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Publication date: 24 July 2024

Nishi Malhotra

The indigenous and sustainable knowledge possessed by the tribal people and communities plays an extremely important role in the conservation of the climate. As per the United…

Abstract

The indigenous and sustainable knowledge possessed by the tribal people and communities plays an extremely important role in the conservation of the climate. As per the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), tribal communities play an important role in preserving traditional knowledge, culture, food practices and textiles. The remains of the Indus Valley civilisation highlight the importance of the culture and religion. Animism and the worship of nature to achieve success in routines and tasks have been practised by these tribes for centuries. India is a mosaic of more than 705 different colourful tribes, and each of these tribes has their own identity that differentiates it from the other tribes. With increasing ecological complexities, the knowledge owned by the tribes is extremely useful in the preservation of the climate. This chapter seeks to explore the various hues and colours that constitute the mosaic of Indian tribal culture.

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2012

Qin Sheng, Shekhar Guha and Leonel Gonzalez

The purpose of this paper is to develop highly efficient decomposition finite difference methods for computing solutions of highly oscillatory beam propagation partial…

246

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop highly efficient decomposition finite difference methods for computing solutions of highly oscillatory beam propagation partial differential equations.

Design/methodology/approach

Highly oscillatory optical wave equations, such as the multidimensional paraxial Helmholtz equation, have been used extensively in modelling propagation of the light from lens to the focal region in various engineering applications. Numerical approximations of solutions of such equations contain crucial light information in focal regions even when the f-number is small. However, it has been difficult to acquire highly oscillatory numerical solutions efficiently. This paper proposes two correlated eikonal decomposition strategies for fast computations of the oscillatory solutions. Structures of the numerical methods are designed via an eikonal, or exponential, transformation. The approach converts successfully the oscillatory problems to non-oscillatory subproblems. Therefore, the underlying beam simulation equations can be solved readily with great accuracy and stability.

Findings

It is found that the two correlated eikonal transformation based decomposition methods effectively remove the highly oscillatory features of the wave equations. The coupled non-oscillatory subproblems resulted are easier to solve. Discretization steps in computations can be chosen to be relatively large and this ensures the efficiency of computations. The decomposed finite difference schemes are simple to use in different optical applications.

Practical implications

The computational approach provides a valuable tool to practical applications, such as those in the defence industry.

Originality/value

Although the eikonal transformation has been used in the theory of nonlinear optics, this is the first time it has been utilized for effective engineering computations.

Details

Engineering Computations: International Journal for Computer-Aided Engineering and Software, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Li Shee Ho, Nadisah Binti Zakaria and Siong Min Foo

This study investigates the impact of social media marketing activities on customer purchase intention in the Malaysian property market.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of social media marketing activities on customer purchase intention in the Malaysian property market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises a survey research approach to collect data from 331 respondents using a questionnaire.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that entertainment, interaction, customisation and word-of-mouth variables had a significant and positive impact on customer purchase intention in the Malaysian property market. However, the study demonstrates a positive but insignificant impact of trendiness on customer purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study relies on a sample of 331 respondents in Malaysia, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to a broader population. Hence, future research could aim for a more extensive and diverse sample to enhance the validity of the results. Second, while the study identified significant relationships, the measurement of variables, in particular “trendiness,” could be refined for better accuracy. The future study may consider including a more precise measurement to provide comprehensive insights.

Practical implications

The results suggest that marketers should focus on creating engaging and interactive content, providing personalised experiences and leveraging word-of-mouth recommendations to enhance customer purchase intention. The overall findings highlight the importance of social media marketing activities in the property market and their potential to drive customer purchase intention.

Social implications

The study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the role of social media marketing activities in influencing customer purchase intention in the Malaysian property market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no similar studies have been conducted in this area of research.

Details

Property Management, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

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Article
Publication date: 2 November 2018

Subrata Das and Sisir Kumar Guha

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of turbulence on the stability characteristics of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid.

196

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of turbulence on the stability characteristics of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The non-dimensional transient Reynolds equation has been solved to obtain the non-dimensional pressure field which in turn used to obtain the load carrying capacity of the bearing. The second-order equations of motion applicable for journal bearing system have been solved using fourth-order Runge–Kutta method to obtain the stability characteristics.

Findings

It has been observed that turbulence has adverse effect on stability and the whirl ratio at laminar flow condition has the lowest value.

Practical implications

The paper provides the stability characteristics of the finite journal bearing lubricated with micropolar fluid operating in turbulent regime which is very common in practical applications.

Originality/value

Non-linear stability analysis of micropolar fluid lubricated journal bearing operating in turbulent regime has not been reported in literatures so far. This paper is an effort to address the problem of non-linear stability of journal bearings under micropolar lubrication with turbulent effect. The results obtained provide useful information for designing the journal bearing system for high speed applications.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 71 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

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Article
Publication date: 17 October 2008

Rui Xu and Donald C. Wunsch

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the issues related to cluster analysis, one of the most important and primitive activities of human beings, and of the advances…

1768

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the issues related to cluster analysis, one of the most important and primitive activities of human beings, and of the advances made in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the clustering algorithms rooted in machine learning, computer science, statistics, and computational intelligence.

