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The study investigates the influence of perceived security (PS) on behavioral intention (BI) via the trust attitude process and explores the moderating effects of gender. PS in mobile wallets enhances user trust (TR), attitude (ATT) and intention (INT). Using a multiple and serial mediation model, both TR and ATT were found to mediate the relationship between PS and BI.

Drawing on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory, the proposed conceptual model comprises PS, TR, ATT and BI. An online survey was conducted with a cross-sectional sample of 744 mobile wallet users in India. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships and test the mediation effects.

Results show that the stimulus, PS, has a positive and significant influence on TR and ATT, which eventually has a positive influence on BI. The research model explains 64.4 percent of the variance in BI. Further, both TR and ATT independently and parallelly mediate the relationship PS and BI. Lastly, gender is found to moderate the relationship between TR and BI and ATT and BI.

The research showed the importance of PS, TR and ATT towards mobile wallet adoption INTs. Further, the findings support the idea that developing TR and ATT is essential for shaping INTs. This suggests that mobile wallet service providers should invest in methods that not just enhance user TR but also reinforce a positive ATT towards the platform. To demonstrate TR, mobile wallet providers must ensure the confidentiality and privacy of user data, keep customer interests in mind and fulfill commitments. Lastly, for strengthening customer TR, excellent customer support is extremely important.

While prior researchers have majorly used technology acceptance model (TAM) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) models to explain adoption INTs, this study examines the relationship between PS, TR, ATT and BI through the lens of the SOR framework.

The purpose of this paper is to develop optimal estimation procedures for the stress-strength reliability (SSR) parameter R = P(X > Y) of an inverse Pareto distribution (IPD).

We estimate the SSR parameter R = P(X > Y) of the IPD under the minimum risk and bounded risk point estimation problems, where X and Y are strength and stress variables, respectively. The total loss function considered is a combination of estimation error (squared error) and cost, utilizing which we minimize the associated risk in order to estimate the reliability parameter. As no fixed-sample technique can be used to solve the proposed point estimation problems, we propose some “cost and time efficient” adaptive sampling techniques (two-stage and purely sequential sampling methods) to tackle them.

We state important results based on the proposed sampling methodologies. These include estimations of the expected sample size, standard deviation (SD) and mean square error (MSE) of the terminal estimator of reliability parameters. The theoretical values of reliability parameters and the associated sample size and risk functions are well supported by exhaustive simulation analyses. The applicability of our suggested methodology is further corroborated by a real dataset based on insurance claims.

This study will be useful for scenarios where various logistical concerns are involved in the reliability analysis. The methodologies proposed in this study can reduce the number of sampling operations substantially and save time and cost to a great extent.

The research aims to develop an assessment framework that evaluates critical success factors (CSFs) for the Quality 4.0 (Q 4.0) transition among Indian firms.

The authors use the fuzzy-Delphi method to validate the results of a systematic literature review (SLR) that explores critical aspects. Further, the fuzzy decision-making trial and laboratory (DEMATEL) method determines the cause-and-effect link. The findings indicate that developing a Q 4.0 framework is essential for the long-term success of manufacturing companies. Utilizing the power of digital technology, data analytics and automation, manufacturing companies can benefit from the Q 4.0 framework. Product quality, operational effectiveness and overall business performance may all be enhanced by implementing the Q 4.0 transition framework.

The study highlights significant awareness of Q 4.0 in the Indian manufacturing sector that is acquired through various means such as training, experience, learning and research. However, most manufacturing industries in India still follow older quality paradigms. On the other hand, Indian manufacturing industries seem well-equipped to adopt Q 4.0, given practitioners' firm grasp of its concepts and anticipated benefits, including improved customer satisfaction, product refinement, continuous process enhancement, waste reduction and informed decision-making. Adoption hurdles involve challenges including reliable electricity access, high-speed Internet, infrastructure, a skilled workforce and financial support. The study also introduces a transition framework facilitating the shift from conventional methods to Q 4.0, aligned with the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR).

This research exclusively examines the manufacturing sector, neglecting other fields such as medical, service, mining and construction. Additionally, there needs to be more emphasis on the Q 4.0 implementation frameworks within the scope of the study.

This may be the inaugural framework for transitioning to Q 4.0 in India's manufacturing sectors and, conceivably, other developing nations.

The cruise sector's workforce is highly diverse in terms of nationalities, age, and gender. However, diversity in the workforce does not guarantee business success.

Decades of research on the effects of diversity indicate that it can negatively or positively affect an organization's performance. A more diverse workforce does not automatically perform better financially, feels more committed to their companies, nor experiences higher levels of satisfaction. Indeed, data suggest diversity may produce more conflict, employee turnover, but if well managed can lead to greater creativity and innovation.

