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1 – 10 of over 3000Mohammad Badruddoza Talukder, Kamarun Muhsina, Tanjila Afroz Mou and Sanjeev Kumar
Purpose: This chapter provides a thorough explanation of the growth of community-based tourism in Bangladesh, encompassing its historical background, challenges faced, and…
Abstract
Purpose: This chapter provides a thorough explanation of the growth of community-based tourism in Bangladesh, encompassing its historical background, challenges faced, and potential strategies for future advancement.
Methodology: We employed a descriptive analysis based on the literature review of the development and expansion of community-based tourism in Bangladesh. This study looks at the development of community-based tourism (CBT) throughout history, as well as the innovative contributions made by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and local groups in CBT initiatives, government policies, international recognition, challenges encountered (such as environmental and economic concerns), and potential strategies for future expansion.
Findings: The chapter suggests various methods for future growth, including developing policies, involvement of the private sector, execution of marketing strategies, and empowerment of the community through training and enhancing their abilities.
Value: The study provides insightful information regarding the distinctive characteristics of community-based tourism in Bangladesh, drawing attention to the country's long-standing tradition of extended hospitality and cultural heritage. Moreover, the study analyzes the difficulties and opportunities that CBT efforts encounter in the region and the proposition of individualized solutions for sustainable growth.
Implications: This study not only improves the quality of experiences that tourists have, but it also gives a voice to underrepresented groups by prioritizing local communities. In addition, it instills a sense of ownership and pride in the community's residents, motivating them to make a long-term commitment to preserving the legacy of developing CBT in Bangladesh.
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Francie Lange, Lukas Hesse, Dominik K. Kanbach and Sascha Kraus
Literature on entrepreneurial resourcefulness (ER) has grown constantly in the last two decades. ER is a construct that describes the specific behavior of entrepreneurs, focusing…
Abstract
Purpose
Literature on entrepreneurial resourcefulness (ER) has grown constantly in the last two decades. ER is a construct that describes the specific behavior of entrepreneurs, focusing on the generation and deployment of resources to pursue an opportunity. Since the ER literature has expanded and diversified, the purpose of this study is to integrate its findings with existing knowledge about the construct.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applies a systematic literature review approach, following the methodology of Tranfield et al. (2003). The authors identify and synthesize 31 studies focusing on ER.
Findings
The literature on ER can function on four different levels: (1) individual, (2) organizational, (3) contextual, and (4) effectual level. Studies on ER concentrate on either the individual or the organizational level, with the contextual and effectual levels appearing as additional study categories for the studies. Behind this categorization, research views ER either as an antecedent influencing a specific effect or as an outcome resulting from a particular context.
Originality/value
This paper is the first of its nature, structuring the existing ER research and proposing a research agenda on ER with seven concrete research avenues and their research questions. Based on the systematic literature review, the authors develop a framework consolidating the interrelations of the different levels.
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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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Bingfeng Bai, Ki-Hyun Um and Hanna Lee
This study aims to (1) investigate the influence of firms’ social media utilization on performance through supply chain agility, (2) examine the mediating role of supply chain…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to (1) investigate the influence of firms’ social media utilization on performance through supply chain agility, (2) examine the mediating role of supply chain agility and (3) explore the indirect effect of social media utilization on operational performance via supply chain agility as knowledge transfer increases.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 298 Chinese manufacturing firms was conducted to assess the proposed relationships, employing moderated mediation analysis with Andrew Hayes (2017) PROCESS macro.
Findings
Social media utilization indirectly enhances operational performance through supply chain agility, supporting our mediation hypothesis (H1). Additionally, knowledge transfer moderates the positive impact of social media utilization on supply chain agility (H2). The moderated mediation analysis reveals that the mediating effect of supply chain agility on operational performance is stronger at higher levels of knowledge transfer (H3), shedding light on the intricate relationships between these variables and providing insights for businesses seeking to leverage social media and knowledge transfer to enhance supply chain resilience and operational performance.
Originality/value
This study empirically investigates the role of social media utilization in supply chains within the digital age. We explore how social media enhances supply chain agility and knowledge transfer, highlighting its transformative potential for real-time communication, responsiveness and collaboration across networks. By integrating dynamic capability theory with contemporary digital practices, we demonstrate how leveraging digital platforms alongside traditional supply chain processes can significantly improve manufacturing efficiency. This research bridges existing gaps in the literature and provides valuable insights for businesses navigating complex, rapidly changing environments in the era of digital transformation.
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This study aims to explore and present discussions regarding the interconnectedness of procurement fraud, supply chain education, professional maturity and ethics, and their…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore and present discussions regarding the interconnectedness of procurement fraud, supply chain education, professional maturity and ethics, and their relevance to adopting a transcendence concept as well as proposing research directions thereof.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a conceptual, intending to synthesize insights and propose a new conceptual framework that incorporates the transcendence framework and the process matrix. This generic framework provides a holistic view of the procurement and supply chain landscape at multiple levels – individual, team, organizational and industry.
