Vishal Shukla, Sanjeev Prashar and M. Ramkumar
This study seeks to investigate the ability of blockchain technology (BCT) to increase circular economy (CE) practices in the electronics industry, emphasising India and Taiwan.
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to investigate the ability of blockchain technology (BCT) to increase circular economy (CE) practices in the electronics industry, emphasising India and Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a mixed-methods approach. Initial qualitative semi-structured interviews examined how BCT could inform CE practice. The qualitative aspects were followed by the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), to analyse data from 391 industry experts surveyed.
Findings
The results show that the BCT has great potential to promote CE processes by improving the aspects of security, transparency and traceability. BCT adoption is driven by a conducive regulatory regime, stakeholder collaboration, and the availability of required technology.
Research limitations/implications
By identifying key drivers and requisite requirements for successful BCT adoption in CE practices, this research offers critical guidance for policymakers, practitioners and researchers. It adds to the wider conversation about how emerging technologies can support sustainability and efficiency in industry.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by providing a new lens to study BCT and CE practices intersectionality, particularly in the context of the emerging electronics industry and in countries such as India and Taiwan. Unlike previous research that studied either BCT or CE independently, this study uniquely illustrates how the principles underpinning these concepts, when implemented together, can positively impact sustainability outcomes within a resource-intensive industry notorious for generating highly significant waste streams.
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Ankur Srivastava, Nishtha Rai, Vishal Mishra and Ramana K. Madupalli
This study aims to propose mindfulness as a key factor in merchants’ adoption of mobile payments through the trust and perceived value pathways in an unorganized sector.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose mindfulness as a key factor in merchants’ adoption of mobile payments through the trust and perceived value pathways in an unorganized sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected physically via a structured questionnaire from a random sample of 350 merchants from the unorganized retail sector in India. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Findings
Mindfulness plays a key role in the formation of trust and perceived value, which further influences merchants’ intentions to adopt mobile payments. Furthermore, moderating effects of technology anxiety and skepticism were also observed.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to illustrate mindfulness in merchants of the unorganized sector in adopting mobile payments to influence the adoption intentions of mobile payments in emerging markets.
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Vishal K. Gupta, Sandra Mortal and Athina Skiadopoulou
The purpose of this paper is to provide an incisive commentary on the role of replication in advancing knowledge accumulation in organizational science. For research to be…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an incisive commentary on the role of replication in advancing knowledge accumulation in organizational science. For research to be credible, it must be replicable. However, replication studies are seldom published in high-quality management research journals. Drawing on insights from other disciplines, this essay offers a critical analysis of the replication process. The central conclusion of the essay is that replication should be firmly integrated into the scientific process within management and related fields. Doing so will not only advance robust and reliable theories but also yield valuable lessons for managerial practice and inform sound policymaking.
Design/methodology/approach
To structure the argument that replication ensures the validation of theories, refinement of methodologies and greater applicability of research findings, this essay uses Simon Sinek’s Why, How and What framework to highlight the essential role of replication research in advancing management studies. By addressing why replication is critical, how it can be effectively conducted and what the authors can do to promote replication research in organizational studies, the essay underscores its importance in building a reliable and credible foundation for knowledge.
Findings
Replication serves as a cornerstone of academic rigor, promoting the cumulative growth of knowledge. This essay outlines the essential steps for conducting robust replications of prior research through three approaches: literal, operational and constructive replication. Furthermore, it proposes actionable strategies for individual, doctoral programs and institutions (i.e. journals and conferences) to enhance transparency and accountability in management research by leveraging replication as a critical tool.
Originality/value
The originality of this essay lies in addressing the underrepresentation of replication research in management, despite its critical role in ensuring scientific rigor. Drawing insights from different disciplines, it provides a framework for conducting replication studies, emphasizing their value in validating theories and bridging the gap between research and practice. By proposing actionable steps for fostering a culture of replication, the essay advocates for increased transparency and accountability in management research. Its main contribution lies in highlighting the necessity of replication as a foundation for robust theory-building, practical insights and evidence-based policymaking, enhancing the credibility of the field.
