Bita 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.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the safe haven benefits of 13 individual commodities for the USA and Chinese equity sectors during the financial turmoil period…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the safe haven benefits of 13 individual commodities for the USA and Chinese equity sectors during the financial turmoil period. Therefore, sectoral investors in the USA and China could invest in those specific commodities that provide stable returns during the health crisis and financial turmoil periods.
Design/methodology/approach
The daily data spans from February 1, 2015, to July 28, 2022. The present study applies several different approaches to analyzing the data set. The author apply the cross-quantilogram (C.Q) methodology to capture the lead-lag bivariate quantile interdependence between two stationary time series variables during the bearish, bullish and normal periods. Then the study used the hedging effectiveness (HE) and conditional diversification benefits (CDB) approaches to capture the hedging and diversification benefits of commodity classes and individual commodities.
Findings
The noteworthy findings of the quantilogram methodology reveal that livestock and agriculture commodities serve as better refuges as compared to the precious metals and energy index in both countries. On average, precious metals failed to serve as safe haven investments for the USA and Chinese equity market sectors. All energy commodities except soybean oil had strong comovements with China and the US equity sectors during bearish, bullish and normal periods. Lean hogs, fiddler cattle and live cattle are perfect hedging assets for both countries due to the presence of blue color at normal and bullish periods in all C.Q heat-maps. The HE table depicts that commodity indices and individual commodities failed to serve as hedging assets for the Chinese equity sectors. But commodities are semistrong hedging assets for the US equity sectors and the S&P 500 due to the average HE values being 0.7 and above. The CDB values depict that precious metals provide diversification benefits in both equity markets.
Practical implications
The present study results have important implications for equity sector investors of the USA and China in suggesting particular commodity during the financial turmoil period. During the bearish market condition, risk averse equity sector investors can invest in livestock commodities and agriculture commodities, due to their relatively stable returns. In addition, policymakers can use the analysis insights to formulate policy tools and monitoring mechanisms, effectively mitigating the unfavorable effects arising from asymmetric dependence between commodities and equity sectors during the upper tail, middle and lower tail. Policymakers can suggest equity investors to invest in which commodity during extreme conditions.
Originality/value
The current study has the following points of originality. First, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the individual commodities’ roles as safe havens taken from all four major commodity classes. More importantly, it is also noticeable that the safe haven abilities of commodities are usually tested for the stock market, but the equity sectors are ignored. Therefore, the present study used both stock market and sectoral indices data.
Details
Keywords
Using ABA research design and daily indices from South Africa, Eurozone, Japan and the United States of America, this study evaluates the interaction between equity index futures…
Abstract
Using ABA research design and daily indices from South Africa, Eurozone, Japan and the United States of America, this study evaluates the interaction between equity index futures and spot markets before; during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show evidence of cointegration between the equity futures and spot markets before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, a unidirectional causal relationship from the equity spot to the futures markets before and after the COVID-19 era, and bidirectional causality between the equity spot and futures markets during the COVID-19 pandemic, except for the South African markets. The results also show evidence of more spikey volatility during the COVID-19 pandemic era than was the case before and after the pandemic and the existence of bidirectional volatility transmission between the markets. The magnitude of transmission was stronger from the spot to futures markets during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Overall, the results suggest that the interaction between equity futures and spot markets varies according to the prevailing economic condition and the level of development of the markets.
Details
Keywords
Prabhugouda Mallanagouda Patil, Bharath Goudar and Ebrahim Momoniat
Many industries use non-Newtonian ternary hybrid nanofluids (THNF) because of how well they control rheological and heat transport. This being the case, this paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Many industries use non-Newtonian ternary hybrid nanofluids (THNF) because of how well they control rheological and heat transport. This being the case, this paper aims to numerically study the Casson-Williamson THNF flow over a yawed cylinder, considering the effects of several slips and an inclined magnetic field. The THNF comprises Al2O3-TiO2-SiO2 nanoparticles because they improve heat transmission due to large thermal conductivity.
Design/methodology/approach
Applying suitable nonsimilarity variables transforms the coupled highly dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) into a system of nondimensional PDEs. To accomplish the goal of achieving the solution, an implicit finite difference approach is used in conjunction with Quasilinearization. With the assistance of a script written in MATLAB, the numerical results and the graphical representation of those solutions were ascertained.
Findings
As the Casson parameter
Originality/value
There is no existing research on the effects of Casson-Williamson THNF flow over a yawed cylinder with multiple slips and an angled magnetic field, according to the literature.
