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1 – 10 of 391Ke Du, Fu Jia and Lujie Chen
Global business practices show that during periods of demand volatility, manufacturing firms often engage in asymmetric cost management (ACM), a behavior in which costs increase…
Abstract
Purpose
Global business practices show that during periods of demand volatility, manufacturing firms often engage in asymmetric cost management (ACM), a behavior in which costs increase faster than they decrease when demand decreases by the same amount. However, whether managing asymmetric costs will enhance or impede firm resilience remains an open question. We aim to investigate the impact of ACM on firm resilience and its boundary conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Using unbalanced panel data of 2,273 Chinese manufacturing listed companies from 2002 to 2021, we conduct an empirical analysis using a double fixed effects model.
Findings
Our findings reveal that ACM has a negative effect on firm resilience. This suggests that in coping with external environmental fluctuations, ACM fails to fulfill its expected role effectively. Instead, it manifests as a severe agency problem affecting firm resilience. Further, we find that managerial myopia and digitalization diminish the negative effect, while customer instability exacerbates it.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on the organizational resilience of manufacturing firms by providing an in-depth understanding of cost management and emphasizing the need to consider agency issues carefully when managing asymmetric costs.
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Owing to the finite nature of the boundary of the line (BOL), the conventional method, involving the strong matching of single-variety parts with storage locations at the…
Abstract
Purpose
Owing to the finite nature of the boundary of the line (BOL), the conventional method, involving the strong matching of single-variety parts with storage locations at the periphery of the line, proves insufficient for mixed-model assembly lines (MMAL). Consequently, this paper aims to introduce a material distribution scheduling problem considering the shared storage area (MDSPSSA). To address the inherent trade-off requirement of achieving both just-in-time efficiency and energy savings, a mathematical model is developed with the bi-objectives of minimizing line-side inventory and energy consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
A nondominated and multipopulation multiobjective grasshopper optimization algorithm (NM-MOGOA) is proposed to address the medium-to-large-scale problem associated with MDSPSSA. This algorithm combines elements from the grasshopper optimization algorithm and the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II. The multipopulation and coevolutionary strategy, chaotic mapping and two further optimization operators are used to enhance the overall solution quality.
Findings
Finally, the algorithm performance is evaluated by comparing NM-MOGOA with multi-objective grey wolf optimizer, multiobjective equilibrium optimizer and multi-objective atomic orbital search. The experimental findings substantiate the efficacy of NM-MOGOA, demonstrating its promise as a robust solution when confronted with the challenges posed by the MDSPSSA in MMALs.
Originality/value
The material distribution system devised in this paper takes into account the establishment of shared material storage areas between adjacent workstations. It permits the undifferentiated storage of various part types in fixed BOL areas. Concurrently, the innovative NM-MOGOA algorithm serves as the core of the system, supporting the formulation of scheduling plans.
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Sidhartha Harichandan and Sanjay Kumar Kar
The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants influencing industrial adoption of green hydrogen amidst the global transition towards sustainability. Recognizing green…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the determinants influencing industrial adoption of green hydrogen amidst the global transition towards sustainability. Recognizing green hydrogen as a pivotal clean energy alternative for industrial applications is critical for understanding its potential integration into sustainable practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This research examines the impact of factors such as innovativeness, perceived ease of use, user comfort, optimism and governmental policies on the industrial intention towards green hydrogen usage. Using responses from 227 Indian industry professionals and conducting analysis via the SmartPLS software, the study reveals a discernible discomfort among industrial workers pertaining to the daily application of green hydrogen.
Findings
The research presents an array of policy recommendations for stakeholders. Emphasized strategies include the introduction of green hydrogen certificates, sustainable public procurement mechanisms, tax incentives, green labelling protocols and the establishment of a dedicated hydrogen skill development council, all of which can significantly influence the trajectory of green hydrogen adoption within the industrial sector.
Originality/value
This research synthesizes various elements, from industry perception and challenges to policy implications, presenting a holistic view of green hydrogen’s potential role in industry decarbonization and SDG realization. In essence, this study deepens not only the empirical understanding but also pioneers fresh theoretical frameworks, setting a precedent for subsequent academic endeavours.
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Abdolrahim Gheyassi and Amir Alambeigi
This study’s main objective is to determine the extent to which social capital and psychological capital can explain differences in career adaptability among higher education…
Abstract
Purpose
This study’s main objective is to determine the extent to which social capital and psychological capital can explain differences in career adaptability among higher education students.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey research design. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire completed by 384 fourth-year undergraduate agricultural students in Iran. The inverse square root and multistage sampling methods were used to determine the sample size. The partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method examined the associations between latent variables.
