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1 – 10 of over 3000Bita Afsharinia and Anjula Gurtoo
The COVID-19 pandemic, starting in early 2020, has significantly compromised global commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, notably affecting areas like…
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, starting in early 2020, has significantly compromised global commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, notably affecting areas like food security (SDG 2) and the economy (SDG 8). Informal economy platform employees have been among the most impacted. In India alone, 7.7 million workers in the informal economy have suffered, with nearly 90% of unskilled and semi-skilled workers experiencing income loss. The widespread income loss among a significant portion of the workforce has led to disruptions in demand and supply mechanisms, thereby worsening food insecurity. This study investigates the determinants of the food consumption score (FCS) to serve as an indicator of food security within informal-economy households. A longitudinal survey of 2,830 unskilled and semi-skilled employees, including drivers, domestic workers, delivery personnel, beauticians, street vendors, small business owners, and self-employed individuals, was conducted. The findings show a significant shift towards borderline household FCS during the pandemic, with a sharp decline in daily consumption of dairy products and non-vegetarian items, indicating reduced protein intake. Consuming two or fewer meals per day increases the likelihood of poor FCS, highlighting the need for systematic interventions to ensure three regular meals per day. Moreover, insufficient government support for adequate food intake in informal economy households calls for redesigned assistance programs. Policymakers should prioritize practical solutions, such as community-based food distribution centers and mobile food vans, to ensure the delivery of nutritious food to vulnerable populations in Bangalore.
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The text introduces the theory of integrating territorial identity into the discourse on sustainability. It stresses the importance of considering for each place the complex…
Abstract
The text introduces the theory of integrating territorial identity into the discourse on sustainability. It stresses the importance of considering for each place the complex interaction among social, cultural, political, historical, architectural, biophysical, geological, and hydrographic factors in shaping sustainable development trajectories. Sustainable development must certainly involve environmental, social, and economic aspects in an integrated manner, but it must be “territorially desirable” in the meantime. This vision represents a fundamental paradigm for a new way of approaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the path to sustainability. The proposed approach acknowledges that the way of achieving SDGs cannot be implemented without any differences worldwide. Instead, it must account for the specificities of each area and territory and the compatibility of actions with the identity of places.
Ana Junça Silva, Leticia Mosteo and Rita Rueff
Relying on the effort-recovery model, this study aimed to test how and when a good night’s sleep increases in daily physical health. The authors hypothesized that when individuals…
Abstract
Purpose
Relying on the effort-recovery model, this study aimed to test how and when a good night’s sleep increases in daily physical health. The authors hypothesized that when individuals have a good night’s sleep, it helps them to recover their self-regulatory resources, and, in turn, these cognitive resources improve their physical health experienced at work. Furthermore, the authors argue that this will be different depending on the individuals’ levels of neuroticism; that is, the indirect relationship between sleep duration and physical health through self-regulatory resources will be stronger for individuals who score lower on neuroticism, and in contrast, the relationship will be buffered for those who score higher on neuroticism.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the hypothesized model, the authors conducted a three-wave longitudinal study with working adults (N = 262). The authors used multilevel modelling to test if neuroticism moderated the indirect relationship between sleep duration and physical health through self-regulatory resources, at both between and within-person levels.
Findings
The multilevel results showed that a good night’s sleep recovered self-regulatory resources needed to promote physical health; however, this indirect relationship was buffered for those who scored higher on neuroticism (versus lower levels of neuroticism).
Practical implications
Hence, the role of neuroticism as a potentially harming condition for employees’ physical health is pointed out.
Originality/value
The findings highlight the relevance of sleep as a recovery activity for both cognitive and physical resources experienced during the working day. However, this appears to be attenuated for employees with higher levels of neuroticism.
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Roberto Cerchione, Piera Centobelli, Elena Borin, Antonio Usai and Eugenio Oropallo
The effect of digital transition on knowledge management (KM) processes is becoming relevant for companies operating in different industries and the body of literature examining…
Abstract
Purpose
The effect of digital transition on knowledge management (KM) processes is becoming relevant for companies operating in different industries and the body of literature examining this impact is rapidly growing. This paper aims to critically analyse the literature on the impact of digital transition on KM by rethinking the SECI model proposed by Nonaka and proposing the WISED model for the digital knowledge-creating company.
Design/methodology/approach
The systematisation of existing studies on the topic and the analysis of the evolution of knowledge creation process in the era of digital transition was carried out through a bibliometric approach.
Findings
According to the traditional epistemological and ontological dimensions and considering the innovative KM processes identified by this study (i.e. webification, informalisation, systematisation, explicitation and digitalisation), the results highlight how the proposed WISED model can be adopted by organizations to manage knowledge through the use of digital technologies.