Details
Keywords
Khadijeh Sahragard, Ali Maroosi and Mostafa Ghobaei-Arani
The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices across various domains has created a demand for real-time computing resources that traditional cloud computing models…
Abstract
Purpose
The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices across various domains has created a demand for real-time computing resources that traditional cloud computing models struggle to meet. Fog computing, which brings computation resources closer to IoT devices, has emerged as a promising solution. An automatic service placement framework is needed to use fog computing resources efficiently.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, first a three-layer independent service framework is introduced to define relationships between IoT devices and fog layers, facilitating automatic application deployment. Next, an enhanced version of the equilibrium optimizer (EO) algorithm, inspired by physics, is designed for service placement in fog computing environments.
Findings
Simulations reveal that the proposed approach surpasses existing methods, achieving a 99% success rate compared to the closest alternative’s 93%. The algorithm also significantly reduces waiting and planning times for service placement, proving its efficiency and effectiveness in optimizing IoT service deployment in fog computing.
Research limitations/implications
One of the primary limitations is the computational complexity involved in dynamically adjusting to real-time changes in network conditions and IoT workloads. Although improved EO offers improvements in placement efficiency, it may not be fully optimized for highly fluctuating environments. Another important limitation is the uncertainty in node resources. Fog computing environments often face unpredictable changes in the availability and capacity of resources across nodes. This uncertainty can affect the algorithm’s ability to consistently make optimal decisions for IoT service placement.
Practical implications
From a practical perspective, the implementation of the proposed framework and the improved EO algorithm can drastically enhance the efficiency of IoT service deployment in fog computing systems. Organizations that rely on IoT networks, particularly those with critical real-time requirements, can benefit from reduced service placement times and lower failure rates. This can lead to better resource utilization, reduced operational costs and improved overall performance of IoT systems. The commercial impact is evident in industries such as smart cities, healthcare, where fast data processing is crucial.
Social implications
Our proposed framework has important implications for real-world IoT applications, particularly in areas requiring low latency processing, such as healthcare, smart cities. By reducing service delays and optimizing resource allocation, the framework can significantly improve the quality and reliability of services. Additionally, improved resource management leads to cost savings and better system efficiency, making the technology accessible to a wider range of applications.
Originality/value
Existing resource placement strategies have shown inadequate performance, highlighting the need for more advanced algorithms. This study introduces a three-layer automatic framework for enhancing the application deployment of a fog system beside a novel improved EO algorithm to offer a robust solution for assigning IoT applications to fog nodes.
Details
Keywords
Dr Dongmei Zha, Pantea Foroudi and Reza Marvi
This paper aims to introduce the experience-dominant (Ex-D) logic model, which synthesizes the creation, perceptions and outcomes of Ex-D logic. It is designed to offer valuable…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the experience-dominant (Ex-D) logic model, which synthesizes the creation, perceptions and outcomes of Ex-D logic. It is designed to offer valuable insights for strategic managerial applications and future research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing a qualitative approach by using eight selected product launch events from reviewed 100 event videos and 55 in-depth interviews with industrial managers to develop an Ex-D logic model, and data were coded and analysed via NVivo.
Findings
Results show that the firm’s Ex-D logic is operationalized as the mentalizing of the three types of customer needs (service competence, hedonic excitations and meaning making), the materializing of three types of customer experiences and customer journeys (service experience, hedonic experience and brand experience) and the moderating of three types of customer values (service values, hedonic values and brand values).
Research limitations/implications
This study has implications for adding new insights into existing theory on dominant logic and customer experience management and also offers actionable recommendations for managerial applications.
Originality/value
This study sheds light on the importance of Ex-D logic from a strategic point of view and provides an organic view of the firm. It distinguishes firm perspective from customer perspective, firm experience from customer experience and firm journey from consumer journey.
Details
Keywords
Md Moynul Hasan, Yu Chang, Weng Marc Lim, Abul Kalam and Amjad Shamim
Customer value co-creation behavior is promising but undertheorized. To bridge this gap, this study examines the viability of a social cognitive theory positing that customers'…
Abstract
Purpose
Customer value co-creation behavior is promising but undertheorized. To bridge this gap, this study examines the viability of a social cognitive theory positing that customers' value co-creation behavior is shaped by their co-creation experience, self-efficacy, and engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
Using healthcare as a case, a stratified random sample comprising 600 patients from 40 hospitals across eight metropolitan cities in an emerging economy was acquired and analyzed using co-variance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM).
Findings
Customers' co-creation experience has a positive impact on their co-creation self-efficacy, co-creation engagement, and value co-creation behavior. While co-creation self-efficacy and engagement have no direct influence on value co-creation behavior, they do serve as mediators between co-creation experience and value co-creation behavior, suggesting that when customers are provided with a co-creation experience, it enhances their co-creation self-efficacy and engagement, ultimately fostering value co-creation behavior.
Originality/value
A theory of customer value co-creation behavior is established.