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Asif Tariq, Shahid Bashir and Aadil Amin
India’s historical fiscal performance has featured elevated deficit levels. Driven by the imperative need for fiscal stimulus measures in response to the crisis, efforts toward…
Abstract
Purpose
India’s historical fiscal performance has featured elevated deficit levels. Driven by the imperative need for fiscal stimulus measures in response to the crisis, efforts toward fiscal consolidation from 2003 to 2008 were reversed in 2008–2009 due to the financial crisis. These stimulus actions are believed to have wielded a notable influence on inflation dynamics. Presumably, a high inflation rate hinders growth and inflicts severe welfare costs. Accordingly, the principal objective of this paper is to scrutinise the threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation within the context of the Indian economy.
Design/methodology/approach
We employed the Smooth Transition Autoregressive (STAR) Model, a robust tool for capturing non-linear relationships, to discern the specific threshold level of fiscal deficit. Our analysis encompasses annual data spanning from 1971 to 2020. Additionally, we have leveraged the Toda-Yamamoto causality test to establish the existence and direction of a causal connection between fiscal deficit and inflation in the Indian economy.
Findings
Our analysis pinpointed a critical threshold level of 3.40% for fiscal deficit, a value beyond which inflation dynamics in India undergo a marked transition, signifying the presence of significant non-linear effects. Moreover, the results derived from the Toda-Yamamoto causality test offer substantiating evidence of a causal relationship originating from the fiscal deficit and leading to inflation within the Indian economic framework.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of our study carry significant implications, particularly for the formulation and execution of both fiscal and monetary policies. Understanding the threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation in India provides policymakers with valuable insights into achieving a harmonious balance between these two critical economic variables.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to empirically investigate threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation in India from a non-linear perspective using the Smooth Transition Autoregression (STAR) model.
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There are many obstacles that prevent the growth and investment in smart buildings, particularly in Nigeria and other developing nations. The lack of awareness and expertise…
Abstract
Purpose
There are many obstacles that prevent the growth and investment in smart buildings, particularly in Nigeria and other developing nations. The lack of awareness and expertise regarding smart building in Nigeria and other developing nations is arguably the big threat to their development. This study aims to look at the cost analysis, which is a challenge to smart building implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative research approach, with a questionnaire survey administered to professionals in the Federal Capital Development Authority, using the random sampling method. Collected data were analysed using descriptive analysis, recording the mean item score to rank the variables.
Findings
The findings highlight the need for cost-effective solutions. It was revealed that all hardware part of the smart building elements is the most expensive cost incurred in the construction of a smart building, while the high cost is also the most encountered challenge to implementation of smart buildings in Abuja.
Research limitations/implications
The research highlights challenges in implementing smart technologies in Nigeria, recommending policymakers to develop incentives like tax rebates and subsidies for energy-efficient buildings. Integrating smart building concepts into national building codes can encourage widespread adoption. Future research should explore socio-economic impacts and provide recommendations for enhancing integration. Cost analysis should be used to eliminate cost implications, and construction should be based on market surveys to avoid overruns. Construction professionals should educate clients about smart building construction instead of traditional ones. Limitations include time constraints and a lack of documentation culture in Nigeria.
Practical implications
This research produces a cost analysis that can help to influence the decision of builders with a pre-known cost estimates of smart building elements. As part of the broader global sustainability goals, smart building contribute to reducing resource consumption and enhancing energy management. It’s essential for all parties involved in construction to have the adequate knowledge required for the improved practice in the Nigerian construction industry, smart building is at the foremost of construction, which necessitate research of this nature.
Originality/value
This study will help inform researchers that intend to build on this body of knowledge about the state of smart building implementation in Abuja, Nigeria. Furthermore, students will have better access to more information about the field of study.
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Biplab Loho Choudhury, Archan Mitra and Vishal Jain
This study examines the role of environmental communication in fostering climate-conscious behaviours in India, specifically through the intersection of human capital and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the role of environmental communication in fostering climate-conscious behaviours in India, specifically through the intersection of human capital and information and communication technologies (ICT). It focuses on the effectiveness of large-scale digital campaigns such as ‘Clean India’ and ‘Save the Ganga’ in promoting environmental sustainability.
