Debajit Sarma, M. S. Akhtar, Partha Das, Puspita Das, Ganesh Gadiya, Neetu Shahi and A. Ciji
The present study aims to determine the proximate and mineral composition of important coldwater food fishes in the North Eastern Indian upland region to assess their nutritional…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to determine the proximate and mineral composition of important coldwater food fishes in the North Eastern Indian upland region to assess their nutritional quality.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is of original work and the analyses were performed using AOAC (1990). Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and determined by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test using SPSS (Version 19).
Findings
Crude protein levels ranged from 16-20 per cent, crude fat (CF) 9.60-1.54 per cent and ash 3.5-0.99 per cent. Moisture content was in the range of 71-78 per cent. The lowest moisture content was observed in Semiplotus semiplotus and highest in Labeo dero. Sodium, potassium and calcium content ranged from 92-309, 692-1435, 467-2021 mg/100g, respectively. Maximum concentration of potassium was found in Labeo dero followed by Labeo pangusia. Selenium was most abundant in L. dero, Labeo dyocheilus, Sanguina sanguine, Barilius bendelisis, Garra mullya, L. pangusia and Neolissochilus hexagonolepis. The maximum level of iron was evidenced in Tor tor.
Originality/value
The results obtained revealed that all the ten studied fishes are rich sources of nutrients including protein, macro and micro-minerals, which will be a healthy addition to human diet and will act as a ready reference for the nutritionists and other stakeholders.
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Jawad Raza, Sumera Dero, Liaquat Ali Lund and Zurni Omar
The purpose of study is to examine the dual nature of the branches for the problem of Darcy–Forchheimer porous medium flow of rotating nanofluid on a linearly stretching/shrinking…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of study is to examine the dual nature of the branches for the problem of Darcy–Forchheimer porous medium flow of rotating nanofluid on a linearly stretching/shrinking surface under the field of magnetic influence. The dual nature of the branches confronts the uniqueness and existence theorem, moreover, mathematically it is a great achievement. For engineering purposes, this study applied a linear stability test on the multiple branches to determine which solution is physically reliable (stable).
Design/methodology/approach
Nanofluid model has been developed with the help of Buongiorno model. The partial differential equations in space coordinates for the law of conservation of mass, momentum and energy have been transformed into ordinary differential equations by introducing the similarity variables. Two numerical techniques, namely, the shooting method in Maple software and the three-stage Lobatto IIIA method in Matlab software, have been used to find multiple branches and to accomplish stability analysis, respectively.
Findings
The parametric investigation has been executed to find the multiple branches and explore the effects on skin friction, Sherwood number, Nusselt number, concentration and temperature profiles. The findings exhibited the presence of dual branches only in the case of a shrinking sheet.
Originality/value
The originality of work is a determination of multiple branches and the performance of the stability analysis of the branches. It has also been confirmed that such a study has not yet been considered in the previous literature.
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Yewande Adetoro Adewunmi, Reuben Iyagba and Modupe Omirin
Benchmarking in FM practice although understood and applied globally, little is known about the practice in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to guide…
Abstract
Purpose
Benchmarking in FM practice although understood and applied globally, little is known about the practice in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to guide the use of benchmarking.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires on FM organizations in Lagos metropolis, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The results of the survey were supplemented with interviews with FM unit heads in the study areas. The framework was validated using a focus group discussion with ten FM industry experts.
Findings
A framework which serves as a guide for the use of best practice benchmarking was developed. It showed that there is a relationship between best practice benchmarking and location.
Research limitations/implications
The evaluation of the framework was limited by the number of participants involved and being that it has not been put to use.
Originality/value
This study develops a multi-sector framework to guide the use of best practice benchmarking in facilities management (FM). The framework explains the relationship between organizational characteristics and best practice benchmarking. In addition, there are limited empirical benchmarking frameworks in FM literature.
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The purpose of this paper is to identify the necessary or sufficient methodological elements contributing to benchmarking's effectiveness and to establish them within an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the necessary or sufficient methodological elements contributing to benchmarking's effectiveness and to establish them within an acceptable theoretical framework: a theory of benchmarking.
