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1 – 10 of 164Seema Singh, Neha Aggarwal, Prince and Devika Dabas
In recent years, both homeowners and the research community have shown a growing interest in home automation devices and smart homes. About one-third of all primary energy…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, both homeowners and the research community have shown a growing interest in home automation devices and smart homes. About one-third of all primary energy resources are used by homes worldwide, which consume significant energy. This has raised concerns regarding energy accessibility and the quick depletion of energy sources, the growing need for building services, the improvement of comfortable lifestyles and the increased time spent at home. This study aims to offer a comprehensive and significant examination of state-of-the-art intelligent control systems used for managing energy and ensuring comfort in smart homes.
Design/methodology/approach
After conducting a comprehensive search in the Scopus database, a total of 55 articles were carefully selected. Using the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4 SLR) technique for systematic reviews, the current study synthesized prior research on energy efficiency in smart homes and conducted a detailed descriptive analysis to describe the current state of knowledge.
Findings
Future research on energy efficiency in smart homes could delve into various prospective areas that would strengthen existing knowledge and practices. Using innovative technologies in smart homes can reduce energy consumption in residential areas by offering convenience and improved features.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic literature review focused on intelligent control systems for energy and comfort management in smart homes, as well as residents’ interaction with indoor comfort.
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Amin Barzegar, Mohammadreza Farahani and Amirreza Gomroki
Material extrusion-based additive manufacturing is a prominent manufacturing technique to fabricate complex geometrical three-dimensional (3D) parts. Despite the indisputable…
Abstract
Purpose
Material extrusion-based additive manufacturing is a prominent manufacturing technique to fabricate complex geometrical three-dimensional (3D) parts. Despite the indisputable advantages of material extrusion-based technique, the poor surface and subsurface integrity hinder the industrial application of this technology. The purpose of this study is introducing the hot air jet treatment (HAJ) technique for surface treatment of additive manufactured parts.
Design/methodology/approach
In the presented research, novel theoretical formulation and finite element models are developed to study and model the polishing mechanism of printed parts surface through the HAJ technique. The model correlates reflow material volume, layer width and layer height. The reflow material volume is a function of treatment temperature, treatment velocity and HAJ velocity. The values of reflow material volume are obtained through the finite element modeling model due to the complexity of the interactions between thermal and mechanical phenomena. The theoretical model presumptions are validated through experiments, and the results show that the treatment parameters have a significant impact on the surface characteristics, hardness and dimensional variations of the treated surface.
Findings
The results demonstrate that the average value of error between the calculated theoretical results and experimental results is 14.3%. Meanwhile, the 3D plots of Ra and Rq revealed that the maximum values of Ra and Rq reduction percentages at 255°C, 270°C, 285°C and 300°C treatment temperatures are (35.9%, 33.9%), (77.6%,76.4%), (94%, 93.8%) and (85.1%, 84%), respectively. The scanning electron microscope results illustrate three different treatment zones and the treatment-induced and manufacturing-induced entrapped air relief phenomenon. The measured results of hardness variation percentages and dimensional deviation percentages at different regimes are (8.33%, 0.19%), (10.55%, 0.31%) and (−0.27%, 0.34%), respectively.
Originality/value
While some studies have investigated the effect of the HAJ process on the structural integrity of manufactured items, there is a dearth of research on the underlying treatment mechanism, the integrity of the treated surface and the subsurface characteristics of the treated surface.
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Tereza Dean, Haisu Zhang and Yazhen Xiao
Customers can participate in new product development (NPD) in many ways. Drawing on the knowledge-based view (KBV) and innovation literature, this study aims to contrast two main…
Abstract
Purpose
Customers can participate in new product development (NPD) in many ways. Drawing on the knowledge-based view (KBV) and innovation literature, this study aims to contrast two main product development activity types, i.e. problem-solving and decision-making. It proposes customers play distinct roles if they get involved in these activities, which influence NPD outcomes differently. It also explores customer need specificity as a boundary condition for the above-mentioned relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected survey data from 308 managers in the innovation domain.
Findings
Customer involvement in problem-solving and decision-making distinctively influences new product innovativeness and development speed. Customer need specificity interacts with the two co-development types differently to impact these NPD outcomes further.
Research limitations/implications
This research extends the KBV and addresses the inconsistent findings in the literature regarding customer involvement as co-developers in innovation. It also provides novel insights into how knowledge characteristics like customer need specificity can direct co-developing activities to generate distinct NPD results.
Practical implications
This paper offers practical implications for firms on how to involve customers in developing innovative new products while managing development speed.
Originality/value
Prior research has yet to distinguish customer responsibilities related to co-development activities. This research fills this gap and offers novel insights that problem-solving and decision-making have opposite impacts on different NPD outcomes. This research demonstrates that finer knowledge about customer involvement responsibilities is needed for critical NPD outcomes.
