Kamaljit Singh, Jasvinder Kaur and Simmi Vashishtha
The purpose of this study is to conduct a critical review of the operational and financial trends of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct a critical review of the operational and financial trends of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited. Furthermore, the study aims to determine whether loss-making utilities would benefit from adopting the strategic model employed by Haryana.
Design/methodology/approach
Time series data from 2005–2006 to 2022–2023 is analysed using various significant accounting ratios and operational and financial performance parameters to assess the annual performance over the period.
Findings
The substantial operational and financial performance results of UHBVNL and DHBVNL indicate that from 2017 to 2018 onwards, the power discoms started performing well and are in an improving stage. These results create a strong profile for the utilities, suggesting that their model could be a viable solution for other loss-making power distribution companies.
Practical implications
As a policy recommendation, rather than privatizing the discoms, authorities should study the strategic model of profit-making states like Haryana and implement it in other states without any political interference.
Originality/value
The relevant research questions addressed are: What best practices have Haryana power discoms adopted to enhance financial performance and minimize losses? What lessons can other loss-making state-owned power discoms learn from Haryana? Can Haryana power discoms be a benchmarking model for public and private discoms operating at a loss?
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Abhishek Vashishth, Bart Alex Lameijer, Ayon Chakraborty, Jiju Antony and Jürgen Moormann
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the limited body of empirical knowledge on the impact of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program implementations on organizational performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the limited body of empirical knowledge on the impact of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program implementations on organizational performance in financial services by investigating how antecedents of Lean Six Sigma program success (motivations, selected LSS methods and challenges) affect organizational performance enhancement via LSS program performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 198 LSS professionals from 7 countries are surveyed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is performed to test the questioned relations.
Findings
This study’s findings comprise: (1) LSS program performance partially mediates the relationship between motivations for LSS implementation and organizational performance, (2) selected LSS method applications has a fully (mediated) indirect impact on organizational performance, (3) LSS implementation challenges also have an indirect (mediated) impact on organizational performance and (4) LSS program performance has a positive impact on organizational performance.
Originality/value
The findings of this research predominantly provide nuances and details about LSS implementation antecedents and effects, useful for managers in advising their business leaders about the prerequisites and potential operational and financial benefits of LSS implementation. Furthermore, the paper provides evidence and details about the relationship between important antecedents for LSS implementation identified in existing literature and their impact on organizational performance in services. Thereby, this research is the first in providing empirical, cross-sectional, evidence for the antecedents and effects of LSS program implementations in financial services.
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Rana I. Mahmood, Harraa S. Mohammed-Salih, Ata’a Ghazi, Hikmat J. Abdulbaqi and Jameel R. Al-Obaidi
In the developing field of nano-materials synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are deemed to be one of the most significant transition metal oxides because of their…
Abstract
Purpose
In the developing field of nano-materials synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are deemed to be one of the most significant transition metal oxides because of their intriguing characteristics. Its synthesis employing green chemistry principles has become a key source for next-generation antibiotics attributed to its features such as environmental friendliness, ease of use and affordability. Because they are more environmentally benign, plants have been employed to create metallic NPs. These plant extracts serve as capping, stabilising or hydrolytic agents and enable a regulated synthesis as well.
Design/methodology/approach
Organic chemical solvents are harmful and entail intense conditions during nanoparticle synthesis. The copper oxide NPs (CuO-NPs) synthesised by employing the green chemistry principle showed potential antitumor properties. Green synthesised CuO-NPs are regarded to be a strong contender for applications in the pharmacological, biomedical and environmental fields.
Findings
The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticancer potential of CuO-NPs plant extracts to isolate and characterise the active anticancer principles as well as to yield more effective, affordable, and safer cancer therapies.
Originality/value
This review article highlights the copper oxide nanoparticle's biomedical applications such as anticancer, antimicrobial, dental and drug delivery properties, future research perspectives and direction are also discussed.
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This study examines the drivers of consumers’ intentions to adopt mobile wallets in Pakistan’s hospitality industry. Specifically, it proposes and tests a model of non-user…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the drivers of consumers’ intentions to adopt mobile wallets in Pakistan’s hospitality industry. Specifically, it proposes and tests a model of non-user consumer intention to adopt mobile wallets for hospitality in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework grounded in the mobile technology acceptance model (MTAM) integrating personal innovativeness in IT, mobile perceived compatibility, perceived critical mass, perceived enjoyment, mobile perceived risk and mobile perceived wireless trust was used as a theoretical model of the study. Using structural equation modeling, we tested the research model and its relevant hypotheses on a sample of 310 mobile wallet nonusers.
