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The proposed research primarily focuses on optimizing process parameters to enhance the surface quality of AA7079 material components formed incrementally through the single-point incremental forming process. The study experimentally investigates the influence of selected process inputs on the surface quality of the formed material. Experiments were conducted on AA7079 aluminum alloy sheets under varying conditions of specific process factors, including tool diameter, side-wall angle, rotational speed, feed rate and vertical step size.

The experimental investigation has been planned by using the concept of design of experiments (DoE) and is based on trial runs using response surface methodology. The observed data has further been analyzed through analysis of variances analysis and desirability method for highlighting the significant parameters and optimization along with their contribution on surface quality measure, i.e. surface roughness.

The side-wall angle, vertical step size, feed rate, rotational speed and forming tool radius have been found to be the major factors that significantly affect the surface roughness. The best value of the SR has been recommended as 0.735 µm under the parametric setting as; tool size (diameter) of 12.291 mm, wall angle of 68.210°, step size of 0.269 mm, speed as 884.672 rpm and a feed rate of 2,791.240 mm/min.

It has been recommended that greater tool diameter, greater wall angle, smaller steps, higher feed and slower speeds are necessary to improve surface roughness. Out of all the characteristics, tool size is the most important one. In addition, validation trials have been carried out to identify any deviations from the optimal value that was expected.

The study aims to investigate the impact of social media influencer information overload (SMIIO) on customer purchase avoidance through mediation of customer confusion along with the moderation of prior product knowledge through the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) framework.

The data collected from 429 participants (YouTube and Instagram followers) from an online survey were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

The findings reveal that SMIIO significantly leads towards customer purchase avoidance. Customer confusion mediates between SMIIO and purchase avoidance, while prior product knowledge weakens the impact of SMIIO on confusion through moderation.

The findings provide a wide range of applications for brand managers and social media influencers to adopt clear, concise communication strategies. Reducing information overload and minimizing confusion can enhance consumer decision-making. Tailored messaging based on consumer product knowledge can further optimize marketing efforts and reduce purchase avoidance.

This study uniquely applies the SSO framework to examine the effects of SMIIO on purchase avoidance, highlighting the mediating role of customer confusion and the moderating influence of prior product knowledge, offering a fresh perspective on consumer behavior.

The economic significance of self-help groups (SHGs), a critical community-based initiative based on social capital, is well encapsulated in generating employment opportunities, financial inclusion, empowerment of marginalized communities and economic development. However, these SHGs face multiple operating obstacles and sustainability challenges that have drawn the attention of policymakers and academicians alike. The landscape of SHGs has undergone a significant unfavorable transformation after the post-COVID-19 pandemic, which poses an existential crisis for SHGs. This study aims to explore the sustainability challenges in the post-pandemic landscape of SHGs and identify the factors that drive or deter individuals from joining SHGs.

Initially, six National Cooperative Union of India representatives, the apex body of cooperative societies in India, were approached to understand the current policy framework and probable concerns of SHGs. Based on the interaction, the research agenda was modified to examine the sustainability of SHGs during and after the pandemic. An in-depth semistructured interview of 13 SHG leaders/coordinators and 52 individual members from different regions of India is conducted.

Lack of digital inclusion, restrictions in mobility, impact on health and well-being and infrastructural ecosystem are identified as fundamental (and novel) operational challenges that hinder SHG sustainability post-pandemic. At the member level, entrepreneurial aspirations, a sense of belongingness, social networks and corporate and nongovernment organization (NGO) initiatives are the critical drivers for SHG participation. In contrast, the key deterrents are mistrust, lack of coordination and customer perception.

Although many studies present mixed findings on women’s empowerment through SHGs, much of the research primarily emphasizes individual factors and the challenges faced by women. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to expand the discussion beyond individual experiences to address broader operational challenges, particularly in the post-pandemic context. In doing so, this research aims to assist SHGs in overcoming these challenges and to guide government and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in supporting the sustainable growth of SHGs.