This chapter explores the cruise industry's diversity and inclusion challenges and management practices. To examine what cruise companies are doing in this field, we reviewed the public data of the four largest cruise companies. We analyzed how these companies define diversity, their commitment to inclusion, their practices, their metrics, and their primary objectives.

Firstly, there is no theoretical model that includes all variables that affect the management of diversity in the cruise sector. Secondly, companies communicate a commitment to inclusion in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports and refer to similar policies implemented by the hospitality industry. Thirdly, the main challenges are the multicultural environment and the limited female representation.

The major limitation of this study is the data source. We recommend further studies supported by nonpublic company data. We encourage cruise industry leaders to support the research to develop an empirically tested model that captures the specific variables that affect diversity management in the industry.

The purpose of this paper is to implement a closed loop regulated bidirectional DC to DC converter for an application in the electric power system of more electric aircraft. To provide a consistent power supply to all of the electronic loads in an aircraft at the desired voltage level, good efficiency and desired transient and steady-state response, a smart and affordable DC to DC converter architecture in closed loop mode is being designed and implemented.

The aircraft electric power system (EPS) uses a bidirectional half-bridge DC to DC converter to facilitate the electric power flow from the primary power source – an AC generator installed on the aircraft engine’s shaft – to the load as well as from the secondary power source – a lithium ion battery – to the load. Rechargeable lithium ion batteries are used because they allow the primary power source to continue recharging them whenever the aircraft engine is running smoothly and because, in the event that the aircraft engine becomes overloaded during takeoff or turbulence, the charged secondary power source can step in and supply the load.

A novel nonsingular terminal sliding mode voltage controller based on exponential reaching law is used to keep the load voltage constant under any of the aforementioned circumstances, and its performance is contrasted with a tuned PI controller on the basis of their respective transient and steady-state responses. The former gives a faster and better transient and steady-state response as compared to the latter.

This research gives a novel control scheme for incorporating an auxiliary power source, i.e. rechargeable battery, in more electric aircraft EPS. The battery is so implemented that it can get regeneratively charged when primary power supply is capable of handling an additional load, i.e. the battery. The charging and discharging of the battery is carried out in closed loop mode to ensure constant battery terminal voltage, constant battery current and constant load voltage as per the requirement. A novel sliding mode controller is used to improve transient and steady-state response of the system.

A substantial amount of research has examined the firm value impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Nevertheless, the findings have been inconsistent, prompting researchers to identify contingencies under which the impact varies. This study examines how information technology (IT)-enabled knowledge capabilities moderate the relationship between CSR and firm value.

We conducted the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis on a sample of S&P 500 companies spanning from 2010 to 2017. We employed additional methods to test the robustness of the results, including the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator and the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method.

The results show that IT-enabled absorptive capability (IT-AC) and IT-enabled social integration capability (IT-SIC) positively moderate the CSR–value relationship. Further, their moderating effects vary in distinct ways when environmental dynamism changes, hinting at the distinct underlying rationales behind the moderating roles of IT-AC and IT-SIC.

This study improves the understanding of the business value of CSR and IT. It has limitations in generalizability due to the use of secondary data.

This study provides practical guidelines to managers about how to strategically leverage IT resources for the creation of CSR value.

Encouraging businesses to enhance their CSR efforts and uphold sustainability extends beyond our immediate benefit and impacts future generations as well. However, due to an imbalance between costs and returns, companies often refrain from being wholeheartedly devoted to CSR. Our insights on guiding companies to derive more value from CSR can inspire their greater investment in CSR. Meanwhile, companies can obtain additional returns from deployed IT.

This study extends the IT business value literature by revealing how IT generates firm value in the context of CSR. It also adds critical insights into the mixed findings in previous research regarding the CSR–firm value link. The study’s findings offer useful guidance on the strategic deployment and utilization of IT resources to facilitate the creation of CSR value.

A “state-driven” approach suggests that colonists use census categories to rule. However, a “society-driven” approach suggests that this state-driven perspective confers too much power upon states. A third approach views census-taking and official categorization as a product of state–society interaction that depends upon: (a) the population's lay categories, (b) information intellectuals' ability to take up and transform these lay categories, and (c) the balance of power between social and state actors. We evaluate the above positions by analyzing official records, key texts, travelogues, and statistical memoirs from three key periods in India: Indus Valley civilization through classical Gupta rule (ca. 3300 BCE–700 CE), the “medieval” period (ca. 700–1700 CE), and East India Company (EIC) rule (1757–1857 CE), using historical narrative. We show that information gathering early in the first period was society driven; however, over time, a strong interactive pattern emerged. Scribes (information intellectuals) increased their social status and power (thus, shifting the balance of power) by drawing on caste categories (lay categories) and incorporating them into official information gathering. This intensification of interactive information gathering allowed the Mughals, the EIC, and finally British direct rule officials to collect large quantities of information. Our evidence thus suggests that the intensification of state–society interactions over time laid the groundwork for the success of the direct rule British censuses. It also suggests that any transformative effect of these censuses lay in this interactive pattern, not in the strength of the British colonial state.