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Walid Chaouali, Mohamed Yacine Haddoud, Mohamed Mousa, Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz, Narjess Aloui and Fawzi Dekhil
This study aims to investigate the impact of perceived subtle and overt discrimination on employees’ emotional exhaustion, along with potential mitigating factors such as social…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of perceived subtle and overt discrimination on employees’ emotional exhaustion, along with potential mitigating factors such as social support, organizational inclusion and religiosity.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a sample of 359 Muslim employees working in US restaurants. The data are analyzed using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Techniques.
Findings
The results reveal that high/low emotional exhaustion in tourism and hospitality sector is triggered by multiple combinations of high/low levels of subtle and overt discrimination, family and friends support and religiosity. Such findings hold important implications to both theory and practice.
Research limitations/implications
By using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis, this research stands out from studies on discrimination that use conventional statistical methods. It proposes several solutions leading to a single outcome (high/low emotional exhaustion). This new approach contributes to the advancement of theory in this context.
Practical implications
This study shows that there is no single best solution for high/low emotional exhaustion. Stated differently, multiple solutions provide several ways for firms to mitigate employees’ emotional exhaustion.
Originality/value
Religious discrimination in workplaces is increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in customer facing roles, such as the tourism and hospitality industry. This is having detrimental effects on employees from minority groups, often leading to excessive levels of emotional exhaustion. Nonetheless, the extant literature has somewhat understated the consequences of this issue, creating a void that needs to be fulfilled. This study addresses this gap.
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Brayan Rodriguez, Felipe Reinoso-Carvalho, Kosuke Motoki and Carlos Velasco
This research examined the role of post-conflict marketing in supporting businesses within conflict-affected regions, aligning with the objectives of UN Sustainable Development…
Abstract
Purpose
This research examined the role of post-conflict marketing in supporting businesses within conflict-affected regions, aligning with the objectives of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 to foster peaceful societies amid increasing global conflicts.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from the theories of social egalitarianism and consumer discrimination, the study explored the moderating influence of conflict stakeholder on consumer willingness to pay (WTP). Understanding such stakeholder roles underscores post-conflict marketing's potential for economic growth and stability. Two experiments assessed the WTP, WTP a premium price and expected attractiveness of strategic products and services developed by key stakeholders (ex-guerrilla, ex-paramilitaries, ex-militaries, victims and other citizens) in the Colombian post-conflict context among both local (Colombian) and foreign (Japanese) consumers.
Findings
Results revealed that products associated with victims consistently received higher ratings. A notable contrast emerged as Japanese consumers favoured products of victims over those of regular citizens while rating offerings from ex-paramilitary and retired military stakeholders similarly, unlike their Colombian counterparts.
Research limitations/implications
The study acknowledges limitations regarding participants' geographic location and experimental design, providing insights for future research and potential refinements.
Practical implications
The findings offer insights into the impact of consumer attitudes on post-conflict stakeholder entrepreneurship in foreign and local markets, thus contributing relevant knowledge to support market success.
Originality/value
This is the first study assessing the role of various post-conflict stakeholders in influencing consumer evaluations of products and services. Consequently, these findings contribute to the foundational understanding of post-conflict marketing and offer a benchmark for business development in conflict-affected areas.
Propósito
Examinar el papel del mercadeo en el apoyo a emprendimientos en regiones afectadas por conflictos, alineándose con el ODS 16 de la ONU para impulsar sociedades pacíficas en medio del aumento de los conflictos.
Diseño
Basada en las teorías del igualitarismo social y discriminación del consumidor, el estudio exploró la influencia de las percepciones hacia actores del posconflicto en el comportamiento de consumo. Dos experimentos evaluaron la disposición a pagar (DAP), DAP un precio superior y la atractividad de productos y servicios desarrollados por actores del posconflicto colombiano (exguerrilleros, exparamilitares, exmilitares, víctimas, otros ciudadanos) entre consumidores locales (colombianos) y extranjeros (japoneses).
Hallazgos
Los productos desarrollados por las víctimas recibieron valoraciones más altas. Además, los consumidores japoneses, a diferencia de los colombianos, prefirieron los productos de las víctimas a los de “otros ciudadanos” y valoraron de manera similar los de exparamilitares y exmilitares.
Implicaciones Prácticas/Sociales
Los resultados ofrecen una visión precisa del impacto de las actitudes de los consumidores sobre los productores del posconflicto en los mercados extranjeros y locales, contribuyendo a la reintegración económica, el crecimiento y la reconciliación social.
Limitaciones de la Investigación
El estudio reconoce posibles limitaciones en el diseño experimental, proporcionando ideas para investigaciones futuras.