Findings
Findings from the expanded model demonstrate that only four of the suggested hypotheses were insignificant in this study and require additional examination. Overall, the modified model explained 63% of the variance in the behavioral intention to adopt mobile wallets. This paper concludes with key implications and directions for future work concerning the limitations of this study.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of the factors that explain nonusers’ behavioral intention to use a mobile wallet in the hospitality context.
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Shibaji Gupta and Arup Chakraborty
India has over half a million diabetics, with many others at risk. The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple and validated tool used for mass screening of diabetes…
Abstract
Purpose
India has over half a million diabetics, with many others at risk. The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple and validated tool used for mass screening of diabetes mellitus type 2 at the community level. This study assessed the vulnerability of developing diabetes in adults of a rural community of West Bengal using the IDRS and finds out the relationship of the risk of developing diabetes with socioclinical variables.
Design/methodology/approach
Multi-stage sampling was employed to select one eligible nondiabetic adult from selected families residing in the rural field practice area of a medical college in West Bengal. They were interviewed with a predesigned and pretested data collection schedule and examined.
Findings
Among 197 participants, 83.8% were female, 51.8% were illiterate and 57.4% came from Class IV of Prasad's socioeconomic scale. Of participants, 22.8% had existing known morbidities, and 23.9% had some form of substance addiction. In total, 46.8% of the participants on whom the IDRS could be applied (n = 175) were at high risk of developing diabetes (Score = 60). Gender and existing comorbidities significantly predicted a high risk of diabetes.
Originality/value
A large proportion of the Indian population yet to be diagnosed with diabetes are at a high risk of having the disease. Early detection of the disease can help curtail its complications and reduce its clinical, social and economic burden. Mass screening tools like the IDRS thus become a very important tool in India's attempts to fight diabetes.
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This study addresses the impact of aesthetics and formality in Food Delivery Applications (FDAs) in evoking emotions, and how these influence the intention to reuse and compulsive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study addresses the impact of aesthetics and formality in Food Delivery Applications (FDAs) in evoking emotions, and how these influence the intention to reuse and compulsive usage, providing critical insights for designing responsible and effective marketing strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative analysis of data collected from 1,029 FDA users was employed, using the PAD (Pleasure, Arousal, Dominance) theory to investigate how aesthetic design and formality affect emotions and consumer behaviour towards the applications.
Findings
The study reveals that aesthetic appeal and formality significantly impact emotions of dominance, arousal, and pleasure, which are decisive in users' decisions to continue using FDAs and in the manifestation of compulsive usage behaviours.
Research limitations/implications
This study presents inherent limitations due to its cross-sectional design, which prevents offering a longitudinal perspective on the evolution of consumer behaviour regarding FDAs. The actual purchasing behaviour is not examined, but rather the suggested experiences. Future research could be enriched by considering cultural, social, and demographic factors, the influence of sustainability on the perception and use of FDAs, and the importance of specific sustainable practices. Adopting a longitudinal approach and utilising actual usage data would allow for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of consumer behaviour towards FDAs, taking into account both personal factors and functional attributes of FDAs along with their aesthetic appeal and emotional reactions.
Practical implications
The findings provide guidelines for FDA companies to optimise their interfaces to enhance user experience, foster loyalty, and prevent compulsive usage. They emphasise balancing aesthetics and functionality to induce more conscious and sustainable consumption behaviours.
Social implications
This study highlights significant social implications stemming from the integration of aesthetic appeal and formality in Food Delivery Apps (FDAs) and their effect on consumer emotions, which in turn influences reuse intention and compulsive use. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer behaviours have shifted towards increased electronic transactions and hedonic consumption as responses to stress, anxiety, and boredom, leading to a reevaluation of life experiences through technological means. The research underlines the critical role of emotions, particularly pleasure, dominance, and arousal, in promoting the intention to reuse FDAs, which has far-reaching implications for consumer engagement, compulsive usage patterns, and the need for responsible, sustainable consumption practices. It suggests a new avenue for businesses and policymakers to consider emotional impacts and consumer satisfaction in the design and regulation of FDAs, aiming to mitigate potential adverse effects of compulsive usage and to encourage sustainable, responsible consumption behaviours.
Originality/value
The research offers a novel perspective by exploring how aesthetic and emotional dimensions affect consumer loyalty and compulsivity. These areas are still to be examined in depth in the marketing literature. The findings enhance the theoretical and practical understanding of FDA marketing, demonstrating how design can influence consumer well-being and the sustainability of purchasing behaviour.
Highlights
Novel use of PAD theory to analyse FDA’s aesthetic appeal and formality on user emotions.
FDA’s aesthetic appeal significantly influences reuse intentions and compulsive usage.
Emotions of pleasure, dominance, and arousal are directly linked to FDA reuse intention.
Pleasure and reuse intention influence the compulsive use of FDAs.
