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Book part
Publication date: 28 February 2025

Bronson Mutanda, Bomi Nomlala, Admire Mthombeni, Julius Tapera, Rahabhi Mashapure and Purity Hamunakwadi

Recently, the concept of frugal innovation (FI) has gained relevance in both academic and societal discourse. Whether disruptive frugal digital innovation is contributing to the…

Abstract

Recently, the concept of frugal innovation (FI) has gained relevance in both academic and societal discourse. Whether disruptive frugal digital innovation is contributing to the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in Africa is a subject of debate. Generally speaking, frugal inventions are linked to developing nations where sizable consumer groups at the base of the pyramid have unfulfilled needs. Africa, a continent with growing economies, has witnessed a surge in disruptive FI, which makes this chapter an important discourse. Digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), social media, cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are finding their way in the market, and how it is affecting human development and small enterprises has been a subject for debate. This book chapter presents findings on how FI has led to sustainable human development and growth of micro, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as revealed by a review of existing literature on the subject. According to findings from the literature, MSMEs' connections and interactions with partners, suppliers, and consumers have improved as a result of the adoption of disruptive digital platforms. Additionally, while operating in challenging settings in Africa, digital technologies offer certain intrinsic traits and information technology capabilities that allow firms to grow and flourish. Digital platforms are viewed as transparent, collaborative instruments that provide economic opportunities throughout the ecosystem. The results also show that disruptive digital technologies offer MSMEs an inexpensive, simple-to-use, and simple-to-deploy solution in order to compete with stronger incumbents across a range of industries.

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Disruptive Frugal Digital Innovation in Africa
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-568-1

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Article
Publication date: 13 February 2025

Meryem Ourhalouch, Muhammad Mohiuddin, Slimane Ed-Dafali, Parmis Katebi and Sina Mirzaye

Social innovation (SI) is seen as a cornerstone for addressing the major social and environmental challenges of today’s world.Given that multinational enterprises (MNEs) play a…

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Abstract

Purpose

Social innovation (SI) is seen as a cornerstone for addressing the major social and environmental challenges of today’s world.Given that multinational enterprises (MNEs) play a crucial role in contributing to a more sustainable world, this leads us to wonder about the potential of these innovation initiatives in the context of these firms. This systematic literature review aims to explore SI within these firms and suggest future research avenues, as well as highlight the implications of the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of 46 articles, this paper employs the PRISMA method to conduct a systematic literature review on SI within MNEs.

Findings

Drawing from the analysis of the results, this paper observes that SI within MNEs is generally mobilized within the framework of other responsible conceptualizations such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); however, it remains a crucial lever for value creation in MNEs. Additionally, this review asserts that social innovation within MNEs acts as a catalyst for sustainability, social change, institutional effectiveness and knowledge sharing within these firms. Moreover, it illustrates the conditions for the success of this innovation in MNEs, including addressing the instrumental needs of target users, committing to the long term, the ability to shape the environment, maintaining a strong position among stakeholders and adapting new technologies.

Originality/value

This review offers a nuanced exploration of how SI manifests within MNEs, examining its diverse conceptualizations, functions and the conditions necessary for success. Building on this analysis, it highlights key theoretical, practical and policy implications, along with a series of research questions designed to establish a solid foundation for future research.

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International Journal of Innovation Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-2223

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Article
Publication date: 29 January 2025

Chen-Wei Yang

This study aims to build a typology of patient-driven health services innovation (PDHSI) and propose their relationships with healthcare quality.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to build a typology of patient-driven health services innovation (PDHSI) and propose their relationships with healthcare quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by value co-creation theory (VCC), this study adopted in-depth interviews and focus groups to collect qualitative data in Taiwan’s health services sector. The collected data were analyzed using manual thematic analysis, following the standard procedures for transcribing, encoding and identifying themes. This approach allowed for a comprehensive identification of unique types of PDHSI.

Findings

This study found four types of PDHSI. They are Human-Computer Interaction Mode (HCIM), Online Social Network Mode (OSNM), Co-created Decision-Making Mode (CDM) and Channel Complementarity Mode (CCM). This study defines these typologies and explains their fundamental properties, key outcomes and important determinants. Finally, through qualitative analysis, four propositions on the relationship between health services innovation and health service quality are put forward.

Practical implications

By constructing a patient-driven typology of health services innovation, this study helps medical institutions understand the strategic behavior of the doctor–patient relationship, to improve the quality of medical service and contribute to patient education and consulting practice.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of PDHSI by identifying and categorizing the types of such innovations. It provides a comprehensive typology that is useful for both academic research and practical application in healthcare management. This typology offers new insights into the roles of patients in co-creating healthcare services, addressing a gap in the existing literature regarding PDHSI and supporting the development of patient-centered approaches to healthcare.

