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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Babar Dharani

Intersectionality addresses complex avenues of oppression that emanate at the intersections of one’s identities. However, the intersectional framework assumes static identities…

Abstract

Purpose

Intersectionality addresses complex avenues of oppression that emanate at the intersections of one’s identities. However, the intersectional framework assumes static identities, which are increasingly being acknowledged for their fluidity. This research explored the extent of the fluidity of social identities to draw implications for the application of the framework in research.

Design/methodology/approach

27 participants from a post-graduate elective course on diversity and inclusion identified their significant social identities, and submitted a write-up using hermeneutic phenomenology in which the participants shared their lived experiences of the fluidity of their social identities in different spaces they occupy or find themselves in.

Findings

Fluidity-triggering stimuli in different environments and their associations with identity-related motives were uncovered using thematic analysis. Stimuli operating at micro-, meso- and macro-levels rationally explained identity fluidity. However, in addition to types, intensity and frequency of stimuli, psychological factors, such as identity status, were decisive in determining the degree of generalization of stimuli across individuals and spaces that significantly influenced identity fluidity.

Originality/value

This research explored the extent of the fluidity of social identities to draw implications for the application of the intersectional framework in research. The findings contribute to future research by identifying limitations of the intersectional framework based on the fluidity of social identities arising from environmental stimuli that operate at micro-, meso- and macro-levels, and the extent of psychological generalization of these stimuli across spaces.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Fangfang Li, Susana C. Silva and Jorma Larimo

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the development of social media marketing strategy in an international context. We specifically look at the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the development of social media marketing strategy in an international context. We specifically look at the potential drivers and barriers throughout the social media marketing strategy development process and how cultural differences shape social media marketing strategy decision-making among firms in international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted with an inductive research approach involving in-depth interviews with 32 firms from Finland, China and Brazil. Using inductive data analysis, we identify both internal and external factors that drive and hinder the development of firms’ social media marketing strategies. Moreover, we explore the essential elements in social media marketing strategy development based on the key practices observed among these firms, which enables us to conduct a comparative analysis of how cultural values influence the development of social media marketing strategies.

Findings

Our findings underscore the importance of both internal (i.e. resources and capabilities) and external (i.e. market-level and country-level) factors that influence the development of social media marketing strategy. Our analysis also unveiled four key practices throughout the social media marketing strategy development process: social selling, content marketing, risk management and relationship management. Additionally, we identified three distinct mindsets regarding firms’ social media selling objectives across companies in the three countries.

Originality/value

The comparative approach provides novel insight into firms' international social media marketing strategy. Our proposed conceptual model shows the development process of social media marketing strategy in the international context. The research propositions highlight the role of cultural values and open up new avenues for future research.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Busra Ozdenizci Kose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors facilitating and influencing the adoption of DevOps practices specifically tailored to mobile software development, with a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors facilitating and influencing the adoption of DevOps practices specifically tailored to mobile software development, with a focus on understanding the influence of mobile-specific requirements on DevOps integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a qualitative methodology, including a literature review, exploratory case research and partial quantitative assessments through DORA metrics and survey applications. This approach, guided by the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, prioritizes in-depth insights into the adoption of DevOps practices and explores strategies for integrating DevOps in mobile software development.

Findings

The research identifies several key themes specific to Mobile DevOps adoption, including tool integration issues, testing complexities, deployment challenges and security concerns. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored DevOps solutions that can effectively address the unique demands of mobile software development. The study also proposes actionable strategies to overcome these challenges, thereby enhancing the efficiency, quality and security of mobile applications.

Practical implications

The insights gained from this study provide valuable guidance for practitioners in the mobile software development sector. By understanding and addressing the specific challenges of Mobile DevOps, organizations can improve their DevOps practices and achieve better outcomes in terms of project delivery speed, quality and security. For example, implementing robust testing strategies, investing in compatible tools and developing well-defined rollback procedures can significantly enhance Mobile DevOps effectiveness. Furthermore, incorporating continuous security measures and improving cross-functional collaboration can lead to more secure and efficient mobile application deployments.