Findings
The results suggest that social and psychological capital significantly influence the career adaptability of agricultural students, highlighting their significance in enhancing career adaptability. Moreover, psychological capital positively mediates the relationship between social capital and career adaptability.
Practical implications
Agricultural higher education institutions must focus on developing students' social and psychological capital to cultivate career adaptability in agricultural students. Agricultural higher education institutions, for example, should help students develop soft skills.
Originality/value
This study offers novel insights into the significance of individual resources, such as social and psychological capital, in enhancing the career adaptability of students. In addition, the key contribution of this study is the researchers' empirical evidence that multiple career resources are interconnected (social capital, career adaptability, and psychological capital).
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Ahmed E. Abouelregal, Marin Marin, S.S. Saskar and Abdelaziz Foul
Understanding the mechanical and thermal behavior of materials is the goal of the branch of study known as fractional thermoelasticity, which blends fractional calculus with…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding the mechanical and thermal behavior of materials is the goal of the branch of study known as fractional thermoelasticity, which blends fractional calculus with thermoelasticity. It accounts for the fact that heat transfer and deformation are non-local processes that depend on long-term memory. The sphere is free of external stresses and rotates around one of its radial axes at a constant rate. The coupled system equations are solved using the Laplace transform. The outcomes showed that the viscoelastic deformation and thermal stresses increased with the value of the fractional order coefficients.
Design/methodology/approach
The results obtained are considered good because they indicate that the approach or model under examination shows robust performance and produces accurate or reliable results that are consistent with the corresponding literature.
Findings
This study introduces a proposed viscoelastic photoelastic heat transfer model based on the Moore-Gibson-Thompson framework, accompanied by the incorporation of a new fractional derivative operator. In deriving this model, the recently proposed Caputo proportional fractional derivative was considered. This work also sheds light on how thermoelastic materials transfer light energy and how plasmas interact with viscoelasticity. The derived model was used to consider the behavior of a solid semiconductor sphere immersed in a magnetic field and subjected to a sudden change in temperature.
Originality/value
This study introduces a proposed viscoelastic photoelastic heat transfer model based on the Moore-Gibson-Thompson framework, accompanied by the incorporation of a new fractional derivative operator. In deriving this model, the recently proposed Caputo proportional fractional derivative was considered. This work also sheds light on how thermoelastic materials transfer light energy and how plasmas interact with viscoelasticity. The derived model was used to consider the behavior of a solid semiconductor sphere immersed in a magnetic field and subjected to a sudden change in temperature.
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Riccardo Tipaldi and Carmen Gallucci
This chapter explores the impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Sustainable Orientation (SO), and Human Resource Orientation (HRO) – the key dimensions of the strategic…
Abstract
This chapter explores the impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Sustainable Orientation (SO), and Human Resource Orientation (HRO) – the key dimensions of the strategic posture known as Humane Entrepreneurship – on the success of 142 equity crowdfunding campaigns hosted on the US-based platform WeFunder. Utilizing text analysis in conjunction with fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, a configurational research method, the study identifies diverse combinations of these dimensions that lead to successful funding outcomes. The analysis, encompassing both minimum and maximum funding targets and supplemented by robustness tests, indicates that successful equity crowdfunding campaigns are characterized by pitches displaying high levels of autonomy, innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking, with a lesser focus on competitive aggressiveness. It is also observed that campaigns emphasizing HRO consistently achieve their fundraising goals, independent of the funding target set. Notably, a startup’s SO does not seem to significantly influence campaign success within the equity crowdfunding context.
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M. Iadh Ayari and Sabri T.M. Thabet
This paper aims to study qualitative properties and approximate solutions of a thermostat dynamics system with three-point boundary value conditions involving a nonsingular kernel…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study qualitative properties and approximate solutions of a thermostat dynamics system with three-point boundary value conditions involving a nonsingular kernel operator which is called Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo (ABC) derivative for the first time. The results of the existence and uniqueness of the solution for such a system are investigated with minimum hypotheses by employing Banach and Schauder's fixed point theorems. Furthermore, Ulam-Hyers
Design/methodology/approach
This paper considered theoretical and numerical methodologies.