Approach/Design/Methodology
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data to assess the impact of these campaigns. Data were collected from social media platforms, campaign reports and surveys to evaluate public engagement, community participation and the adoption of sustainable practices.
Findings
The study reveals significant increases in social media engagement and participation in environmental activities, like cleanliness drives and river rejuvenation. There was also a notable rise in sustainable practices, such as reduced plastic use and proper waste disposal. However, challenges such as self-reported data biases, difficulties in measuring long-term outcomes and varying levels of digital literacy were identified.
Originality/Value
This research study contributes to understanding how digital tools can transform environmental advocacy. It underscores the importance of integrating human capital development with ICT to promote sustainable behaviours. The findings offer insights for policymakers and environmental organisations in designing more effective communication strategies. Future research should address technological barriers, enhance digital literacy and explore emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, in environmental communication.
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It Nguyen Van, Anna Kotaskova, Alberto Ferraris and Thanh Tiep Le
This study investigates the impact of human capital (managers' capital, employees' capital) and orientation (market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation) for accelerating the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the impact of human capital (managers' capital, employees' capital) and orientation (market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation) for accelerating the digitalization process and improving the firm performance. It also studies the role of supply chains as both direct and indirect mediators of the correlation between digitalization and business performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This article aims to develop an empirical study using a random sampling technique and survey data collected from 368 managers and owners of different food enterprises in Vietnam. The study adopted a methodological approach quantitatively. Analysis of the relationships and confirmatory factors was performed using structural equation modeling (SEM), a technique to evaluate the proposed relationships.
Findings
In line with expectations, the findings emphasize the impact of human capital (managers' capital, employees' capital) and orientation (market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation) for accelerating the digitalization process and the role of supply chains as both direct and indirect mediators of the correlation between digitalization and improving the firm performance, in the context of emerging markets.
Originality/value
This is an important investigation, according to the authors' knowledge, regarding the role of developing human capital (managers' capital, employees' capital) and orientation (market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation) as a key strategy for accelerating the digitalization process and improving the firm performance. Further, the study's novelty reinforces the role of supply chains as both direct and indirect mediators of the correlation between digitalization and business performance in the Vietnamese food companies, where a market economy is emerging.
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Bingbing Yu, Guohao Wang, Weixian Cheng, Bo Wang, Yi Li and Zhen Yang
This paper attempts to combine the application of artificial intelligence in predicting and evaluating the classification of surrounding rock grades and provides guidance for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper attempts to combine the application of artificial intelligence in predicting and evaluating the classification of surrounding rock grades and provides guidance for subsequent support design and reinforcement support operations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper discusses the use of BPNN as the primary tool, combined with three swarm bionic optimization algorithms (GA, PSO, GWO), to solve stability evaluation and grade prediction of surrounding rock in ultra-deep roadway excavation.
Findings
Taking the Great Wall ore group as the core and the Shanghaimiao mining area as the extension, the optimal model is applied to the classification of surrounding rock grade in ultra-deep roadway engineering. Prediction results show that the performance of BPNN models is excellent.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the limitations of geological conditions and construction environment in deep coal mines, the period of roadway excavation is too long, resulting in less data collection.
Practical implications
The prediction results can provide guidance for the excavation method, support scheme correction and reinforcement support scheme design of deep coal mine roadway engineering.
Social implications
It provides guidance for deep mining of coal mine (the premise of surrounding rock support stability), so as to ensure the economic and safety benefits of coal enterprises.
Originality/value
The neural network is applied to rock mechanics in a deep site for the first time, which is used to solve the prediction direction of surrounding rock grade evaluation. The index of the input layer is determined by combining the “three high and one disturbance” with the on-site construction situation, which is closer to the actual project. The swarm intelligent bionic algorithms are selected to optimize the hyperparameters of back propagation neural network, so as to improve the accuracy of the models. The classification and evaluation system of surrounding rock for the Great Wall ore group is constructed, which is the core of Shanghaimiao mining area in the northwest of China, guiding the dynamic adjustment of on-site excavation and support operations.