Findings

The paper reviews the basic issues of cluster analysis and discusses the recent advances of clustering algorithms in scalability, robustness, visualization, irregular cluster shape detection, and so on.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive and systematic survey of cluster analysis and emphasizes its recent efforts in order to meet the challenges caused by the glut of complicated data from a wide variety of communities.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 February 2022

Subrato Adhikari, Anirban Mandal, Fedric Kujur and Sriparna Guha

The aim of this study is to define the aspects of place attachment and their effect on migratory behaviour. It also aims to identify the connection between migration…

1891

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to define the aspects of place attachment and their effect on migratory behaviour. It also aims to identify the connection between migration decision-making and workforce supply at the source, as well as to track the impact of adequate employment supplies and the improvement on employment generation.

Design/methodology/approach

A primary study was conducted among the migrants who returned back during nationwide lockdown with the help of tested structured questionnaire. The variables identified through review of literature and pilot study are tested using a structural equation modelling model.

Findings

The result exhibited that all hypothesised relationships had a positive and significant connection. The overall results showed there is a significant and positive connection between place attachment and migratory behaviour, and both have a positive impact on economic activity.

Originality/value

This survey is conducted in the districts of West Bengal, India. There are several documents on the connection to the place attachment and the migratory behaviour. There are, however, no studies focusing on place attachment and its effect on economic activity on West Bengal, India, where migration is a serious problem. This is the first article that discusses three main concepts together such as place attachment, migratory behaviours and its influence on the economic activity of the districts of West Bengal, India.

Details

Rajagiri Management Journal, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-9968

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Book part
Publication date: 28 September 2015

Md Shah Azam

Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and…

Abstract

Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and non-economic activities. Researchers have increasingly focused on the adoption and use of ICT by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the economic development of a country is largely dependent on them. Following the success of ICT utilisation in SMEs in developed countries, many developing countries are looking to utilise the potential of the technology to develop SMEs. Past studies have shown that the contribution of ICT to the performance of SMEs is not clear and certain. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effectiveness of ICT in generating firm performance since this has implications for SMEs’ expenditure on the technology. This research examines the diffusion of ICT among SMEs with respect to the typical stages from innovation adoption to post-adoption, by analysing the actual usage of ICT and value creation. The mediating effects of integration and utilisation on SME performance are also studied. Grounded in the innovation diffusion literature, institutional theory and resource-based theory, this study has developed a comprehensive integrated research model focused on the research objectives. Following a positivist research paradigm, this study employs a mixed-method research approach. A preliminary conceptual framework is developed through an extensive literature review and is refined by results from an in-depth field study. During the field study, a total of 11 SME owners or decision-makers were interviewed. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 10 to refine the model to develop the research hypotheses. The final research model is composed of 30 first-order and five higher-order constructs which involve both reflective and formative measures. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to test the theoretical model with a cross-sectional data set of 282 SMEs in Bangladesh. Survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire issued to SMEs selected by applying a stratified random sampling technique. The structural equation modelling utilises a two-step procedure of data analysis. Prior to estimating the structural model, the measurement model is examined for construct validity of the study variables (i.e. convergent and discriminant validity).

The estimates show cognitive evaluation as an important antecedent for expectation which is shaped primarily by the entrepreneurs’ beliefs (perception) and also influenced by the owners’ innovativeness and culture. Culture further influences expectation. The study finds that facilitating condition, environmental pressure and country readiness are important antecedents of expectation and ICT use. The results also reveal that integration and the degree of ICT utilisation significantly affect SMEs’ performance. Surprisingly, the findings do not reveal any significant impact of ICT usage on performance which apparently suggests the possibility of the ICT productivity paradox. However, the analysis finally proves the non-existence of the paradox by demonstrating the mediating role of ICT integration and degree of utilisation explain the influence of information technology (IT) usage on firm performance which is consistent with the resource-based theory. The results suggest that the use of ICT can enhance SMEs’ performance if the technology is integrated and properly utilised. SME owners or managers, interested stakeholders and policy makers may follow the study’s outcomes and focus on ICT integration and degree of utilisation with a view to attaining superior organisational performance.

This study urges concerned business enterprises and government to look at the environmental and cultural factors with a view to achieving ICT usage success in terms of enhanced firm performance. In particular, improving organisational practices and procedures by eliminating the traditional power distance inside organisations and implementing necessary rules and regulations are important actions for managing environmental and cultural uncertainties. The application of a Bengali user interface may help to ensure the productivity of ICT use by SMEs in Bangladesh. Establishing a favourable national technology infrastructure and legal environment may contribute positively to improving the overall situation. This study also suggests some changes and modifications in the country’s existing policies and strategies. The government and policy makers should undertake mass promotional programs to disseminate information about the various uses of computers and their contribution in developing better organisational performance. Organising specialised training programs for SME capacity building may succeed in attaining the motivation for SMEs to use ICT. Ensuring easy access to the technology by providing loans, grants and subsidies is important. Various stakeholders, partners and related organisations should come forward to support government policies and priorities in order to ensure the productive use of ICT among SMEs which finally will help to foster Bangladesh’s economic development.