Findings
This paper delves into the complex landscape of corruption within procurement, involving a diverse array of participants, including procurement professionals. The effectiveness of current corruption theories may be limited in this context. Despite the introduction of ethical training and anti-corruption initiatives, corruption remains widespread. The delivery of content and the design of the curriculum in supply chain education necessitate a reorientation to include not only moral education but also practical or hands-on delivery methods. In Kenya, sectors such as health and education exhibit a lack of recognition and professional maturity. When all the research constructs are examined separately, they do not provide a holistic understanding, thus underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach across the supply chain spectrum. This topic is ripe for further academic investigation with empirical evidence.
Research limitations/implications
This paper provides key insights for researchers and practitioners in the field of procurement and supply chain education, particularly in Kenya. However, it acknowledges the lack of empirical studies and the limitations of current research, including procurement fraud, the context-specific nature of the findings and the dynamic nature of corruption and procurement practices concerning the constructs. This paper calls for further research to address these gaps, validate its propositions and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of public procurement and corruption in Kenya. It also emphasizes the need for continuous research due to the evolving nature of corruption and procurement practices.
Practical implications
This study has practical relevance for researchers, professionals and the procurement and supply chain ecosystem. It offers insights that can inform future research, professional advocacy and policy development regarding the shape of supply chain academia in Kenya. In addition, it contributes to the advancement of procurement and supply chain professionalism in the country.
Social implications
This study underscores the necessity for breaking the cycle of procurement fraud, enhancing procurement and supply chain education in Kenya, and fostering active engagement of professional associations in promoting maturity and specialization within the field.
Originality/value
This study holds distinctive value by uncovering previously unexplored dynamics among supply chain constructs within the context of a lower-middle-income economy, i.e. Kenya. Deconstructing and synergizing these concepts calls for a more robust theoretical and empirical comprehension of these constructs within Kenya's unique background.
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Karthik Rajashekar Kavuri, Srinivasa Prakash Regalla, Suresh Kurra and Prakash Narayan Shrivastava
This study aims to enhance hygiene and structural performance in additively manufactured (AM) below-knee prosthetic sockets by optimizing ventilation and structural integrity…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to enhance hygiene and structural performance in additively manufactured (AM) below-knee prosthetic sockets by optimizing ventilation and structural integrity through advanced design methodologies, including topology optimization (TO) and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM).
Design/methodology/approach
A transtibial prosthetic socket was digitally modeled from image data of the residual limb of an amputee and fabricated using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material using fused deposition modeling. TO and DfAM rules were applied to achieve the multi-objective design of ventilation, weight reduction and structural integrity by introducing geometric discontinuities. The level of this achievement was evaluated through finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical testing using a novel lobe bending test.
Findings
This study found that TO significantly reduced stress concentrations and improved the strength-to-weight ratio of the socket. Mechanical testing revealed a critical failure load of 918.5 N, validated by FEA, which indicated peak stresses of 37.91 MPa. A 5 mm thick socket with circular discontinuities demonstrated enhanced ventilation and mechanical resilience.
Research limitations/implications
The focus on ABS material and specific socket designs may limit the generalizability of findings to other materials and designs.
Practical implications
The optimized socket design provides a cost-effective, high-performance solution for improving comfort and durability in below-knee prosthetic sockets within AM applications.
Originality/value
This research introduces innovative testing methods, including the lobe bending test and uses advanced optimization techniques, addressing challenges in ventilation and mechanical performance. The insights gained are valuable for future prosthetic socket design advancements.
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Hoong Keat Lim and Sai Hoi Chiu
With global attention on the increasing disruptions in primary maritime chokepoints, such as the Suez Canal Blockage incident that happened in March 2021, it has come to our…
Abstract
Purpose
With global attention on the increasing disruptions in primary maritime chokepoints, such as the Suez Canal Blockage incident that happened in March 2021, it has come to our realization that disruptions in maritime chokepoints may be detrimental to all maritime stakeholders. This research project aims to study and verify the factors of disruptions and their implications on maritime chokepoints from the industrial players’ perspective. Information contained in this report should interest maritime professionals from fleet ownership and management, and commercial freight owners of the tramp and liner shipping.
Design/methodology/approach
This research project uses questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews to collect primary data targeted at professionals and industrial players from the maritime industry. Qualitative and quantitative assessments are applied in data analysis. Secondary information via credible industry and news reports, research papers and other related literature and materials are gathered to support and add on to the analysis in the discussion section.
Findings
Our literature review has categorized maritime chokepoint disruptions into (1) chokepoint risk, (2) maritime security and (3) ship loss risk. The information and data from primary research not only complemented our research and affirmed that chokepoint risk as the primary concern for our interviewed maritime professionals, but at the same time covered the research gap for the lack of information in those new emerging chokepoint disruption factors, for example increased vessel size, cyber-security and the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings from the primary and secondary research reflected the implications of chokepoint disruptions as economic losses from operations and market loss. Although primary research reflected slight effectiveness in combating emergencies faced by maritime chokepoint disruptions through proactive strategies, they still serve the merit in raising awareness for the maritime industry. Nevertheless, the findings highlighted the importance of having reactive strategies to engage in volatility faced during such disruptive events.
