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1 – 10 of 11Jaekyeong Kim, Pil-Sik Chang, Sung-Byung Yang, Ilyoung Choi and Byunghyun Lee
Because the food service industry is more dependent on customer contact and human resources than other industries, it is crucial to understand the factors influencing employee job…
Abstract
Purpose
Because the food service industry is more dependent on customer contact and human resources than other industries, it is crucial to understand the factors influencing employee job satisfaction to ensure that employees provide satisfactory service to customers. However, few studies have incorporated employee reviews of job portals into their research. Many job seekers tend to trust company reviews posted by employees on job portals based on the information provided by the company itself. Thus, this study utilized company reviews and job satisfaction ratings from employees in the food service industry on a job portal site, Job Planet, to conduct mixed-method research.
Design/methodology/approach
For qualitative research, we applied the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model to food service industry company reviews to identify 10 job satisfaction factors considered important by employees. For quantitative research, four algorithms were used to predict job satisfaction ratings: regression tree, multilayer perceptron (MLP), random forest and XGBoost. Thus, we generated predictor variables for six cases using the probability values of topics and job satisfaction ratings on a five-point scale through LDA and used them to build prediction algorithms.
Findings
The analysis showed that algorithm accuracy performed differently in each of the six cases, and overall, factors such as work-life balance and work environment have a significant impact on predicting job satisfaction ratings.
Originality/value
This study is significant because its methodology and results suggest a new approach based on data analysis in the field of human resources, which can contribute to the operation and planning of corporate human resources management in the future.
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Mayank Goswami, Nitin Mehta, Harsh Panwar, Om Prakash Malav and Jasbir Singh Bedi
The purpose of this study is to investigate the scope of the addition of seaweed powders for the development of low-salt and fibre-enriched pork nuggets.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the scope of the addition of seaweed powders for the development of low-salt and fibre-enriched pork nuggets.
Design/methodology/approach
Three different seaweeds, namely, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Ulva lactuca and Sargassum tenerrimum, were incorporated separately at 3%, 4% and 5% levels to develop low-salt and fibre-enriched pork nuggets. A total of nine treatments (T1–T9) were compared the following incorporation of different percentages of seaweed powder, alongside a control. All the samples were investigated for physico-chemical parameters (pH, cooking yield and emulsion stability), proximate composition, colour, texture profile analysis and sensory characteristics.
Findings
With the incorporation of seaweed powders, the level of salt to be added was reduced in the formulation. All the treatments had higher (p = 0.05) cooking yield (%) and emulsion stability (%) than the control, along with an increase (p = 0.05) in total dietary fibre (TDF), irrespective of the type of seaweed added. Incorporation of seaweed significantly (p = 0.05) increased the hardness and chewiness of the products. On sensory analysis, out of all the treatments, T2 was found to have the highest scores in terms of various sensory attributes and was also found comparable to control. The study shows that based on physicochemical, proximate and sensory properties, out of all the tried levels, 4% Kappaphycus alvarezii powder can be incorporated for the development of low-salt and fibre-enriched pork nuggets.
Practical implications
The study highlighted the use of seaweeds as a functional ingredient in development of low-salt, fibre-enriched pork nuggets. It would result in improving yield and key nutritional and sensory attributes with a simultaneous decrease in the level of salt to be added in processing. Further, it would also provide an opportunity to use underutilized nutrient sources, i.e. seaweeds, which will also help in an overall reduction of the cost of developed products.
Social implications
The technology for developing pork nuggets using seaweed powders is simple and can be easily adopted by small-scale entrepreneurs and processors. The product developed in his study can have a wider consumer base in terms of superior functionality.
Originality/value
Research on the development of low-salt, fibre-enriched pork nuggets incorporating seaweed powders is very limited. Utilization of seaweeds in meat product formulations represents a promising and innovative approach, aimed at enhancing nutritional profiles while maintaining desirable textural and sensory characteristics. This novel area of study leverages unique functional characteristics of seaweeds, such as high fibre content and natural mineral richness, to create healthier products, which is in consonance with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Good health and well-being. Exploring the potential of seaweeds aligns with the growing demand for functional meat products alongside addressing consumers’ preference for products with lower sodium content without compromising sensory quality.