Effects of corrosion are very dire and mitigation of corrosion holds prime importance. Protective coatings play major role in preventing corrosion of metals and coating application is the most convenient, economical and quick solution. The purpose of the study is development of protective coatings to effectively mitigate corrosion of metal components.

A high-performance anticorrosion coating was prepared using multiple monomers and paste of functional and reinforcing fillers with extenders to protect metal components from corrosion in aggressive environmental conditions. The structures of copolymers synthesized with multiple monomers were studied by the NMR and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. The percentage conversion of different proportions of various monomers was estimated using gas chromatography technique. The functional paste to impart superior anticorrosion properties was prepared using various functional and reinforcing fillers. The final coatings were prepared by mixing these resins with functional paste in various proportions.

The prepared anticorrosion coating was tested for high-performance mechanical and chemical properties and it was witnessed that the said coating offered desired performance properties needed for protecting metal components from corrosion.

As such it is overcoming drawbacks of two pack systems and thus has almost no limitations or implications for application on metal substrate.

Being formulated as a single pack, it is free from drawbacks otherwise involved in two pack system of conventional paints. The coating system developed is very easy to apply using conventional tools, namely, brush, spray and roller techniques. The formulation is made in such a way that it has fast-drying properties. Makes painting or coating operations cost effective and confirm the performance.

The findings of the research have anticorrosion nature that can enhance the life span of the substrates. It is specially designed for metal substrate and can protect metal substrate from corrosion in most aggressive conditions. Thus, it helps to reduce losses due corrosion and increase safety of metal structures and human being as well. As it is based on conventional material but with new formulation and technology, it has commercial possibilities to explore.

Unlike conventional protective coating systems, the said coating offered disruptive features like single pack systems and fast drying at ambient temperature along with high-performance properties. The coating formulation was observed to have a great importance in industry for effective corrosion mitigation and to reduce losses due to corrosion.

Business schools play a significant role in providing individuals with the ability to adapt to constantly changing environments. Such agile organizations require deans who, as leaders, possess the knowledge and attributes of astute and responsible executives. In this regard, the measurement of the attributes of leadership paves the way for evaluating a leader’s options process. In this study, we measure the attributes of leadership to pave the way for evaluating a leader’s decision-making process.

The rich data included the opinions of 93 university professors from seven countries: Iran, India, China, France, the UK, Canada and the USA. In appraising the responses, the authors considered the nationality and the development level of each participant’s country and continent. In this study, the authors developed an online questionnaire based on the best-worst method (BWM). By performing a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the authors also determined the significant statistical differences of the scientific communities through the lenses of authentic leadership, leader-member exchange and social identity and leadership.

The results provide evidence of transparency, measured as the most important criterion for leading a business school, i.e. knowledgeable deanship. Furthermore, the findings reveal a meaningful difference between developed and developing countries in the context of an authentic leadership pillar.

This paper contributed to the literature in five major ways as follows: The authors investigated the attitudes of scientific communities from different countries, business schools, BWM, dean selection and leadership evaluation.By means of the BWM, the authors measured the criteria culminating in the selection of a knowledgeable leader for a business school.The authors compared and contrasted the attitudes of scientific communities in developing countries vis-à-vis those in developed ones.The authors addressed the differences and similarities among countries in relation to the selection of a knowledgeable business school leader.The authors provided beneficial insights by addressing the different perspectives of researchers on the weights of the criteria involved in the selection procedure for a business school dean.

The chapter provides a comprehensive outline of how technology can be harnessed to promote inclusivity within higher education. The article begins by defining inclusive education and explains how cross-cultural collaboration can be facilitated by technological intervention. The article focuses on how the amalgamation of different theories based on behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism is crucial for the successful implementation of inclusive education. It highlights the importance of emerging technologies in promoting inclusive pedagogy. It provides a strategic framework that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and different digital tools to cater the needs and aspirations of diverse and global higher educational institutions. Several case studies are also presented to help in understanding the barriers and corresponding strategies to enhance inclusivity. The impact of the strategy surpasses immediate learning enhancements which contribute to a broader vision for a more equitable, accessible, and interconnected educational ecosystem. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the challenges and ethical considerations for successful implementation of technologies to bring inclusive internationalization to higher education.