Social implications

This study offers valuable starting points for researching Mobile DevOps in real-world settings, based on insights from practical DevOps implementations in a single-case organization. Organizations can use this information to compare their own DevOps approaches with those of the studied organization, and can facilitate self-assessment and improvement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited literature on Mobile DevOps adoption and proposing actionable strategies. By incorporating the TOE framework, it provides a comprehensive guide that enhances understanding and management of DevOps practices throughout the mobile application development lifecycle and offers significant value to practitioners and researchers alike.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2024

Ebenezer Afum, Yaw Agyabeng-Mensah, Charles Baah and Essel Dacosta

This study aims to find out whether firms in the local textiles industry are benefiting from the combined implementation of lean practices (LPs) and quick-response manufacturing…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to find out whether firms in the local textiles industry are benefiting from the combined implementation of lean practices (LPs) and quick-response manufacturing (QRM) during the era of COVID-19. The study further explores the mediating role played by quick response manufacturing in the relationship between LPs, internal process performance (IPP) and customer performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire is used to garner data from 123 local firms in Ghana’s textile industry. The analysis for all the hypothesized relationships is done using partial least square structural equation.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that LPs significantly strengthen the implementation of QRM. The result also suggests that LPs and QRM can be combined to influence IPP and customer performance. The results further suggest that QRM mediates the relationship between LPs, IPP and customer performance.

Originality/value

This study proposes and develops an integrated research model that explores the synergistic application of LPs and QRM in achieving improvements in IPP and customer performance from an emergent country perspective during the era of COVID-19. QRM serves as an important mechanism through which the relationship between LPs, IPP and customer performance can be explained.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2024

Liqiong Chen, Lei Yunjie and Sun Huaiying

This study aims to solve the problems of large training sample size, low data sample quality, low efficiency of the currently used classical model, high computational complexity…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to solve the problems of large training sample size, low data sample quality, low efficiency of the currently used classical model, high computational complexity of the existing concern mechanism, and high graphics processing unit (GPU) occupancy in the current visualization software defect prediction, proposing a method for software defect prediction termed recurrent criss-cross attention for weighted activation functions of recurrent SE-ResNet (RCCA-WRSR). First, following code visualization, the activation functions of the SE-ResNet model are replaced with a weighted combination of Relu and Elu to enhance model convergence. Additionally, an SE module is added before it to filter feature information, eliminating low-weight features to generate an improved residual network model, WRSR. To focus more on contextual information and establish connections between a pixel and those not in the same cross-path, the visualized red as integer, green as integer, blue as integer images are inputted into a model incorporating a fused RCCA module for defect prediction.

Design/methodology/approach

Software defect prediction based on code visualization is a new software defect prediction technology, which mainly realizes the defect prediction of code by visualizing code as image, and then applying attention mechanism to extract the features of image. However, the challenges of current visualization software defect prediction mainly include the large training sample size and low sample quality of the data, and the classical models used today are not efficient, and the existing attention mechanisms have high computational complexity and high GPU occupancy.

Findings

Experimental evaluation using ten open-source Java data sets from PROMISE and five existing methods demonstrates that the proposed approach achieves an F-measure value of 0.637 in predicting 16 cross-version projects, representing a 6.1% improvement.

Originality/value

RCCA-WRSR is a new visual software defect prediction based on recurrent criss-cross attention and improved residual network. This method effectively enhances the performance of software defect prediction.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2024

Fatima EL Houari and Moulay Othman Idrissi Fakhreddine

This systematic review aims to identify the key determinants of knowledge transfer (KT) activities among researchers.

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Abstract

Purpose

This systematic review aims to identify the key determinants of knowledge transfer (KT) activities among researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically reviewed KT literature in academic settings from 1995–2023. The authors searched Web of Science and Scopus using predefined keywords, following PRISMA guidelines for screening and eligibility assessment. From 158 selected articles, the authors extracted data and conducted a descriptive analysis to map KT activities’ evolution. A narrative synthesis approach categorized determinants of researchers’ KT activities.

Findings

The systematic review findings revealed a general conceptual framework that categorizes the identified determinants of KT into four categories. At the individual level, the factors are related to the sociodemographic characteristics of the researcher (e.g. gender, age, experience), their psychological aspects (e.g. attitude, intrinsic motivation, intention) and personal characteristics (e.g. self-efficacy, communication skills). At the research team level, leadership style and team dynamics. At the organizational level, the findings emphasize university characteristics (e.g. size, structure and ranking), KT culture installed and university resources. At the inter-organizational level, the key determinants were funding sources, network strength and trust.

Research limitations/implications

The studies included in our database were different in terms of contexts, country of the study, the disciplines of KT and the types of KT activities examined. This variety restricts the direct comparison of research findings thus the generalizability of our conclusions. Future research should focus on specific contexts, disciplines, countries or types of KT activities to provide generalizable findings.

Practical implications

A better understanding of all the factors influencing KT among university researchers is essential for several reasons. First, it will enable the government to develop effective policies to promote KT ecosystems. Second, universities can create strategies, policies and programs to support researchers’ engagement in KT activities. Finally, researchers can be more strategic in their KT efforts.