Originalidad
Se trata del primer estudio que evalúa el papel de los actores de un posconflicto como productores en la valoración de productos y servicios. Estos resultados contribuyen a la comprensión del mercadeo del posconflicto y ofrecen un punto de referencia para el desarrollo empresarial en zonas afectadas por conflictos.
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Eddy Balemba Kanyurhi, Deogratias Bugandwa Mungu Akonkwa, Bonheur Murhula Lusheke, Patrick Murhula Cubaka, Paul Kadundu Karhamikire and Célestin Bucekuderhwa Bashige
The study has two objectives: (1) expand our knowledge of the relationship between unethical behaviour and both trust and satisfaction and (2) demonstrate that unethical behaviour…
Abstract
Purpose
The study has two objectives: (1) expand our knowledge of the relationship between unethical behaviour and both trust and satisfaction and (2) demonstrate that unethical behaviour research should be examined multi-dimensionally.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected by resorting to a mixed methods approach. First, individual interviews were performed with 31 bank consumers from six main commercial banks in Bukavu city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Interview notes were submitted for content analysis to identify items and components that underpin the unethical practices construct. Second, a quantitative survey was conducted with 410 consumers from the same six banks. An aggregated-disaggregated structural equations modelling approach was used to test the impact of unethical practices on relationship outcomes through two studies. Study 1 tested a model that links unethical behaviour as a one-dimensional construct to trust and satisfaction. Study 2 tested a model that directly connects the four specific unethical behaviour components to both trust and satisfaction.
Findings
Results from study 1 reveal that perceived unethical behaviour negatively influences consumer trust. Results also confirm that trust positively influences customer satisfaction. Results from study 2 confirm that unresponsive, disrespect and lying behaviours negatively influence both trust and satisfaction. Banks which are involving in those specific unethical behaviours can neither satisfy their consumers, nor maintain a sustainable and profitable relationship with them. Therefore, unethical behaviours harm the relationships outcomes in the banking sector.
Research limitations/implications
The perceived unethical behaviour scale derives from a single data set and its reliability and validity need to be improved. Relationships between constructs are tested in a more direct way and ignore moderating variables. Perceived unethical behaviour is connected to relationship outcome variables while its impact on firms’ metrics have been ignored.
Practical implications
Banks have to understand customers’ perception of unethical behaviours and find a way to overcome them. Banks should recruit, motivate and retain employees who demonstrate an ethical inclination in the service encounter and create structures and mechanisms in order to monitor and manage unethical practices.
Social implications
Banks employees' unethical behaviour and practices not only damage the trust and reputation of banks but also can lead to frustration on the part of customers and damage their relationship with the institution. Our paper is a warning of this danger and might improve the social interactions between organisations (in general) and customers.
Originality/value
Unethical behaviour is measured with a four-component scale in contrast to previous studies that have used bi-dimensional or one-dimensional scales. The study tests a disaggregated model that links four components of perceived unethical behaviour to relationship outcome variables. Perceived unethical behaviours are analysed from the customers’ perspective by resorting to mixed methods strategy.
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Jie Yang, Hongming Xie and Yuan Wang
This study investigates the possible curvilinear relationship between operational interdependency and supply chain performance as well as the contingency effect of supply chain…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the possible curvilinear relationship between operational interdependency and supply chain performance as well as the contingency effect of supply chain disruptions, in terms of disruption orientation and disruption impact.
Design/methodology/approach
Path analysis was employed to test the hypotheses using the data collected from Chinese manufacturers.
Findings
The results confirm an inverted U-shape effect of operational interdependency. As level of buyer-supplier operational dependency increase, the supply chain performance is enhanced. However, the benefits of operational interdependency diminish beyond a certain point. Additionally, the findings of this study show the disruption orientations positively moderate the relationship between interdependency and performance, whereas the effect of disruption impact is not significant.
Originality/value
The findings of this study provide an explanation to the theoretical gap about the equivocal results of the effect of dependency, which provide new insights into the literature regarding buyer-supplier relationships. Furthermore, this paper identifies the moderating role of supply chain disruption in the relationship between operational interdependency and supply chain performance, which provide further explanation about the mixed results of the effect of dependency. The results confirmed that supply chain disruption orientation positively moderate the relationship between operational interdependency and supply chain performance.
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COVID-19 has rendered many firms' business models, strategies and performance vulnerable, including entrepreneurial financials. Some managed to survive, while others drowned in…
Abstract
Purpose
COVID-19 has rendered many firms' business models, strategies and performance vulnerable, including entrepreneurial financials. Some managed to survive, while others drowned in the epidemic swamp. This study offers an exceptional model to fill the gap.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing a rigorous qualitative design, the study utilizes a novel framework that integrates institutional theory (IT) and corporate entrepreneurial strategy (CES). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis identified key themes: external environment, institutional environment and organizational response, CES and performance and survival.