Originality/value
This empirical research study provides fresh insights into the new emerging factors of maritime chokepoint disruptions and their implications via the perspective from the industrial players in the maritime industry.
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V. U. Vinitha, Deepak S. Kumar and Hemamala Krishnan
Increased urbanization has resulted in physical environments, including servicescapes, dominated by functional designs, with nature’s presence becoming scarcer. While “biophilia”…
Abstract
Purpose
Increased urbanization has resulted in physical environments, including servicescapes, dominated by functional designs, with nature’s presence becoming scarcer. While “biophilia” designs have received attention in fields like environmental psychology and architecture, studies on biophilia in servicescapes remain scant, fragmented and often contextual. The purpose of this study is to do a semi-systematic review of studies on biophilia in physical servicescape designs (interior and exterior), identify prevailing critical gaps and develop a comprehensive framework for theory advancements in biophilic servicescapes.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from a critical review of 56 servicescape studies over 33 years and incorporating theoretical frameworks from environmental psychology, this paper introduces a typology of biophilia in physical servicescapes that includes direct, indirect and human–nature relationships. Furthermore, this study develops a conceptual framework using the Stimulus-Organism-Response model to systematically synthesize biophilia’s overall applicability in servicescapes for consumers and service employees, incorporating moderating factors related to service, servicescape and user types.
Findings
This review investigates the emergence and definition of biophilia in servicescapes, examines the benefits of biophilic design for consumers and service employees and highlights key design strategies. In the absence of robust frameworks to assess biophilia’s impact on consumer and employee responses, this paper presents a comprehensive framework and offers guidelines for future research in retail environments and servicescapes.
Originality/value
Drawing from the synthesis of research on biophilia in servicescapes, this study introduces a framework that demonstrates how antecedent variables, including both direct and indirect biophilic elements, foster human–nature relationships that lead to affective, cognitive and behavioral responses. These effects are moderated by situational factors (e.g. service and servicescape types) and individual differences (e.g. personality, values and nature-relatedness). Ultimately, these responses influence approach or avoidance behaviors in consumers and employees, with a taxonomy detailing responses aligned with biophilia.
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In smart cities striving for innovation, development, and prosperity, hydrogen offers a promising path for decarbonization. However, its effective integration into the evolving…
Abstract
In smart cities striving for innovation, development, and prosperity, hydrogen offers a promising path for decarbonization. However, its effective integration into the evolving energy landscape requires understanding regional intricacies and identifying areas for improvement. This chapter examines hydrogen transport from production to utilization, evaluating technologies’ pros, cons, and process equations and using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) tool to assess these technologies based on multiple criteria. It also explores barriers and opportunities in hydrogen transport within the 21st-century energy transition, providing insights for overcoming challenges. Evaluation criteria for hydrogen transport technologies were ranked by relative importance, with energy efficiency topping the list, followed by energy density, infrastructure requirements, cost, range, and flexibility. Safety, technological maturity, scalability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure received lower weights. Hydrogen transport technologies were categorized into three performance levels: low, medium, and high. Hydrogen tube trailers ranked lowest, while chemical hydrides, hydrail, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, hydrogen pipelines, and hydrogen blending exhibited moderate performance. Compressed hydrogen gas, liquid hydrogen, ammonia carriers, and hydrogen fueling stations demonstrated the highest performance. The proposed framework is crucial for next-gen smart cities, cutting emissions, boosting growth, and speeding up development with a strong hydrogen infrastructure. This makes the region a sustainable tech leader, improving air quality and well-being. Aligned with Gulf Region goals, it is key for smart cities. Policymakers, industries, and researchers can use these insights to overcome barriers and seize hydrogen transport tech opportunities.
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Vibhav Singh, Niraj Kumar Vishvakarma and Vinod Kumar
E-commerce companies employ deceptive techniques known as dark patterns (DPs) to manipulate customer decisions on online platforms. DPs are known to annoy and generate negative…
Abstract
Purpose
E-commerce companies employ deceptive techniques known as dark patterns (DPs) to manipulate customer decisions on online platforms. DPs are known to annoy and generate negative emotions in the consumers, which might be detrimental to a brand. Consequently, this study examines the influence of DPs on brand experience (BE) and consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) from the lens of stimulus-organism-response theory in an e-commerce organization.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data was obtained from 419 respondents who frequently make transactions on e-commerce platforms. Subsequently, the authors used partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) via the R programming language to analyze the relationships.
Findings
It was found that DPs negatively impact the BE and CBBE of an e-commerce firm. Furthermore, BE positively impacts CBBE as well as mediates the relationship between DPs and CBBE. Additionally, no significant moderating influence of shopping frequency was discovered for the relation between DPs and BE.
Research limitations/implications
The study investigates the connection between DPs, BE and CBBE in a general e-commerce context. Results may differ across specialized e-commerce sectors.
Practical implications
The study’s insights could motivate e-commerce managers to reevaluate their use of DPs. The study could help online platforms reorganize their business strategies and adopt a customer-centric approach, which might create a long-term positive relationship with customers. The results might spark discussions over redressing customer relations after previous exploitation via DPs.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically assess the impact of DPs on crucial brand parameters like BE and CBBE.
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