Originality/value
Digital transition seems to open up new horizons that can expand the potential use of the WISED model for organisations and society.
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Powder bed density is a key parameter in powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) processes but is not easily monitored. This research evaluates the possibility of non-invasively…
Abstract
Purpose
Powder bed density is a key parameter in powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) processes but is not easily monitored. This research evaluates the possibility of non-invasively estimating the density of an AM powder bed via its thermal properties measured using flash thermography (FT).
Design/methodology/approach
The thermal diffusivity and conductivity of the samples were found by fitting an analytical model to the measured surface temperature after flash of the powder on a polymer substrate, enabling the estimation of the powder bed density.
Findings
FT estimated powder bed was within 8% of weight-based density measurements and the inferred thermal properties are consistent with literature findings. However, multiple flashes were necessary to ensure precise measurements due to noise in the experimental data and the similarity of thermal properties between the powder and substrate.
Originality/value
This paper emphasizes the capability of Flash Thermography (FT) for non-contact measurement of SS 316 L powder bed density, offering a pathway to in-situ monitoring for powder bed AM methods including binder jetting (BJ) and powder bed fusion. Despite the limitations of the current approach, the density knowledge and thermal properties measurements have the potential to enhance process development and thermal modeling powder bed AM processes, aiding in understanding the powder packing and thermal behavior.
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In this study, the moderator effect of the use of big data by Turkish banks on the innovation performance of the intellectual capital components, human capital, structural…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, the moderator effect of the use of big data by Turkish banks on the innovation performance of the intellectual capital components, human capital, structural capital, and relational capital is discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
In the research, 618 survey data applied to bank employees and weighted according to population in seven regions were used. The data were analyzed through the structural equation model.
Findings
According to the empirical results, intellectual capital components and big data usage explain 65% of the variance in innovation performance. It has been determined that the other two components of intellectual capital, except structural capital, have a statistically significant effect on innovation performance. According to the Standardized Regression Weights, one unit change in human capital affects innovation performance by 0.162, and one unit change in relational capital affects innovation performance by 0.244. In addition, a one-unit change in big data usage affects innovation performance by 0.480. It has been understood that the use of big data significantly affects the innovation performance of banks with a rate of 0.480.
Research limitations/implications
Although this study is important, it could have been done with senior managers instead of being based on a survey. Instead of a survey, it could have been done with a data set taken from banks' balance sheets and tables. Additionally, the use of big data has been considered as a moderator but can be reconsidered as a mediator or external construct. Moreover, this study was conducted on a sample of participants working in the developing Turkish commercial banking sector. Therefore, the results of the study can be done in different countries and at different development levels.
Originality/value
The study is one of the first studies to examine the moderating effect of intellectual capital by considering its subcomponents in a developing country. In addition, it is thought that the results will contribute to managers, policy makers and researchers who want to increase competition and market share in the sector, as well as filling the gap in the literature.
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Alvaro Moraleda Ruano and Diego Galán-Casado
The purpose of this study is to delve into societal stigma surrounding severe mental disorders and intellectual disabilities, emphasizing gender differences and students’…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to delve into societal stigma surrounding severe mental disorders and intellectual disabilities, emphasizing gender differences and students’ proximity influence.
Design/methodology/approach
Involving 572 Spanish master’s students, this nonexperimental study categorizes participants based on contact frequency, using Goratu and CAEE questionnaires to measure stigma.
Findings
Gender-based stigma differences are absent; however, increased contact correlates with lower stigma levels. Notably, greater closeness is associated with more positive attitudes toward intellectual disability, resulting in diminished stigma toward severe mental disorders.
Practical implications
This research sheds light on the pervasive stigma faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities and severe mental disorders among postgraduate university students. Notably, the recognition of widespread stigma among individuals with higher education highlights a more significant societal problem. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, especially in higher education contexts, to enhance understanding and reduce societal bias.
Social implications
By identifying factors influencing stigma and emphasizing the importance of contact in fostering empathy, the study lays the groundwork for informed socioeducational strategies. These strategies have the potential to promote inclusivity, challenge stereotypes and contribute to the well-being and social integration of those affected by intellectual disabilities and severe mental disorders.
Originality/value
The findings highlight the efficacy of direct contact in reducing stigma and underscore the necessity for nuanced understanding. The study suggests fostering positive attitudes through increased contact can combat prejudice and promote social inclusion. Nevertheless, further research is crucial to explore factors influencing stigma reduction and design comprehensive socioeducational interventions addressing diverse cultural proficiencies. This study contributes valuable insights for mitigating stigma, fostering inclusivity and informing future interventions.