Findings
This paper contains the following findings: (1) Thermostat fractional dynamics system is studied under ABC operator. (2) Qualitative properties such as existence, uniqueness and Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability are established by fixed point theorems and nonlinear analysis topics. (3) Approximate solution of the problem is investigated by Adomain decomposition method. (4) Convergence analysis of ADM is proved. (5) Examples are provided to illustrate theoretical and numerical results. (6) Numerical results are compared with exact solution in tables and figures.
Originality/value
The novelty and contributions of this paper is to use a nonsingular kernel operator for the first time in order to study the qualitative properties and approximate solution of a thermostat dynamics system.
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Farah Arkadan and Niloofar Kazemargi
The health crisis in 2020 resulted in accelerated digitalization and technological innovation in higher education. However, digital technologies and innovation pose challenges and…
Abstract
The health crisis in 2020 resulted in accelerated digitalization and technological innovation in higher education. However, digital technologies and innovation pose challenges and issues in pedagogy (Caputo et al., 2022). This chapter explains how to (re)design student learning experiences addressing pedagogical issues and challenges experienced by students using digital innovation. In response, we adopted design thinking allowing for a deeper understanding not just of students’ needs but also their thoughts, feelings, and overall experience. Design thinking is a user-centred problem-solving method. It starts with empathizing with users, followed by identifying the real problems, generating ideas, prototyping, and testing solutions. The design thinking method allowed engagement with students in the innovation process as the main users. Primary data were collected using interviews with students over two main waves of data collection during the health crisis in 2020 and 2021 and the post-pandemic period in 2022–2023. In total, more than 300 students from seven different programmes were engaged. For data analysis, we used thematic analysis and reflection. In analysing, we adopted a sociotechnical perspective and the nature of experience. Our findings illustrate design principles that instructors need to keep in mind while (re)designing distance (online) education to enhance the student learning experience. We discuss the practical implications of the study and how the findings can help instructors and higher education managers in innovating higher education. As digital technologies and innovation are becoming critical for teaching and learning in higher education, the findings of this study can be generalized to the post-pandemic period.
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Lorenzo Ligorio, Fabio Caputo and Andrea Venturelli
The growing interest in sustainability reporting by management scholars is leading to new research fields. Among the different actors involved in non-financial disclosures, recent…
Abstract
Purpose
The growing interest in sustainability reporting by management scholars is leading to new research fields. Among the different actors involved in non-financial disclosures, recent research is paying attention to public–private hybrid organisations. This study explores the main focus and critique of current and past literature on public–private hybrids and sustainability reporting.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore the recent field of sustainability reporting in public–private hybrids, this study adopts a structured literature review on studies collected from the scientific platforms Scopus and Web of Science.
Findings
Findings revealed a young and growing field of research. Also, it emerged how more profound attention is being paid to the features and drivers of sustainability reporting in the public–private sector, along with a stimulus for further research on new reporting frameworks.
Research limitations/implications
Considering the novelty of the research field, the collection of analysed studies was very limited. Moreover, grey literature was not incorporated into the research. In addition, only two sources of data were considered.
Practical implications
This study includes different implications regarding sustainability reporting in public–private hybrids, emphasizing transparency, accountability and the need for further research and adoption of external assurance.
Originality/value
Because of the novelty of the research field, this is the first study to focus on literature that addresses the relationship between sustainability reporting and public–private entities. Furthermore, using a structured literature review has provided a profound view of the published literature.
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Muhammad Nadeem, Mohamed Sharaf and Saipunidzam Mahamad
This paper aims to present a numerical investigation for two-dimensional fractional Helmholtz equation using the Aboodh integral homotopy perturbation transform scheme (AIHPTS).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a numerical investigation for two-dimensional fractional Helmholtz equation using the Aboodh integral homotopy perturbation transform scheme (AIHPTS).
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed scheme combines the Aboodh integral transform and the homotopy perturbation scheme (HPS). This strategy is based on an updated form of Taylor’s series that yields a convergent series solution. This study analyzes the fractional derivatives in the context of Caputo.
Findings
This study illustrates two numerical examples and calculates their approximate results using AIHPTS. The derived findings are also presented in tabular form and graphical representations.
Research limitations/implications
In addition, He’s polynomials are calculated using HPS, so the minimal computational outcome is a defining feature of this method and gives a competitive advantage over other series solution techniques.
Originality/value
Numerical data and graphical illustrations for different fractional order levels confirm the proposed method’s successful performance. The results show that the proposed approach is speedy and straightforward to execute on fractional-ordered models.
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