Design/methodology/approach
A causal approach is applied to organizational benchmarking's current definitions and implementation frameworks. The resulting theoretical framework is compared with current benchmarking praxis to explain its effectiveness and satisfy historical criticisms. Supervenience and entailment relationships between benchmarking parties, within the umbrella of Peircean Causation, determines the feasibility of a benchmarking proposition.
Findings
Benchmarking effectiveness can be established from an organizational axiom and five logical conditions. This paper proposes a new encompassing definition of benchmarking, reduces its typology to a single form, explains current practices and addresses historical criticisms. The logical conditions also explain the effectiveness of business excellence frameworks such as the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and ISO 9000.
Research limitations/implications
A theoretical framework for benchmarking provides a platform for extending the theory of organizational improvement.
Practical implications
A theoretical framework for benchmarking has potential to enhance organizational sustainability by reducing wasted effort.
Originality/value
The research establishes a new definition of benchmarking and the necessary and sufficient conditions for its effectiveness.
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Hyunggeun Kim and Jungseok Choi
This article represents an empirical examination of green logistics awareness of employees at third-party enterprises in China. The data used for this study was collected using a…
Abstract
This article represents an empirical examination of green logistics awareness of employees at third-party enterprises in China. The data used for this study was collected using a survey related to green logistics awareness. Participants were employees of Chinese enterprises, including five logistics companies. Although there was a general low level of green logistics awareness, results showed a diverse awareness of the topic contingent upon green logistics knowledge. More specifically, with the exception of those who demonstrated a high degree of green logistics knowledge, green logistics awareness level and other dimensions were low. In addition, educational background demonstrated an influence on green logistics awareness. The findings from this study have real-world implications for the development of state logistics environmental protection policy.
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Joseph Kwame Ofori-Kuragu, Bernard Baiden and Edward Badu
The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a set of critical success factors (CSFs) for Ghanaian contractors. The factors collectively define a set of best…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a set of critical success factors (CSFs) for Ghanaian contractors. The factors collectively define a set of best practices which Ghanaian contractors should focus on improving if they are to attain internationally competitive performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of previous research, literature on existing programmes, models and frameworks commonly used for improving performance was undertaken to identify the most important success factors. The identified factors were scored and ranked with 16 of the most frequently occurring success factors selected. A questionnaire-based survey of Ghanaian contractors explored their perceptions of the most important success factors. Using factor analysis, the most important success factors were extracted.
Findings
Eight CSFs were identified for Ghanaian contractors. These were: quality and zero defects culture, organisational design, work culture and work environment, client satisfaction, strategy, leadership, measurement, analysis of information and knowledge management and implementation of lean principles.
Practical implications
The CSFs developed provides a ready set of criteria which can be used by contractors with little or no experience of benchmarking to compare their performance in best practices or to implement improvement programmes.
Originality/value
The first formal set of CSFs for Ghanaian contractors is presented. Not much research work has been done on organisational CSFs that are focused by this research.
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Baba, Deros, Sha'ri Mohd Yusof, Azhari and Salleh
The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for benchmarking implementation in small medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) taking into consideration their…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for benchmarking implementation in small medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) taking into consideration their characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper begins with the review on the definition of SME and a comparison of the characteristics of SMEs and large organizations. It presents the need for a framework and its relationship with benchmarking and TQM. This is followed by reviewing the benchmarking implementation frameworks proposed by researchers and discusses these frameworks based on their strengths and weaknesses from SMEs perspective. The frameworks were categorised into two broad types based on the different writer's background and the approach on how they view the benchmarking implementation process.
Findings
The paper suggested a conceptual framework for benchmarking implementation dedicated to the automotive manufacturing SMEs. This framework guides them through from the start to end of the benchmarking process. The framework was validated at six pilot case study companies, which gave useful comments and suggestions regarding the usefulness and applicability within the SMEs context.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptual framework is still in the development stage and research is undertaken to include the pilot study companies suggestions and comments into the final version of the framework.
Practical implications
This guidance and framework provides a useful guide for companies to adopt and adapt before embarking on their benchmarking journey.
Originality/value
This paper fulfils an identified knowledge gap and offers practical help to SMEs starting out a benchmarking implementation effort.