Originality/value

This systematic review contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive conceptual framework that identifies KT determinants at different levels and fills a gap in the existing literature that only addresses specific aspects of KT determinants. This framework can be a theoretical reference for future empirical studies. Furthermore, it practically provides recommendations for different actors including, government, universities and researchers.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2024

Cláudia Ascenção, Henrique Teixeira, João Gonçalves and Fernando Almeida

Security in large-scale agile is a crucial aspect that should be carefully addressed to ensure the protection of sensitive data, systems and user privacy. This study aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

Security in large-scale agile is a crucial aspect that should be carefully addressed to ensure the protection of sensitive data, systems and user privacy. This study aims to identify and characterize the security practices that can be applied in managing large-scale agile projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study is carried out through 18 interviews with 6 software development companies based in Portugal. Professionals who play the roles of Product Owner, Scrum Master and Scrum Member were interviewed. A thematic analysis was applied to identify deductive and inductive security practices.

Findings

The findings identified a total of 15 security practices, of which 8 are deductive themes and 7 are inductive. Most common security practices in large-scale agile include penetration testing, sensitive data management, automated testing, threat modeling and the implementation of a DevSecOps approach.

Originality/value

The results of this study extend the knowledge about large-scale security practices and offer relevant practical contributions for organizations that are migrating to large-scale agile environments. By incorporating security practices at every stage of the agile development lifecycle and fostering a security-conscious culture, organizations can effectively address security challenges in large-scale agile environments.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 March 2023

Ebenezer Adaku, Victor Osei-Poku, Jemima Antwiwaa Ottou and Adwoa Yirenkyi-Fianko

The phenomenon of delayed payment to contractors, particularly in the construction industry, is a vital one and has implications for the health of economies of both developing and…

Abstract

Purpose

The phenomenon of delayed payment to contractors, particularly in the construction industry, is a vital one and has implications for the health of economies of both developing and developed countries. However, the knowledge of this phenomenon seems patchy and scattered. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge on the subject matter with directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review coupled with a scientometric analysis was used to identify the main strands of delayed payment to contractor research as a basis for qualitative analysis and directions for future investigations.

Findings

Current trends of delayed payment to contractor research are categorised into five broad themes, namely: causes, effects, mitigation measures, ethical and law and regulatory issues. On the basis of these themes, directions for future research are proffered.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first attempt at providing a comprehensive and an integrated knowledge on delayed payment to contractor research with pointers for further investigation and policy directions.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2023

Xin Guo

This paper aims to systematically visualize the structure and trends from 2005 to 2021, which will help scholars gain a deeper appreciation for existing studies and grasp future…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically visualize the structure and trends from 2005 to 2021, which will help scholars gain a deeper appreciation for existing studies and grasp future research possibilities and directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is bibliometric, using VOSviewer and CiteSpace to analyze 765 journal articles and reviews from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases over the past 16 years.

Findings

There is considerable interest in urban tourism destination image (U-TDI), partly because of the role of image in promoting the economic development of urban tourism and the associated benefits to stakeholders. Most research output concerns China, the USA, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK); research in the USA context has had a particularly wide range of influence. Highly cited journals play a crucial role, while subject structure, key articles and high-frequency keywords indicate popular topics, sub-themes and development trends. Drawing on these findings, the authors identify four topics that deserve further study.

Originality/value

This systematic review will enhance understanding of U-TDI research and inform future research directions as well as highlighting the need to explore destination image in greater depth, it guides policymakers in the tourism industry seeking to develop city image.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 August 2023

Pedro G.S. Contieri, Amauri Hassui, Luis A. Santa-Eulalia, Tiago F.A.C. Sigahi, Izabela Simon Rampasso, Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de Moraes and Rosley Anholon

The heterogeneous character of Industry 4.0 opens opportunities for studies to understand the difficulties and challenges found in the transformation process of manufacturers…

Abstract

Purpose

The heterogeneous character of Industry 4.0 opens opportunities for studies to understand the difficulties and challenges found in the transformation process of manufacturers. This article aims to present a critical analysis of the modernization process of an Industry 3.0 automated cell into a fully autonomous cell of Industry 4.0. The objective is to elucidate the difficulties found in this transition process and the possible ways to overcome the challenges, focusing on the management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

For this, the needed steps for the technology transition were defined and the main I4.0 enabling technologies were applied, such as the application of machine learning algorithms to control quality parameters in milling.

Findings

The main challenges found were related to the obsolescence of the equipment present in the cell, challenges in data integration and communication protocols, in addition to the training of people who work actively in the project team. The difficulties faced were discussed based on similar studies in the literature and possible solutions for each challenge.

Originality/value

This understanding of possible barriers in the modernization process, and the step-by-step defined for this transition, can be important references for professionals working in manufacturing industries and researchers who aim to deepen their studies in this important and disruptive stage of world industrialization.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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