, security, trust and autonomy in Millennials’ continued use of online dating applications. Emerging markets have been famous for their rapid modernization, growth and cultural shifts. Yet, consumer worries about online dating consumption need to be addressed in the literature through a better understanding of their behavioural intentions. This study examines the interplay of the underlying variables by testing a conceptual framework grounded on the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the self-determination theory (SDT) and the information systems continuance theory (ISCT) with regard to an emerging market.

A cross-sectional and quantitative research design is adopted. Using a well-designed structured questionnaire adapted from established scales, data was collected through a survey featuring 332 substantive responses from actively involved Millennial users of online dating apps in India. The data was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) through IBM SPSS AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) 24.0 to provide evidence of the reliability and validity of constructs alongside testing the hypothesis in the proposed model. Furthermore, Preacher and Hayes’ (2004) approach is used to explore mediation effects.

The results show that autonomy and trust positively affect the continued use of online dating apps. The study further reveals that autonomous behaviour motivates Millennials to use online dating apps, overriding their concerns for privacy and security. Furthermore, the results indicate that trust fully mediates the relationship between concern for privacy, perceived security and continued usage intention. Therefore, trust affects users’ intentions to continue using online dating apps as it bridges the effect of users’ concern for privacy and the perceived security in the online dating platform, making these dimensions relevant as a whole.

This study provides critical insights into the theory and practice. The findings demonstrate that autonomy is more significant in motivating Millennials to use online dating apps than concerns about privacy and perceptions of security. In addition, trust plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between these variables. Therefore, app developers, app marketers and app stores can use the findings to motivate Millennials to continue using their platforms by encouraging a sense of freedom and a better inner self, fostering engagement and conveying user trust.

Several studies have investigated the pre-adoption behaviour of users of online dating apps, and little attention has been paid to continuance usage. This study provides a unique theoretical research model and perspective for online dating apps that uncovers the role of concern for privacy, perceived security and trust that affect post-adoption behaviour by integrating the TRA, SDT and ISCT. This integration offers a more futuristic and refined perspective on human behaviour by considering both cognitive and motivational aspects. The study establishes that autonomy outweighs concern for privacy and perceived security.

The present study adopted a system thinking methodology to investigate the influence of top management commitment (TMC) on sustainable risk management (SRM) influenced by stakeholder pressures.

Three variables and 23 measurement items were derived from existing literature sources. Moreover, the methodology employed for data collection in this study involved a questionnaire. The constructs previously documented in the literature were utilized as the foundation for developing the questionnaire. Of 220 sent questionnaires, 106 valid responses were used for further analysis. To enhance objectivity, a causal loop diagram and a stock and flow diagram were created using a system thinking approach. These visual representations aim to illustrate the impact of top management factors on SRM under stakeholder pressure-related factors.

The results of the descriptive test indicate that the safety and quality issues emerged as the most significant, with the highest mean impact of 4.08 on sustainable risk impact assessments. Employee influence on customer relationships also showed a high mean impact of 4.08, while understanding customer requirements closely followed with a mean of 3.98. Additionally, causal loop analysis uncovered complex interconnections among these factors, emphasizing the intricate nature of SRM. Further, a five-year simulation analysis highlighted that SRM effectiveness is significantly enhanced when top management fosters a robust organizational culture. These findings emphasize the critical roles of safety, quality and customer-focused factors in sustainability, underscoring the importance of leadership in fostering effective, holistic sustainability and risk management strategies.

This research highlights top management’s pivotal role in effective SRM by integrating sustainability into core strategies. It identifies critical factors and emphasizes the solid organizational culture fostered by senior management, which is essential for long-term SRM effectiveness. The study’s focus on safety, quality and customer relations underscores the need for comprehensive sustainability strategies.

This study aims to investigate the influence of chief executive officer (CEO) trustworthiness on firm investment efficiency and explores how this relationship varies in different contexts, including product market competition (PMC), institutional investors, media coverage, analyst monitoring and ownership structure.

The authors examined a sample of A-Share non-financial firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2005–2018 by using panel date regression techniques. The robustness of the findings is affirmed through alternative measures of investment efficiency and various econometric techniques. Further, various endogeneity tests are conducted to confirm that the findings are not affected by potential bias.

The authors find a significant positive effect of CEO trustworthiness on firms’ investment efficiency and exhibit that CEO trustworthiness mitigates the issue of underinvestment rather than overinvestment. Further, PMC strengthens the association between CEO trustworthiness and investment efficiency. The influence is more pronounced when institutional investors, media and analyst monitoring are low and in non state-owned firms. Likewise, financial reporting quality is found to be an underlying mechanism for the positive association between CEO trustworthiness and investment efficiency.

The reliance on a location-specific index of CEO trustworthiness may obscure its true nature, and caution is warranted when generalizing these results to other regions.

This study suggests that elevating a trustworthy CEO to the firm upper echelon can improve investment efficiency. Policymakers and investors should recognize and leverage the effect of CEO trustworthiness in firms, especially those with weaker governance structures.

This study enriches the literature about investment efficiency by introducing a novel determinant, CEO trustworthiness and establishes that it acts as an informal social institution that improves firms’ resource utilization in emerging economies with weak governing structures.

The study seeks to explore the intricate dynamics among customer relationship management (CRM) practices, guest satisfaction and loyalty in the hospitality context. Additionally, it aims to examine the moderating influence of guest engagement on the relationships between CRM practices and guest satisfaction and loyalty.

An integrated theoretical framework is developed by incorporating CRM practices and guest engagement into the satisfaction-loyalty framework. Two research instruments were adapted from the literature to assess the perspectives of customers and employees in the hotel industry in Kashmir. The customer survey measured guest satisfaction, loyalty, and engagement, while the employee survey focused on CRM practices, including key customer focus and CRM organization. Data was collected using a pen-and-paper survey with convenience sampling across 10 qualifying hotels, each classified as 3-star or above. A total of 270 matched responses from guests and employees were obtained and analyzed using descriptive analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), and moderation analysis with SPSS and AMOS software. The study utilized a rigorous data matching process to ensure reliability, with guest-employee pairs verified and cross-checked with hotel records.

The results indicate CRM practices play a pivotal role in shaping guest satisfaction and loyalty. Notably, personalization and a targeted customer approach emerged as the most influential factors in enhancing tourist satisfaction. Similarly, prospecting, personalization, and effective knowledge management significantly contributed to visitor loyalty. The establishment of robust relationships is underscored through collaborative active guest engagement. Furthermore, the study highlights the nuanced relationship between satisfaction and loyalty moderated by guest engagement. High levels of guest engagement amplify the positive impact of satisfaction on loyalty, while lower engagement levels attenuate this effect. Moreover, the moderating influence of guest engagement on the relationships between CRM practices and guest satisfaction and CRM practices and guest loyalty was notably strong at elevated guest engagement levels and relatively weaker at lower engagement levels.

While the study findings encourage organizations to prioritize customer relationship development, hospitality entities must emphasize the adoption of CRM philosophy and robust guest engagement measures. Actively involving guests in co-creating services can yield incremental benefits in terms of attracting, retaining, and effectively serving guests.

This study introduces novel dimensions to the existing CRM framework within the hospitality context, specifically exploring the impact of hotel-specific elements (personalization and prospecting) on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, it innovatively investigates the moderating role of guest engagement in the satisfaction-loyalty relationship, expanding its scope to include the relationships between CRM practices and guest satisfaction and guest loyalty.