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Amal Ghedira and Mohamed Sahbi Nakhli
This study aims to examine the dynamic bidirectional causality between oil price (OIL) and stock market indexes in net oil-exporting (Russia) and net oil-importing (China…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the dynamic bidirectional causality between oil price (OIL) and stock market indexes in net oil-exporting (Russia) and net oil-importing (China) countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use monthly data for the period starting from October 1995 to October 2021. In this study, the bootstrap rolling-window Granger causality approach introduced by Balcilar et al. (2010) and the probit regression model are performed in order to identify the bidirectional causality.
Findings
The results show that the causal periods mainly occur during economic, financial and health crises. For oil-exporting country, the results suggest that any increase (decrease) in the OIL leads to an appreciation (depreciation) in the stock market index. The effect of the stock market on OIL is more relevant for the oil-importing country than that for the oil-exporting one. The COVID-19 consequences are demonstrated in the impact of oil on the Russian stock market. The probit regression shows that the US financial instabilities increase the probability of causality between OIL and stock market indexes in Russia and China.
Practical implications
The dynamic relationship between the variables must be taken into account in investment decisions. As financial instabilities in the USA drive the relationship between oil and stocks, investors should consider geopolitical, economic and financial elements when constructing their portfolios. Shareholders are required to include other assets in their portfolios since oil–stock relationship is highly risky.
Originality/value
This study provides further evidence of the bidirectional oil–stock causal link. Additionally, it examines the impact of financial instabilities on the probability that the OIL and the stock market index cause each other through the Granger effect.
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Debasis Rooj, Reshmi Sengupta and Anurag Banerjee
This paper explores the impact of financial stress (FS) on consumer confidence (CC) using survey data.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the impact of financial stress (FS) on consumer confidence (CC) using survey data.
Design/methodology/approach
We use novel household-level survey data on CC by the Reserve Bank of India. FS data come from the financial stress index (FSI) released by the Tracking Asian Integration of Asian Development Bank. The sample period is 2015–2023. We align the lagged monthly values of FSI with the household-level data to uncover the impact of FS on household confidence in the economy.
Findings
Rising FS leads to increased pessimism among households regarding the state of the economy. Educated and well-off households are more sensitive to FS. Moreover, FS significantly impacts confidence regarding households’ own consumption basket and economic scenarios. A disaggregated analysis reveals that FS related to foreign exchange and debt spread causes greater pessimism among households than in the equity market and banking sector. Additionally, the impacts of FS are asymmetric, with above-average FS lowering household attitudes, while below-average FS increases optimism about the economy’s outlook.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the impact of FS on household CC using household-level data for an emerging economy such as India. Micro-level data allow us to explore the impact of FS on household perceptions of current economic situations and future outlooks. We also uncover the impact of FS on households’ confidence in their own economic outcomes.
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This study aims to investigate the dynamics between exogenous shocks, financial stress and economic performance in the USA from January 1995 to August 2023.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the dynamics between exogenous shocks, financial stress and economic performance in the USA from January 1995 to August 2023.
Design/methodology/approach
Granger-causality tests and impulse response analyses are used to examine causal relationships and dynamic responses among crude oil prices, real M2 money supply, financial stress and key economic indicators.
Findings
This study reveals a significant correlation between elevated financial stress and reduced real output, along with disruptions in the labor market, potentially leading to economic recessionary trends. Failure to address these challenges could perpetuate labor market difficulties, weaken capital accumulation within the loanable funds market and ultimately hinder long-term economic growth prospects in the USA.
Practical implications
This study offers insights for policymakers to mitigate financial stress. Recommendations include enhancing financial surveillance, strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting economic diversification and implementing countercyclical policies to stabilize the economy and support labor markets. In addition, proactive monitoring of financial stress indicators can serve as early warning signals, aiding in timely interventions and effective risk management strategies.
Originality/value
This research provides a comprehensive analysis of how the financial stress index (FSI) mediates the effects of external shocks on the US economy, addressing a gap in existing literature. The integration of the FSI into the analysis enhances the understanding of the transmission channels through which external shocks influence the economy.