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Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

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Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Manjunatha M. and Kavitha T.S.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the behaviour of M40 grade of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with high volume of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) (50%) and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the behaviour of M40 grade of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with high volume of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) (50%) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) content up to 100% to assess the mechanical properties of SCC. As per guidelines of IS: 383 – 2016, the RCA can be replaced up to 20% of natural coarse aggregate up to M25 grade of concrete. This study assesses the mechanical properties of SCC beyond 20% of RCA content. Based on the experimental investigations, the compressive strength of mixes decreases as the content of RCA increases. It is found that concrete mixes with 20% RCA and shows the maximum compressive strength at 56 days.

Design/methodology/approach

The fresh properties as per EFNARC and IS: 10262–2019 guidelines, ultrasonic pulse velocity testing, mechanical properties and microstructure analysis have been conducted to evaluate the performance of SCC with RCA for practical applications.

Findings

From the experimental investigations, it is found that up to 50% of recycled coarse aggregate can be used for structural applications.

Originality/value

The environmental pollution and dumping of waste on green land can be reduced by effective utilization of recycled coarse aggregate and GGBS in the production of SCC.

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Article
Publication date: 8 October 2024

Edna Rabenu and Yehuda Baruch

Human Resource Management (HRM) is a critical organizational function, which has continued to evolve. We aim to explore how different HRM will be in the workplace of the future…

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Abstract

Purpose

Human Resource Management (HRM) is a critical organizational function, which has continued to evolve. We aim to explore how different HRM will be in the workplace of the future and why, from both strategic and practical perspectives. We present and discuss core HRM practices, such as recruitment, selection and training, as well as peripheral activities, such as monitoring health and safety, and diversity management, reflecting on how they may transform in the workplace of the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual thought piece, building on the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition (SAMR) model, to offer a futuristic view of HRM in the era of AI.

Findings

Discussing the contemporary challenges of Artificial Intelligence, which we predict will lead to what we term Cyborging HRM.

Practical implications

This study can help HR managers and practitioners to be prepared for AI-embedded HRM systems in the future. For academics, it offers an innovative framework to establish future writing on HRM in the AI era.

Originality/value

AI is pushing HRM and the profession will have to undergo a revolutionary rather than evolutionary transformation in order to remain a necessary and valuable function for organizations. Our elaboration of the SAMR model and suggested implications for the future transformation of HRM should be worthwhile to organizations, management and the wider society.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 54 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

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Article
Publication date: 7 February 2025

Karen Banahene Blay, Christopher Gorse, Chris Goodier, Jack Starkey, Seongha Hwang and Sergio Henrique Pialarissi Cavalaro

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels have been extensively used in the UK since the 1960s as structural roofs, floors and walls. The lack of a longitudinal…

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Abstract

Purpose

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels have been extensively used in the UK since the 1960s as structural roofs, floors and walls. The lack of a longitudinal, objective, consistent defect data capture process has led to inaccurate, invalid and incomplete RAAC data, which limits the ability to survey RAAC within buildings and monitor performance. Therefore, an accurate, complete and valid digital data capture process is needed to facilitate better RAAC performance and defect monitoring. This paper presents the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven RAAC crack defect capture tool for improving the quality of RAAC survey data.

Design/methodology/approach

RAAC crack defect image data were collected, curated and trained. A deep learning approach was employed to train RAAC surveyed defects (cracks) images from two hospitals. This approach mitigated unavoidable occlusions/obstructions and unintended “foreign” objects and textures.

Findings

An automatic RAAC crack identification tool has been developed to be integrated into RAAC survey processes via an executable code. The executable code categorises RAAC survey images into “crack” or “non-crack” and can provide longitudinal graphical evidence of changes in the RAAC over time.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the role of AI in addressing the intrinsic defects data capture issues for RAAC and extends current debates on data-driven solutions for defect capture and monitoring.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

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Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Gulden Gumusburun Ayalp and Eda Nur Erdem

Construction experts acknowledge the adverse effects of rework on project performance. However, the limited understanding of its underlying causes remains a significant challenge…

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Abstract

Purpose

Construction experts acknowledge the adverse effects of rework on project performance. However, the limited understanding of its underlying causes remains a significant challenge. Therefore, this study aimed to thoroughly investigate the sources of construction rework.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed review using bibliometric analysis as a quantitative method and content analysis as a qualitative method was performed to understand the current knowledge in the field. The Web of Science (WoS) was selected for its comprehensive collection of major research articles and integrated analytical tools for generating representative data. The study involved an extensive bibliometric analysis of 107 journal articles on rework causes from 1991 to 2023. RStudio Bibliometrix, an R statistical programming package, was used to analyze rework origins. This method involved mapping the research landscape, identifying research gaps and analyzing emerging trends.

Findings

The causes of rework can be classified into three main clusters: human- and contractual-based rework causes, design-, quality- and project management-based rework causes and organizational-based rework causes.