Novel use of PAD theory to analyse FDA’s aesthetic appeal and formality on user emotions.
FDA’s aesthetic appeal significantly influences reuse intentions and compulsive usage.
Emotions of pleasure, dominance, and arousal are directly linked to FDA reuse intention.
Pleasure and reuse intention influence the compulsive use of FDAs.
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Grazia Dicuonzo, Francesca Donofrio, Simona Ranaldo and Vittorio Dell'Atti
This paper aims to investigate if and to what extent environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices are influenced by innovation, measured by investment in research and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate if and to what extent environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices are influenced by innovation, measured by investment in research and development (R&D) and the number of patents developed by companies.
Design/methodology/approach
To test this hypothesis, the authors estimated a regression model for the panel data considering a time horizon of eight years. The analysis was conducted on a sample of listed firms operating in the industrial sector in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the USA.
Findings
The empirical analysis shows that there is a positive and significant relationship between ESG practices and innovation. Companies investing more in R&D and patents have better ESG performance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature by improving the understanding of the importance of innovation in improving ESG practices for firms in the industrial sector. Furthermore, it provides empirical evidence of the ability of innovation to be a valuable tool for sustainable industry development through R&D investment and patent development.
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Saleem ur Rahman, Bang Nguyen-Viet, Yen Thi Hoang Nguyen and Sohail Kamran
M-wallets have emerged as one of the most important financial innovations of the 21st century, enabling users to carry digital cash by securely storing payment methods on their…
Abstract
Purpose
M-wallets have emerged as one of the most important financial innovations of the 21st century, enabling users to carry digital cash by securely storing payment methods on their mobile devices. However, the continued use of m-wallets varies among people for several reasons. This study used the technology continuation theory (TCT), gamification and trust factors to examine the variables affecting consumers' intentions to continue using mobile wallets.
Design/methodology/approach
The SmartPLS partial least squares software was used to analyze data from 431 m-wallet users in Vietnam using the structural equation modeling technique.
Findings
The data revealed that the research model can predict users' intentions to continue using mobile wallets. TCT constructs demonstrated strong exploratory power in explaining consumer satisfaction and attitudes towards m-wallets. Furthermore, the study confirmed the direct effect of the perceived effectiveness of gamification on perceived ease of use and attitude, as well as its indirect effect on consumers' continued use intentions of mobile wallets via attitude. In addition, the trust negatively influenced consumers' intentions to continue using m-wallets.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can help researchers, practitioners and policymakers improve m-wallet design, development and adoption, as well as advance financial technology and define the future of digital payments in terms of consumer attraction, engagement and financial inclusion.
Originality/value
Based on TCT theory, this study enriches m-wallet research by examining two important factors, gamification and trust, and thus provides insights into how to improve consumers’ intentions to continue using m-wallets in developing countries. This study offers timely insights into theory and practice regarding these factors. It therefore paves the way for researchers and practitioners to learn how easy, enjoyable and secure the end-user experience should be to keep users engaged with m-wallets.
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Ashish Dwivedi, Dindayal Agrawal and Jitender Madaan
Information-facilitated product recovery system (IFPRS) has captivated industry attention and has developed into a matter of consideration among the researchers because of…
Abstract
Purpose
Information-facilitated product recovery system (IFPRS) has captivated industry attention and has developed into a matter of consideration among the researchers because of enhanced climate concerns, jurisdictive logics and societal liabilities. Although IFPRS implementation has become an essential aspect in manufacturing industries functional in the developed nations, still, limited consideration has been given in the literature to analyze the issues to IFPRS implementation for a circular economy (CE) in emerging and developing nations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to recognize issues to implementing IFPRS for a CE in context of select manufacturing industries in India.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, 24 potential issues are established from the literature and from suggestions from the experts. The issues are clubbed under five different perspectives of technical, government, organization, policy and knowledge. Further, fuzzy VIKOR technique is applied on the results obtained to prioritize the identified issues. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out to check the robustness of the framework.
Findings
The present study shows that lack of skills and expertise in IFPRS implementation for a CE (I2), deficient capital to implement a CE in IFPRS (I9), inadequate in adopting recent IT technology (I18), feasibility of IFPRS employment for a CE (I6) and no efficient training and program to CE adoption (I21) are the top five potential issues in implementing IFPRS practices for a CE in Indian manufacturing industries.
Research limitations/implications
In literature, limited study has been observed on determining issues to implementation of IFPRS for a CE. A more systematic method and statistical confirmation is necessary to establish further new confronting issues. This study is limited to Indian manufacturing industries.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this study includes identification of issues and later prioritizing them to reflect their severity. This would help the industry practitioners to formulate strategies for handling the issues conveniently.