Findings
The study reveals the dual nature of the external and institutional environment, acting as both facilitators and barriers for entrepreneurial financial firms (EFFs). It highlights the robust CES exhibited by these firms during the pandemic, demonstrating their adept balancing and integration of different CES components in their organizational response. The EFFs employ a mix of financial and nonfinancial indicators for performance assessment, yielding varied outcomes based on contextual factors.
Practical implications
EFFs and stakeholders are guided to adapt their business models, balance institutional pressures, implement CES and evaluate performance. It advocates collaboration within the entrepreneurial finance ecosystem and leveraging opportunities emerging from the pandemic, including new market segments, technologies, innovations and regulatory changes.
Originality/value
This topic is underexplored in many emerging economies. Fresh perspectives and rigor frameworks are developed on how EFFs navigate and capitalize on the pandemic under uncertainties.
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Rafaela Cabral Almeida Trizotto, Leandro da Silva Nascimento, Josiane Piva Testolin da Silva and Paulo Antônio Zawislak
Challenges related to sustainability have increasingly become pivotal in the realm of business strategy and innovation. Nevertheless, the incorporation of sustainability…
Abstract
Purpose
Challenges related to sustainability have increasingly become pivotal in the realm of business strategy and innovation. Nevertheless, the incorporation of sustainability principles into business strategies and innovative practices remains a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. This paper aims to undertake a thematic literature review on this theme.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from the Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct databases. The final sample comprised 85 papers. For analytical purposes, this study adopted topic modeling using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) methodology.
Findings
The authors identified five dominant topics concerning the relationship between sustainability, innovation and business strategy. Through a cross-analysis of these topics, the authors theorize that a sustainable innovation strategy encompasses three complementary and interdependent dimensions: capabilities, management and firm. Building on this analysis, the authors outline a research agenda aimed at further exploration and advancement of this theme.
Practical implications
This review enhances the synthesis of research on the theme, prompting reflections on how companies can initiate innovative sustainable actions that align with their business strategy. Additionally, the authors identify specific elements that require improvement to enhance each of the three dimensions of sustainable innovation strategies, such as eco-efficiency, circular economy and the adoption of innovative business models oriented toward services/servitization.
Social implications
By interweaving sustainability with innovation and business strategy, this study underscores the critical topics that companies and public policymakers should address to support sustainable development at the national level.
Originality/value
While previous literature reviews have focused on the dyadic relationships between sustainability and strategy, or sustainability and innovation, this study extends the boundaries of knowledge by integrating these three concepts into a hybrid theoretical stream.
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Vidyut Raghu Viswanath, Shivashankar Hiremath and Dundesh S. Chiniwar
The purpose of this study, most recent advancements in threedimensional (3D) printing have focused on the fabrication of components. It is typical to use different print settings…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study, most recent advancements in threedimensional (3D) printing have focused on the fabrication of components. It is typical to use different print settings, such as raster angle, infill and orientation to improve the 3D component qualities while fabricating the sample using a 3D printer. However, the influence of these factors on the characteristics of the 3D parts has not been well explored. Owing to the effect of the different print parameters in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, it is necessary to evaluate the strength of the parts manufactured using 3D printing technology.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the effect of three print parameters − raster angle, build orientation and infill − on the tensile characteristics of 3D-printed components made of three distinct materials − acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polycarbonate ABS (PC-ABS) and ULTEM-9085 − was investigated. A variety of test items were created using a commercially accessible 3D printer in various configurations, including raster angle (0°, 45°), (0°, 90°), (45°, −45°), (45°, 90°), infill density (solid, sparse, sparse double dense) and orientation (flat, on-edge).
Findings
The outcome shows that variations in tensile strength and force are brought on by the effects of various printing conditions. In all possible combinations of the print settings, ULTEM 9085 material has a higher tensile strength than ASA and PC-ABS materials. ULTEM 9085 material’s on-edge orientation, sparse infill, and raster angle of (0°, −45°) resulted in the greatest overall tensile strength of 73.72 MPa. The highest load-bearing strength of ULTEM material was attained with the same procedure, measuring at 2,932 N. The tensile strength of the materials is higher in the on-edge orientation than in the flat orientation. The tensile strength of all three materials is highest for solid infill with a flat orientation and a raster angle of (45°, −45°). All three materials show higher tensile strength with a raster angle of (45°, −45°) compared to other angles. The sparse double-dense material promotes stronger tensile properties than sparse infill. Thus, the strength of additive components is influenced by the combination of selected print parameters. As a result, these factors interact with one another to produce a high-quality product.
Originality/value
The outcomes of this study can serve as a reference point for researchers, manufacturers and users of 3D-printed polymer material (PC-ABS, ASA, ULTEM 9085) components seeking to optimize FDM printing parameters for tensile strength and/or identify materials suitable for intended tensile characteristics.
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