Details
Keywords
Anna Grøndahl Larsen and Asbjørn Følstad
The purpose of this study is to provide in-depth knowledge on customer-facing technology and customer experience in the grocery retail sector, including how the value-added…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide in-depth knowledge on customer-facing technology and customer experience in the grocery retail sector, including how the value-added potential of customer-facing technologies may be enhanced.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is based on 30 in-depth interviews with “early adopters” of customer-facing digital retail technologies in the Norwegian grocery sector. Theoretically, the study draws on notions of the customer journey and customer experience.
Findings
The study contributes to deepening insights concerning how digital retail technology is used and may be geared to further increase value for customers, specifically how retailers may use data on customers and products to personalize digital retail technology offerings and gain a competitive advantage. The findings underline how customer value is context-dependent and show that while grocery retail customers primarily emphasize utilitarian benefits related to customer-facing technologies, hedonic benefits are valuable biproducts. Moreover, the study showcases how personalization is key in addressing customers’ needs and wants, and may serve to increase the overall value of customer-facing technologies for customers and retailers.
Originality/value
The study’s sector-specific focus on technology in use contributes to enhance knowledge on how digital retail technologies can be leveraged to the benefit of customers and retailers, including customers’ sector-specific needs and wants.
Details
Keywords
M.S. Balaji, Yangyang Jiang and Xiya Zhang
Customer value co-creation in robots-mediated hospitality encounters involves active collaboration between customers and robots. In such encounters, robot capabilities, which are…
Abstract
Purpose
Customer value co-creation in robots-mediated hospitality encounters involves active collaboration between customers and robots. In such encounters, robot capabilities, which are their functionalities or operational competences, and robot personalities, which are their interactive behaviors and communication styles, play a key role in enhancing customer value co-creation. The purpose of this study is to draw on service dominant logic to examine the role of robot capabilities and personalities in determining customer value co-creation and service satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopted a mixed-methods research approach. A netnographic analysis was conducted on online customer reviews for robotic hotels and restaurants to identify key robot capabilities that shaped the customer experiences. Following this, a quantitative study (survey) was conducted to investigate the effects of robot capabilities and personalities on customer value co-creation and service satisfaction.
Findings
From the netnographic analysis, the authors identified cognitive, technical, interactional, emotional, personalization and autonomous capabilities as key robot capabilities influencing customer experiences. The findings of the follow-up empirical study showed that the higher-order robot capabilities construct positively influences customer value co-creation, which, in turn, affects service satisfaction. Furthermore, extroversion robot personality positively moderates this relationship, such that robots with high levels of capabilities result in greater value co-creation when robots possess extroversion personalities compared to introversion personalities.
Practical implications
This study advances the understanding of robot-mediated encounters by emphasizing the role of robot capabilities and personalities as crucial factors for effective customer value co-creation in the hospitality sector. Furthermore, it offers actionable insights for hospitality providers in selection of robots with key capabilities and personalities for enhancing customer satisfaction and successful value co-creation.
Originality/value
While previous research has predominantly focused on customer acceptance of and interaction with robots in the hospitality settings, the present study examined how and when service robots facilitate value co-creation with customers. Specifically, this study explores robot capabilities and personalities in shaping customer value co-creation perceptions. A few recent studies that examined customer-robot interactions have considered specific robot capabilities. However, given that hospitality services are experiential in nature and involve various tasks, a broad range of robot capabilities should be considered for a comprehensive understanding of the customer value co-creation process. By addressing this gap, the present study offers novel insights into what (capabilities) and how (extraversion personality) service robots facilitate customers in value co-creation and satisfaction.
Details
Keywords
Jon Hewitt, Lukas Parker, Grace McQuilten and Ricarda Bigolin
This paper aims to understand how fashion-based social enterprises (FSEs) navigate the marketing communications of fashion products alongside those of their social mission. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to understand how fashion-based social enterprises (FSEs) navigate the marketing communications of fashion products alongside those of their social mission. The authors use the theoretical lens of Consumer culture theory, Collin Campbell’s “Romantic ethic” and the work of Eva Illouz to explore how FSEs weave the emotional appeals of fashion consumption with those of contributing to a greater social cause. The melding of these theoretical approaches to consumer behaviour enables a thorough analysis of FSE marketing strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 founders, marketing directors and managers of FSEs. Open-ended questions were used, and key themes were established through inductive analysis.
Findings
The findings show that FSEs use a form of brand storytelling in their marketing communications; they view their social mission as a unique selling point; FSEs could further incorporate product quality/aesthetic value into brand storytelling; and they could sharpen brand storytelling by further engaging with the positive emotional responses they elicit from consumers.
Originality/value
This research has both theoretical and practical implications in that FSEs that focus on explicit altruistic messaging at the expense of aesthetic hedonism may limit their appeal to mainstream fashion consumers. Accordingly, a promising approach may be to effectively incorporate and link the positive emotional responses of both altruistic and aesthetic value. This approach could similarly apply to other areas of social enterprise retail marketing, particularly for those seeking to attract consumers beyond ethical shoppers.