Details

E-Services Adoption: Processes by Firms in Developing Nations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-325-9

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Book part
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Jens Nordfält, Dhruv Grewal, Anne L. Roggeveen and Krista M. Hill

Retailers increasingly experiment with a wide variety of store elements; this chapter focuses on in-store marketing tactics and reports the results of 12 in-store experiments…

Abstract

Retailers increasingly experiment with a wide variety of store elements; this chapter focuses on in-store marketing tactics and reports the results of 12 in-store experiments conducted in cooperation with different retail chains. Experiments 1–3 address in-store signage (digital, floor) and reveal that digital screens and signage can draw customers toward merchandise and deeper into shopping aisles. Experiments 4–6 explore the impact of the organization of a display (vertical, horizontal, diagonal, waterfall) and generally demonstrate the superiority of vertical organizations of merchandise. In Experiments 7–9, results pertaining to the location of a product in a store highlight the importance of placing merchandise at eye level. With Experiments 10 and 11, the authors reinforce the importance of retail atmospherics (scent, lighting). Finally, Experiment 12 explores product placement and other factors that can enhance the effectiveness of in-store merchandise demonstrations.

Details

Shopper Marketing and the Role of In-Store Marketing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-001-8

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 August 2024

Yoksa Salmamza Mshelia, Simon Mang’erere Onywere and Sammy Letema

This paper aims to assess the current and future dynamics of land cover transitions and analyze the vegetation conditions in Abuja city since its establishment as the capital of…

254

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the current and future dynamics of land cover transitions and analyze the vegetation conditions in Abuja city since its establishment as the capital of Nigeria in 1991.

Design/methodology/approach

A random forest classifier embedded in the Google Earth Engine platform was used to classify Landsat imagery for the years 1990, 2001, 2014 and 2020. A post-classification comparison was used to detect the dynamics of land cover transitions. A hybrid simulation model that comprised cellular automata and Markovian was used to model the probable scenario of land cover changes for 2050. The trend of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index was examined using Mann–Kendall and Theil Sen’s from 2014 to 2022. Nighttime band data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were obtained to analyze the trend of urbanization from 2014 to 2022.

Findings

The findings show that built-up areas increased by 40%, while vegetation, bare land and agricultural land decreased by 27%, 7% and 8%, respectively. Vegetation had the highest declining rate at 3.15% per annum. Built-up areas are expected to increase by 17.1% between 2020 and 2050 in contrast with other land cover. The proportion of areas with moderate vegetation improvement is estimated to be 15.10%, while the proportion of areas with no significant change was 38.10%. The overall proportion of degraded areas stands at 46.8% due to urbanization.

Originality/value

The findings provide a comprehensive insight into the dynamics of land cover transitions and vegetation variability induced by rapid urbanization in Abuja city, Nigeria. In addition, the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners to develop a sustainable land use policy that promotes inclusivity, safety and resilience.

Details

Urbanization, Sustainability and Society, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2976-8993

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2023

Arunava Dalal, Subhajit Bhattacharya and Subrata Chattopadhyay

The handicraft sector is unorganized with huge potential for the economic upliftment of the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) craft producers. To ensure the sustainable livelihood of…

288

Abstract

Purpose

The handicraft sector is unorganized with huge potential for the economic upliftment of the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) craft producers. To ensure the sustainable livelihood of the artisans living in BOP, it is essential to identify the hurdles being faced by them so that they can be worked upon. This paper aims to look at the existing handicraft value chain in an integrated way to identify these hurdles and suggest probable solutions to mitigate them.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage study involving quantitative and qualitative approaches is used. Empirical observations from 218 artisans were analyzed using the relative to an identified distribution to rank the different variables affecting the functioning of the handicraft value chain. Next, 17 handicraft entrepreneurs were interviewed to identify solutions for the hurdles.

Findings

A two-stage study examining the perspectives of artisans and handicraft entrepreneurs identified five significant challenges affecting the handicraft sector and viable solutions to address them. While presenting an operational model, a comprehensive picture of the handicraft business ecosystem was studied, from the procurement of raw materials to the marketing and sale of finished products. This can assist handicraft producers in sustaining their livelihoods and expanding the industry.

Originality/value

Studies on the handicraft value chain at BOP are rare, and none have tried to look at the sector holistically to find solutions and propose an operational framework. The study has captured the voices of the artisans and handicraft entrepreneurs and, through a mixed-method approach, identified the main pain points of the BOP artisans to arrive at a workable solution for better business outcomes.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6204

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