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Jakub Kintler, Katarina Remenova and Maria Kmety Bartekova
The cultural industry is often seen as a subset of the broader creative economy, which includes advertising, architecture and fashion. This industry plays a vital role in shaping…
Abstract
The cultural industry is often seen as a subset of the broader creative economy, which includes advertising, architecture and fashion. This industry plays a vital role in shaping and reflecting cultural values and identities and can have significant economic and social impacts. It is also a significant employer in the European Union (EU), contributing to the overall economy and promoting cultural diversity. Therefore, the aim of our study was to identify the impact of educational attainment (secondary and tertiary education) and employment parameters such as female or male employee distribution among European countries, the total number of permanent workers in the cultural industries, employed persons with one job only, employed persons working full-time (persons working as creative and performing artists, authors, journalists and linguists by individual). The t-test was used to test the hypothesis of whether the above variables related to employment in the cultural industry differ across countries that are part of the EU. As a result of the analysis, we can state that the number of employed persons working full-time as persons working as creative and performing artists, authors, journalists and linguists by an individual is higher in EU countries.
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Andreas Walmsley and Ghulam Nabi
The purpose of this paper is to identify entrepreneur mentor benefits and challenges as a result of entrepreneurship mentoring in higher education (HE).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify entrepreneur mentor benefits and challenges as a result of entrepreneurship mentoring in higher education (HE).
Design/methodology/approach
An entrepreneurship mentoring scheme was developed at a UK university to support prospective student entrepreneurs, with mentors being entrepreneurs drawn from the local business community. A mentor-outcomes framework was developed and applied to guide semi-structured interviews.
Findings
Results supported the broader applicability of our framework, with a revised framework developed to better represent the entrepreneur mentor context. Alongside psychosocial and personal developmental outcomes, mentors benefitted from entrepreneurial learning, renewed commitment to their own ventures and the development of additional skills sets. Enhanced business performance also manifested itself for some mentors. A range of challenges are presented, some generic to the entrepreneur setting and others more specific to the higher education (HE) setting.
Research limitations/implications
The framework offered serves as a starting point for further researchers to explore and refine the outcomes of entrepreneur mentoring.
Practical implications
The findings serve to support those considering developing a mentor programme or including mentoring as part of a formal entrepreneurship education offer, specifically in a university setting but also beyond.
Originality/value
The vast majority of entrepreneurship mentoring studies focus on the benefits to the mentee. By focusing on benefits and challenges for the entrepreneur mentor, this study extends our knowledge of the benefit of entrepreneurship mentoring. It offers an empirically derived entrepreneur mentor outcomes framework, as well as offering insights into challenges for the entrepreneur mentor within an HE setting.
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Sanaz Vatankhah, Hamid Roodbari, Roya Rahimi and Atrina Oraee
High-skilled employees are crucial for sustained competitive advantage of organisations. In the “war for talent”, organisations must position themselves as attractive employers…
Abstract
Purpose
High-skilled employees are crucial for sustained competitive advantage of organisations. In the “war for talent”, organisations must position themselves as attractive employers. This study aims to introduce a unified framework to systematically identify and prioritise organisational attractiveness (OA) components, focusing on the extreme context of the airline industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Treating OA as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) situation, this study uses the Fuzzy Delphi Method to validate key OA factors and the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process to prioritise them based on experts’ judgements.
Findings
This study identifies 5 criteria and 22 sub-criteria for OA, with job characteristics and person–job fit as most critical. These elements signal employment quality and skill–job alignment, reducing information asymmetry and attracting talent.
Practical implications
This research provides a practical framework for airline managers to identify and prioritise key aspects of OA to enhance their value proposition and attract and retain qualified employees. For policymakers, applying the OA framework supports informed policy decisions on employment standards and workforce development.
Originality/value
This research introduces a fuzzy OA index and a framework that enhances OA. By incorporating signalling theory into a fuzzy MCDM approach, it systematically addresses key OA components, offering a strategic method to boost OA.