Originality/value

Although several studies have addressed rework causes from various perspectives and methods, the topic has not been investigated holistically. This study is the first to leverage the quantitative and qualitative analytical capabilities of the RStudio Bibliometrix package. Innovative approaches, including the use of metrics, such as the h-index, thematic mapping and trend topic analysis, were employed for a comprehensive understanding of rework causes.

Details

Open House International, vol. 50 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

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Article
Publication date: 23 January 2025

Weiqiang Tang, Chengbin Wang, Liuwei Shan and Haiyan Gao

This paper aims to solve the uncertainty problem of hypersonic vehicle tracking control; an adaptive terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) method based on extended state observer…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to solve the uncertainty problem of hypersonic vehicle tracking control; an adaptive terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) method based on extended state observer (ESO) is proposed. The combination of adaptive techniques, TSMC and ESO offers an effective approach for managing uncertain systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic model of a hypersonic vehicle is transformed into two control-oriented subsystems. The control system design incorporates an adaptive technique, an ESO and a TSMC. The ESO estimates the primary uncertainties, while the adaptive technique determines the upper limit of secondary uncertainties. These estimates are used for the design of the TSMC law. In addition, the filter is used to generate the reference trajectory to improve the dynamic performance of the system. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by the Lyapunov stability theory.

Findings

A robust control system for hypersonic vehicles is developed with guaranteed stability and strong adaptability to various uncertainties such as parameter variations, external disturbances and actuator faults. Furthermore, the proposed system demonstrates enhanced dynamic performance compared to observer-based sliding mode control. Specifically, for the velocity and altitude tracking control, the settling time of the proposed sliding mode control is approximately 100 s and 70 s shorter than that of the observer-based sliding mode control, respectively.

Originality/value

Different from the single equivalent treatment, various uncertainties here are classified and treated with different strategies, which improves the disturbance rejection ability of the control system. This ability is of great significance for enhancing the autonomy, adaptability and reliability of hypersonic vehicles in extreme environments.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 97 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

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Article
Publication date: 30 January 2025

Guangchao Lv, Qi Gao and Quanzhao Wang

To improve the surface quality of Mg2Si/Al composites after solution treatment, the formation mechanism of surface defects under milling machining conditions is investigated to…

3

Abstract

Purpose

To improve the surface quality of Mg2Si/Al composites after solution treatment, the formation mechanism of surface defects under milling machining conditions is investigated to reduce the surface roughness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the formation mechanism of surface defects on Mg2Si/Al composites under micro-milling conditions by establishing a two-dimensional finite element simulation model. Response surface (Box–Behnken) experiments are designed to establish a prediction model for surface roughness, and an analysis of extreme variance is used to investigate the effects of milling depth (ap), spindle speed (vs) and feed rate (vf) on surface quality. NSGA-II multi-objective optimization algorithm is used to optimize the process parameters by considering surface roughness and milling efficiency. Experiments are also applied to verify the relationship between surface defects and particle damage. The effect of depth of cut on surface defects is also investigated.

Findings

There are few studies on solid solution treated Mg2Si/Al composites. Solid solution treated Mg2Si/Al composites have excellent material properties without changing the original shape of the material, and they are indispensable and critical materials in the fields of aerospace, energy, electronic information and energy transportation.

Originality/value

This study elucidates the formation mechanism of surface damage in Mg2Si/Al composites, optimizes reasonable process parameters and provides technical guidance for its milling processing.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2024-0309/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

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Article
Publication date: 12 August 2024

Ge Zhang, Pengfei Chen and Si Xu

Given that the current sustainability assessment in higher education institutions primarily relies on qualitative methods with relatively limited quantitative tools, the purpose…

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Abstract

Purpose

Given that the current sustainability assessment in higher education institutions primarily relies on qualitative methods with relatively limited quantitative tools, the purpose of this study is to design a tool that could be used to comprehensively assess the overall state of higher education institutions’ sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors based the “Model to Assess the Sustainability of Higher Education Institutions” on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework of economic, environmental and social factors, and established its primary dimensions as educational level, research capacity, community outreach, campus operations, campus experience and assessment reports. They designed the College Organisational Sustainability Scale (CO-SS) based on this research model, drawing their inspiration from the qualitative research tool, the Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, and taking the following validation steps: expert review (n = 10), pilot testing (n = 150) and formal experiments (n = 1108). These steps were taken to optimise the scale items, test the model’s validity and assess its reliability.

Findings

After undergoing rigorous scientific validation, CO-SS was unequivocally confirmed as an effective and reliable tool, demonstrating its accurate reflection of the level of sustainability in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

The authors took an industry-specific approach by relying on the TBL and the Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire to construct and validate the CO-SS. Furthermore, the CO-SS has the potential to evolve into a self-assessment tool for higher education institutions, and a reliable foundation for data-driven decision-making in the realm of organisational sustainability at universities.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

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