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Anand Gurumurthy and Rambabu Kodali
In recent times, many organizations have attempted to implement or have already implemented lean manufacturing (LM). Some companies have implemented a few…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent times, many organizations have attempted to implement or have already implemented lean manufacturing (LM). Some companies have implemented a few tools/techniques/practices/procedures (i.e. “elements” in short) of LM, while others have implemented a whole spectrum of LM elements. Under such circumstances, it becomes very difficult to gauge which organization has really embraced the lean philosophy and where it stands in comparison with other LM organizations. This paper seeks to determine the current status of benchmarking in the field of LM.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study, demonstrating the application of a benchmarking (BM) process is presented.
Findings
This research lists out the elements and performance measures of LM apart from highlighting the gaps in terms of performance and practices between the two organizations.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this study are that only a preliminary BM study was carried out instead of a complete study. Similarly, not all the steps of the BM process proposed could be validated.
Practical implications
The conceptual BM process model proposed in our earlier study has been validated using a case study. Hence, it is believed that managers will be able to apply BM in assessing the LM implementation in their organization.
Originality/value
Though a few papers relating BM and LM/just‐in‐time are available in the literature, none has utilized a structured BM process. However, this paper has demonstrated the same, thereby adding value to the existing body of knowledge on LM and BM.
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Wan Hasrulnizzam Wan Mahmood, Nurulain Mat Tahar, Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman, Baba and Deros
This paper aims to review the methods used by an automotive manufacturer in enhancing the supply chain management (SCM) system through a set up termed product and vendor…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the methods used by an automotive manufacturer in enhancing the supply chain management (SCM) system through a set up termed product and vendor development (PVD) programme. PVD was developed to eliminate problems faced due to late delivery and poor quality of supplies and availability of supplies at the lowest possible costs.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper explores the step‐by‐step methodologies that have been employed by the PVD.
Findings
Results overtime show that the PVD has improved the SCM system especially in the areas of quality and delivery services, other services and cutting costs that manufacturers had to face due to problems that arose in the shortcomings of the supply services.
Research limitations/implications
The PVD has managed to promote the localization programme and has also been able to establish qualified vendors through the structured vendor performance evaluation.
Practical implications
Findings also establish that the PVD team is the key to success for development of the PVD programme.
Originality/value
The paper presents an original discussion about viewing PVD programme from a successful automotive manufacturer. The structured PVD programme helps the team better understand the product development process involving supplier selection and supplier performance measure.
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Chandrakantan Subramaniam, Faridahwati Mohd. Shamsudin, Md. Lazim Mohd Zin, Subramaniam Sri Ramalu and Zuraida Hassan
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of safety participation as a mediator in the relationship between the six facets of safety management practices (i.e. management…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of safety participation as a mediator in the relationship between the six facets of safety management practices (i.e. management commitment, safety training, worker’s involvement, safety communication and feedback, safety rules and procedures, and safety promotion policies) and safety compliance.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 74 employees of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia was carried out. Self-reported measures were used to obtain data on workplace safety dimensions and safety behavior. The partial least square structural model analysis was used to ascertain the proposed relationships.
Findings
The present study found that only three dimensions of safety management practices (management commitment, safety training, and safety rules and procedures) were significantly related to safety compliance. Of these, safety participation mediated the link between management commitment and safety training and safety compliance.
Research limitations/implications
The small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. Second, the correlational nature of the study did not permit causation to be implied. However, despite these limitations, while safety performance can be theorized to trigger the establishment of safety management practices, such theoretical perspective tends to connote reactivity rather than proactivity of the decision-making process.
Practical implications
The study highlights the role of the voluntary behavior of employees in promoting a safe work environment. Business owners are recommended to provide safety training in which the employees are stressed on their crucial role in safety and use this knowledge to educate and convince their co-workers to work safely.
Originality/value
Literature indicates the lack of studies on safety research in SMEs. Furthermore, such studies are justified because SMEs are likely to have more risks of occupational accidents and injuries. More importantly, this research highlights the importance of the voluntary behaviors of employees (i.e. safety participation) in promoting a safe work environment. As SMEs tend to have limited resources to implement a comprehensive OSH management system, using the employees as the safety agents at work can be an effective way toward accomplishing safety performance.