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Ibrahim A. Amar, Aeshah Alzarouq, Wajdan Mohammed, Mengfei Zhang and Noarhan Matroed
This study aims to explore the possibility of using magnetic biochar composite (MBCC) derived from Heglig tree bark (HTB) powder (agricultural solid waste) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the possibility of using magnetic biochar composite (MBCC) derived from Heglig tree bark (HTB) powder (agricultural solid waste) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4, CFO) for oil spill removal from seawater surface.
Design/methodology/approach
One-pot co-precipitation route was used to synthesize MBCC. The prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The densities of the prepared materials were also estimated. Crude, diesel engine and gasoline engine oils were used as seawater pollutant models. The gravimetric oil removal (GOR) method was used for removing oil spills from seawater using MBCC as a sorbent material.
Findings
The obtained results revealed that the prepared materials (CFO and MBCC) were able to remove the crude oil and its derivatives from the seawater surface. Besides, when the absorbent amount was 0.01 g, the highest GOR values for crude oil (31.96 ± 1.02 g/g) and diesel engine oil (14.83 ± 0.83 g/g) were obtained using MBCC as an absorbent. For gasoline engine oil, the highest GOR (27.84 ± 0.46 g/g) was attained when CFO was used as an absorbent.
Originality/value
Oil spill removal using MBCC derived from cobalt ferrite and HTB. Using tree bark as biomass (eco-friendly, readily available and low-cost) for magnetic biochar preparation also is a promising method for minimizing agricultural solid wastes (e.g. HTB) and obtaining value-added-products.
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Mu-Chun Liao, Ting-Ya Hsieh and Wei-Hsiang Wang
By inspecting the special connection between negligence and the causes of negligence, this study evaluates the reasonableness of negligence offenses elements from the perspectives…
Abstract
Purpose
By inspecting the special connection between negligence and the causes of negligence, this study evaluates the reasonableness of negligence offenses elements from the perspectives of “modes” and “rules.” This study considers that in the core concept of negligent manslaughter in the Criminal Code of Taiwan, “business” comprises an outstretched legal element; thus, “application by analogy” or “customary laws” should be prohibited as a legal basis or when applying the criminal code because those are not allowed under nulla poena sine lege. Nulla poena sine lege must be respected to release construction professionals from material risks in their judicial rights and interests.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used data mining analysis with a database of 204 cases where construction professionals were involved in an accusation of gross negligence manslaughter (GNM) (N = 486) between 1995 and 2021 to explore the reasons and distribution of these cases in the construction industry in Taiwan.
Findings
The results showed that the main reasons behind lawful GNM accusations against construction professionals are as follows: (1) the violation of employers' duty of care to prevent hazards caused in workplaces where falling and collapsing are concerns during construction, thus resulting in death; (2) gross negligence during design, construction and supervision, causing damages after natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons.
Research limitations/implications
This study discusses the whole life circle of construction, starting from planning, design, construction and completion. However, the involvement of other offenses such as providing false statements, forgery, embezzlement, unjust enrichment and fraudulent tax evasion or criminal responsibilities stipulated in the Building Act or administrative punishments are beyond the scope of this study. Future studies will focus on foreign “business GNM” cases from judicial precedents with similar backgrounds to Taiwan in the construction industry to verify whether similar conclusions can be drawn and to examine their differences.
Practical implications
This study applied data mining and data analysis to the data and explored potential causality and patterns of GNM cases in judicial cases. The results of the analyses can be used as evidence for potential causality and thus facilitate construction professionals' self-reflection and contribute to the sustainable development of working environments for construction.
Social implications
This study agrees with the removal of GNM titled “business” in the Criminal Code of Taiwan to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the building industry. By doing so, national judicial and management systems will be in line with international standards, ensuring that everyone has equal access to justice.
Originality/value
Goal 16 of the SDGs by the United Nations aims to promote judicial equality, peace, justice and strong institutions. With this basis, this study collected and analyzed data in the field of criminal law and applied the theory of criminal offenses committed by negligence to real construction-related cases. This study especially discusses whether construction professionals were imposed with excessive responsibilities when a court enforced the “duty of care” that asked the professionals to bear the responsibility of results for events that should be and could be foreseen.
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