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Kalpana Chandrasekar and Varisha Rehman
Global brands have become increasingly vulnerable to external disruptions that have negative spillover effects on consumers, business and brands. This research area has recently…
Abstract
Purpose
Global brands have become increasingly vulnerable to external disruptions that have negative spillover effects on consumers, business and brands. This research area has recently garnered interest post-pandemic yet remains fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to recognize the most impactful exogenous brand crisis (EBC) and its affective and behavioural impact on consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
In Study 1, we applied repertory grid technique (RGT), photo elicitation method and ANOVA comparisons, to identify the most significant EBC, in terms of repercussions on consumer purchases. In Study 2, we performed collage construction and content analysis to ascertain the impact of the identified significant crisis (from Study 1) on consumer behaviour in terms of affective and behavioural changes.
Findings
Study 1 results reveal Spread-of-diseases and Natural disaster to be the most impactful EBC based on consumer’s purchase decisions. Study 2 findings uncover three distinct themes, namely, deviant demand, emotional upheaval and community bonding that throws light on the affective and behavioural changes in consumer behaviour during the two significant EBC events.
Research limitations/implications
The collated results of the two studies draw insights towards understanding the largely unexplored conceptualisation of EBC from a multi-level (micro-meso-macro) perspective. The integrated framework drawn, highlight the roles and influences of different players in exogenous brand crisis management and suggests future research agendas based on theoretical underpinnings.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which identifies the most important EBC and explicates its profound impact on consumer purchase behaviour, providing critical insights to brand managers and practitioners to take an inclusive approach towards exogenous crises.
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Rhoda Ansah Quaigrain, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, David John Edwards, Mavis Hammond, Mabel Hammond and Igor Martek
Occupational safety issues among employees remains a contemporary and omnipresent concern. In developing countries, safety-related problems are amplified, resulting in higher…
Abstract
Purpose
Occupational safety issues among employees remains a contemporary and omnipresent concern. In developing countries, safety-related problems are amplified, resulting in higher incidences of serious accidents and occupational diseases. This study aims to evaluate employees’ knowledge and attitudes toward occupational health and safety, and how these influence overall occupational health and safety compliance. Ghana’s oil and gas industry provides the contextual backdrop for this research, given it is characterized by high rates of injury.
Design/methodology/approach
A positivist and deductive research strategy was used to quantitatively analyze both primary and secondary data sources. A structured survey was administered to industry employees, and multiple linear regression was used to establish the effects of employee’s knowledge and attitude toward occupational health hazards on overall health and safety compliance.
Findings
The findings indicate that most employees had both a high level of knowledge and positive attitude toward mitigating occupational health hazards. Moreover, the study reveals that most employees complied with occupational health safety practices. However, the study also reveals that the effect of employees’ knowledge and attitude toward occupational health hazards does not translate into deployment of comprehensive safety practices. Interestingly, female employees were found to be more knowledgeable and compliant with occupational health and safety practices than their male counterparts.
Practical implications
Premised upon the findings, the study recommends: implementation of relevant education and training programs encompassing the proper usage of machinery and equipment, tailored hazard safety training appropriate to specific employee job requirements, effective dissemination of risk information and governance initiatives that enforce strict adherence to correct safety procedures.
Originality/value
The study uniquely examines the influence of employee’s knowledge of health and safety to overall compliance within the oil and gas industry. Cumulatively, the study’s findings and recommendations contribute to improving the occupational health and safety outcomes within the industry.
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Jianxi Liu, Yu Gan and YiJun Chen
This study delves into the impact of mindfulness on the retention intention of technology employees, with a particular focus on the mediating variables of affective commitment…
Abstract
Purpose
This study delves into the impact of mindfulness on the retention intention of technology employees, with a particular focus on the mediating variables of affective commitment (AC) and organizational identification (OI). The primary aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms through which mindfulness influences the retention intention of technology employees.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employed a survey approach with self-administered questionnaires and structural equation modeling. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 24 and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) 28. Multiple mediation analyses was conducted through AMOS to examine the mediating effects of OI and AC.
Findings
The association between mindfulness and retention intention among technology employees showed an overall positive correlation. Additionally, AC and OI were positively correlated with retention intention. In the impact of employee mindfulness (EM) on retention intention, all indirect effects were found to be significant.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the relationship between EM and retention intention, as well as the associations of AC and OI with them, extending the application of mindfulness in management and offering insights for talent retention among company decision-makers.
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